Do you remember when you were a kid getting a professional photo taken? The photographer–whether at school or at a professional studio–would position you, comb your hair, and then tell you to “Say cheese!” or “Say pizza!” Even at home, if your mom or dad were going to take a picture of you and your siblings playing, they would make you stop, look at the camera, and say “cheese!” Today, lifestyle photographer has become a popular form of picture taking, and it is not about saying “cheese!” anymore. Lifestyle photography is about the raw and the real. Think the lyrics from the new song by DNC, “Toothbrush”: When you’re standing there in your underwear, and my t-shirt from the night before, with your messed up hair, and your feet still bare…That’s right, the real and the raw.
Taken on the Fly
Although the picture will look like you have taken it on the fly, that’s not actually so. There are some steps that can be taken when setting up a lifestyle photography photo shoot.
Lighting is important: Lifestyle photographs are best taken in a bright room, preferably next to a window for the natural light.
De-clutter: The photograph should be as natural as possible. The subjects should be lost in the moment, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t help set the stage. If you are taking the photo at home, you may want to de-clutter the area.
Be creative: Focusing on a specific detail can give the picture a unique flavor. Use creative compositions, snap a close-up, shoot from the side or from below, stand overhead, or get the big picture. Be creative.
Un-staged: Although the goal is to keep it as un-staged as possible, the amount of staging done is not the important factor. What is important is that the subjects become lost in the moment so you can capture their natural expressions, body language, and the essence, or heart, of the moment.
ABOUT YOUR DALLAS, TX, PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER:
Doug Davis has been producing professional, engaging videos and product, food, and lifestyle photography from his Dallas, TX, studio for more than 20 years. D-Squared Studios is located at 4312 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas, 75226. Contact our office at (214) 746-6336 or email Doug at doug.davis@d2studios.net.