THIS is What Your Photographer Means When They Say 'Fine Art' or 'Lifestyle' | High Desert Creative Portrait Photographer
What’s underneath the bridge?
Have you ever heard photographers use terms like “Fine Art”, "Lifestyle," and "Day-in-The-Life”? Maybe you’re vaguely familiar, but also not too sure what the terms actually mean?
Although photographers frequently use industry terminology like "Lifestyle" and "Portrait," it can be hard to truly understand what types of images these terms will produce.
By the end of this blog, you'll be able to identify each photography style and select one that best fits your family and will preserve the precious moments!
But, what does it all mean?
Sorta like you wouldn't wear a tuxedo to a beach party, some styles just work better with certain moods and moments. And people.
Traditional family photo
Traditional Style, also known as Portrait or Classic Photography
Classic Photography is timeless, a little more formal, and usually heavily posed. Posing can be fun, but sometimes it can look meh. Think of your school photos. This type tends to have more rules than creativity.
Picture your grandma's vintage photo hanging on the wall - that's a perfect example of traditional portrait photography.
Generally, this is the “holiday card photo” look. You can clearly see everyone’s face, and everyone is looking at the camera and smiling, saying cheese.
Piggy backs are candid photos.
Candid Photography, also known as Lifestyle Photography.
It’s all about capturing those spontaneous moments - the giggles, the silly faces, the sudden burst of dancing in the living room.
Usually, this is done on location in the High Desert or the photographer's creative studio. Simple prompts and easy poses are used in order to get silly laughs and real reactions from everyone being photographed.
This style is perfect for your family if you love a more casual look to your photos. You might not be able to see everyone’s faces, and some people’s faces might look silly, but that’s the point of candid photography!
It's less about perfection and more about authenticity. It’s spontaneous!
Creative portrait
Fine Art Photography is a style that emphasizes beauty, creativity, and artistic expression.
It's a genre of photography that's often compared to a painting or sculpture, with each image carefully composed and thoughtfully designed.
The photographer may use special lighting and techniques to create a certain mood or emotion. The subjects may be posed in a way that highlights their form and beauty.
The goal of fine art photography is to create a work of art.
If you’re looking for a unique type of image to display, then this style is perfect for you!
While it may not capture the spontaneous moments of candid photography or a posed, cheesy smile, it offers a different kind of beauty and depth.
This is the style I strive to create in my business with my clients. I love posing and using lighting to set a particular mood or theme. Props and fun clothing/ costumes are a must!
This style can be done in the studio or outdoors.
Think of a little girl wearing a fairy dress, curled hair, wings, and twirling between the forest trees. It’s an ethereal feeling.
A woman wearing an old wedding gown, holding a lantern, at night. The only light you see is the candle in the lantern. It’s a tad eerie, but also magical.
These are created scenes, and I love them!
Day in the Life style photo
“Day-in-the-life” Photography could be your perfect match if you love activities
This style aims to capture real-life events, milestones, or activities in a storytelling manner, often set in personal and outdoor spaces.
So if your family loves to hike, camp, or picnic, lifestyle shots will catch those special moments.
With day-in-the-life photography, there is generally no posing or prompting at all. The photographer really is a fly on the wall while your family participates in an activity you all love doing together.
I particularly love day-in-the-life photography for families with toddlers because it’s so much more fun to do an activity they love, rather than trying to ask them to sit still and smile for a more classic type of photography session. Toddlers are busy, and they require a different type of photographer.
Birthday party photography falls into Day-in-the-life photography! It’s all about capturing the big day. The day your baby turns 5 or 15!
Now, here's the fun part: deciding on your favorite style!
This isn't about choosing 'the best' style out there, but rather what's best for you and your family (and this might change depending on the season of life your family is in).
If your family is a lively bunch that's constantly on the move, candid or lifestyle photography might work best. For families that love tradition and formality, portrait photography could be the way to go.
Or, if you want creative, beautiful art for your walls. A large Fine Art portrait for your family or yourself is the direction to go.
But who says you have to stick to only one style?
Now that you know the terms professional photographers use for these types of sessions, feel free to ask your photographer if they do these styles of photography and if they’re willing to mix and match. They might surprise you!
For example, I generally include both “classic” and “candid” in my portrait sessions because my clients like a mix of both. I also take a few behind-the-scenes photos, because…why not?
I don’t expect a BTS image to make it on the wall, but it’s fun to look back on the day as they decide on the “keep” and “let go” options.
As you ponder your next family photo session, let these styles play in your mind.
I often see clients love one type of photo, then lean towards another type of photo, or want a mix.
I can't wait to see you and/or your family in front of my lens. I’d love to create moments that get turned into gorgeous memories!
Click here to see my Creative Family Photography!
I hope reading THIS is What Your Photographer Means When They Say 'Fine Art' or 'Lifestyle' | High Desert Creative Portrait Photographer has given you a whole new look on photography styles and ideas!
If you’re still looking for a Creative Family Photographer in the High Desert, click here to see my portfolio of Whimsical Portrait images.
Cheers to creativity,
Annette
