You've made it this far to my blog, which must mean you've seen some images that have caught your attention along the way.
You've made comments like,
"I just love how really your photos are"
"I like that not everyone is looking at the camera"
"Such genuine smiles."
What these comments are referring to is what we call Lifestyle and Documentary photography.
It's the unposed, the real, the good bad and ugly. It's the true story that is unique to every family.
When you see these pictures, you love them!
But is a lifestyle session for your family?
Here's a little guide to help you decide!
1. Do you love the idea of not having to keep your kids smiling and looking at a camera?
Kids will be kids. And that's what I love about lifestyle photography. I go at the pace of your little ones. If they don't want to sit-we don't sit. We run, we play, we do the things that give them natural smiles.
2. Do you want to remember your family as they are right now?
What personalities do your kiddos have today? How does your husband look at you right now? What little details do you know are changing and want to freeze in time just a little bit? These are the details that I will capture in your session. And while I always get one shot of "Everyone looking at the camera," 99% of your session will not be that. It will be all of the tiny details of now.
3. Do you feel the need to have everyone matching in your images?
If so, lifestyle sessions may not be for you. Although, I suspect that matching is more of a go-to because you aren't sure what everyone should wear. I style all of my clients! It's part of your experience with me. I help you think through which colors, styles and textures will photograph best in certain settings and backdrops. I use wardrobe to add emotion to your session. Trust me a little on this one-I promise you won't regret it.
4.Do you have a husband or partner with grumpy camera syndrome?
Husbands can often be more difficult to photograph than children. Between the stiff clothing, trying to get his misbehaving children to sit and smile and having to put on a happy face for the camera, they often have little tolerance for photo shoots. That's what's so great about a lifestyle shoot. My one job for dad is to get his kids to smile. Play with them, joke with them, throw them around. He gets to interact with them and just have a good time.
5. Do you love the idea of having a story told though images?
As a lifestyle photographer, I'm a storyteller. You don't walk away with just a Christmas card image to send out to everyone. You leave with a full story of this small chapter in your life. Every image works together to tell your family's story with all the little precious details along the way.
6. Do you want to have the most fun you've had during a session?
These sessions are playful! Fart jokes and weird noises will be a part of all sessions including little boys. Maybe even little girls, lol. There will be music, probably dancing and lots of giggles and snuggles.
So what do you think?
Does this sound like the type of experience you would want for your family?
When you work with me you may not get that perfect "everyone say cheese" shot.
But what you will get are images that leave you breathless. That make you feel something. That make you question, "Is this really my family?!"
Something filled with emotion to really remember through the years.
Tiffany Crenshaw is a lifestyle, family photographer in Huntsville, Alabama. She services Huntsville and surrounding areas of Madison and New Market as well.
13 Comments
May 7, 2024, 7:08:36 PM
Angela Smith - Hello, wondering if you have any availability for family photo session this late summer or early fall. Thank you and look forward to hearing from you soon!
Dec 22, 2020, 11:02:37 AM
Tiffany Crenshaw - Thank you!! Your kind words mean a lot!
Dec 22, 2020, 11:01:08 AM
Tiffany Crenshaw - Most definitely!
Dec 21, 2020, 4:02:31 PM
Kayla Miller - Your pictures are beauty! The lifestyle and the “all say cheese”. You seem to capture the authenticity and the “best side” of everyone in the picture. I always love the lighting and tone of your photos ❤️
Dec 21, 2020, 1:13:25 PM
Maureen Diaz - We have never done family pictures. Always thought it is going to be stressful to expect our daughter to pose and smile. Now I know that Lifestyle photography is what I should be looking into.
Dec 21, 2020, 12:46:41 PM
Tiffany Crenshaw - You continue to be one of my favorite things about this Fall! You are exactly the type of mom I love to work with and try to honor with my pictures. I'm so grateful for you and your appreciation!
Dec 21, 2020, 12:42:46 PM
Tiffany Crenshaw - Thank you! It's definitely become my favorite thing!
Dec 21, 2020, 12:42:23 PM
Tiffany Crenshaw - This comment made my whole day!! I appreciate you so much and really hope our paths cross in person some day!
Dec 21, 2020, 12:41:55 PM
Tiffany Crenshaw - Thank you!!
Dec 21, 2020, 8:27:44 AM
Celisa Woodward - This is exactly what drew me towards you! My children don’t sit still lol. They make goofy smiles when you say, “say cheese.” Yes, it’s adorable, but it’s not REAL. With two autistic children, one that will not look when called, and a husband that is majorly camera shy (me too!), I knew a typical “look right here” photography session would not work. I knew we’d love them, but I was not prepared to be blown away! Seriously, I shared them on social media and I don’t share pictures of myself! They were gorgeous and we are forever grateful for what you have given us by capturing this time in our children’s lives.
Dec 15, 2020, 6:48:17 PM
Christie - I love that you found your niche and are totally rocking it as a lifestyle photographer!!!
Dec 15, 2020, 3:00:47 PM
Nina - You are by far my favorite lifestyle photographer. I wish I lived closer because I would love to do a session with you!!!
Dec 15, 2020, 10:37:04 AM
Stephanie Honikel - If you love genuine shots, lifestyle is for you. You have documented exactly that, genuine smile and emotions. What a cute family. Well done!