Photography Styles Explained: Find Your Perfect Fit | Rapid City, SD Newborn photographer | Jennifer Norrick Photography

Hey Peeps!!

I haven’t blogged in what seems like forever. LOL!!!

This one though seemed like a good way to explain the new way I’ve been doing things here at JNP this year. As everyone probably knows by now, I started the new year off not offering studio sessions anymore. After 14 years, minus the Covid year, it was just time to not work out of my home anymore. This decision has been welcomed by clients and I’m so grateful!! I had a few clients that booked a studio session with me last year for this year and they were cool with changing it up. And I soooooo appreciate it!!! So, lets get into what this blog is about. Check it out:

If you’re anything like me, I bet you've got a wall in your house dedicated to family photos, right?
The smiling faces on the wall serve as a constant reminder of what truly matters in life and work.

But have you ever wondered how to choose the right photographer and the right style to capture your family's unique spirit even better? Although photographers frequently use jargon like "Lifestyle" and "Portrait," it can be hard to truly understand what types of images these terms will produce. 
So, what does it all actually mean?

Just like you wouldn't wear a tuxedo to a beach party, some styles just work better with certain moods and moments.

First up, let's talk about the Classic Style also known as Portrait Photography.

Classic Photography is timeless, a little more formal and almost always heavily posed. This style usually has a lot of emphasis on the pose, so you would expect to see 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.” You can clearly see everyone’s face and everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.

Portrait photography is something one will typically find in studio. However, give me a second and I will show you that it doesn’t have to be ;)

Next, we have Candid Photography or some call this Lifestyle Photography. It’s all about capturing spontaneous moments - the giggles, the funny faces, the sudden burst of dancing in the living room. 

Usually this is done on-location, but your photographer might use more casual prompts and poses in order to get laughs and reactions from those being photographed. This style is perfect if your family loves a more casual look to their photos. You might not be able to see everyone’s faces and some people’s faces might look goofy, but that’s the point of candid photography! It's less about perfection and more about authenticity.

I do offer posed shots during lifestyle sessions, like the one above. But, my lifestyle sessions take place in the client’s home, in their own surroundings. What you will frequently hear me say once I’ve posed you: “Ok, just don’t pay me any attention, look at the baby/each other!” Once you tell peeps to look at each other, that’s when the real magic happens. Usually the best smiles pop out. Or when they are looking at their brand new little, the softest smiles appear.

Lifestyle sessions are all about capturing raw, emotional images. There is a photographer I’ve followed for a while now. Brooke Tucker. She creates the most beautiful images. Reading her posts when they come through my feed there was one phrase she hash tagged that stuck with me.

#realisbetterthanperfect

That is what Lifestyle photography is all about!

The other thing that a client of mine mentioned when I was in their home last week for their newborn was that they really liked not having to get packed up and go anywhere. It helped with the older sibling who is almost 2 and it was nice to just be at home.

For me, I feel like what I can offer families with the new way I’m shooting is an easy session process. I bring lifestyle and portrait photography together and offer clients both in one session. I bring the props and wraps and even my half of a barn door so I can capture their little in my signature shot! See the shot below :)

But at the same time, I capture them in their home. The home they brought their baby home to. The nursery they created. And where everyone is most comfortable!

Just a little insight for you guys . . . Last week’s newborn session was with a family that had been in studio with me for their first baby. I got to shoot in their home last week and dad and grandma shared a few behind the scenes shots with me. Take a peek to give you an idea of what an in-home session looks like!

Now, one you might not hear too often is Fine art photography. This is a style that emphasizes beauty, creativity, and artistic expression. It's a genre of photography that's often compared to a fine painting or sculpture, with each image carefully composed and thoughtfully designed. 

The photographer may use lighting techniques to create a certain mood or emotion, and 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. I like to think that all images are works of art, but fine art photography very much so resembles something that could be displayed other places than just your home too. :)

If you’re looking for a unique image to display, this style is perfect for you! While it may not capture the spontaneous moments of candid photography, it offers a different kind of beauty and depth.

Believe it or not, that pic below is from that same session above. ;)

Finally, for those who love activities, “Day-in-the-life” Photography could be your perfect match.

This style aims to capture real-life events or 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 than trying to ask them to sit still and smile for a more classic type of photography session.

For me, Birth photography definitely falls into Day-in-the-life photography! It’s capturing one of the biggest days of your life, right? The day you meet your baby!

Now, here's the fun part: deciding on the best style for your family! This isn't about choosing 'the best' style out there, but rather what's best for 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. But hey, who says you have to stick to one style?

Now that you know the terms photographers use for these types of sessions, feel free to ask your photographer if they do these types of photography and if they’re willing to mix and match. For example, I generally include both “classic” and “candid” in my portrait sessions because my clients like a mix of both.

As you ponder over your next family photo session, let these styles play in your mind.  I can't wait to see you and your family in front of my lens, capturing those moments that will become treasured memories! Until next time peeps!