Part 2 – lifestyle photography
This is the second in our series on photography. Read Pam’s first post on studio photography here.
Lifestyle photography is pictures of people doing everyday things – in most cases in an upbeat, optimistic, fun and lighthearted way. It celebrates your surroundings as well as the people in it, giving a sense of place and time, and representing a mood, feeling or product you want to convey.
Not necessarily outside on location, the lifestyle shoot could take place in a farmhouse kitchen or simply a studio. Whatever the scenario, the environment is set to help tell the story of the image or sell the benefits of a product.
The key for lifestyle photography is that the final images need to be natural and credible – almost like a ‘fly on the wall’ shot. Without exception, for each project a photography brief is paramount to agree the type of models, wardrobe, props, location and ideas. Take any of these away and the flaws will show. Lifestyle photography is aspirational. The end result paints the ideal, so all the detail is closely checked including lighting, casting and styling.
Ready for your close up?
Models are selected from a casting to ensure that the chosen person meets the brief. You might have found the perfect-looking person in terms of age, height and hair colour, but can they do what is imperative to the brief and end shot requirement, for example, stand on their head, or perform the lotus position? If the focus of the shot is a product in the hand – are the hands well groomed and manicured?
Once the images have been captured, considerable time is spent reviewing and editing to a final selection that is presented to the client.
As well as exceptional photographers, BDB has access to a range of model agencies, hair stylists and make-up artists, so whatever the original brief, be assured we will deliver.
Lifestyle topics produced by BDB on behalf of its clients include:
- ‘a night in with friends’ – to promote savoury snacks
- ‘homestyle cooking’ – to demonstrate variety of starch uses as an ingredient
- ‘a walk in the park’ – to support an active lifestyle
- ‘the lotus position’ – to convey health and wellbeing
Looking to add some life and vitality into your photo library? Look no further.
The views, opinions and positions expressed within any BDB blog posts are those of the author alone. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. For guest posts, authors retain copyright and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them.
