What is a Family Lifestyle Photo Session Like? - Bakersfield Family Photographer

A family lifestyle photo session is all about capturing the authentic, everyday moments of family life. Rather than formal poses and studio setups, this type of session focuses on genuine interactions, emotions, and the essence of family dynamics. Here’s what you can expect from a family lifestyle session:

Dad and daughter share snuggles 

1. Relaxed and Natural Setting

Family lifestyle sessions typically take place in a comfortable, meaningful environment like your home or a favorite outdoor location. Whether it’s your living room, backyard, or a local park, the setting is meant to reflect the family’s personality and make everyone feel at ease. Natural light is often preferred to create soft, authentic-looking images.

2. Candid Moments Over Posed

The focus is on capturing candid, unscripted moments. There’s no pressure to sit still or smile perfectly. Instead, the photographer might ask you to play with your kids, cook a meal together, or have a tickle fight on the couch. These real-life interactions are what tell the story of your family’s unique connection.

3. Comfortable Clothing

Since the session is casual, you’ll want to wear clothing that feels comfortable and true to your style. There’s no need for formal attire—think cozy sweaters, barefoot kids running around, or casual day-to-day outfits that allow movement and relaxation. Coordinating colors or outfits can look great, but the emphasis is on natural comfort rather than perfection.

4. Storytelling Through Photos

Lifestyle photography aims to tell a story—your story. The session captures the essence of your family’s everyday life. From breakfast routines, reading bedtime stories, playing outside, to quiet moments on the couch, each photo paints a picture of who you are as a family.

5. Real Emotions

Unlike more traditional family portraits where everyone looks at the camera and smiles, lifestyle sessions are all about real emotions. Whether it’s the joy of playing, a quiet moment of reflection, or even a little bit of chaos, the goal is to capture genuine feelings. It’s these unscripted moments that create the most meaningful images.

6. Incorporating Activities

To help create natural moments, lifestyle sessions often involve everyday activities or special routines. You could bake cookies, do a puzzle, have a picnic, or go for a walk. These activities keep everyone engaged and help relax any camera-shy family members, making the experience more enjoyable and authentic.

7. Kids Lead the Way

One of the best aspects of family lifestyle photography is letting kids be themselves. They don’t have to sit still or smile on command. The photographer may follow their lead—if they want to jump on the bed, explore the garden, or cuddle up with their favorite toy, that’s perfect! This freedom allows for real, beautiful moments that reflect their personality.

8. The Imperfect is Perfect

In lifestyle photography, the little imperfect details—the messy hair, the toys on the floor, the spontaneous laughter—are what make the session special. There’s no need to worry about creating a picture-perfect environment. Life isn’t perfect, and these small imperfections tell a more authentic story of your family.

9. In-Home Comfort

In-home lifestyle sessions create a sense of comfort and familiarity. You get to stay in a space that holds sentimental value, and the photos reflect real-life memories. Whether it’s capturing breakfast in the kitchen or bedtime stories in the kids’ room, these intimate moments are what make the session personal.

10. End Result: Timeless Memories

The goal of a family lifestyle photo session is to create images that feel timeless and natural—photos that capture your family as they are in this moment. These images are often less about creating the "perfect shot" and more about documenting real-life connections that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Overall, a family lifestyle photo session is about being in the moment, connecting with your loved ones, and letting go of any pressure to “perform” for the camera. It’s a fun, laid-back experience designed to capture the essence of your family’s everyday joy and love.