As a family photographer, there are three styles I incorporate into my photo sessions: posed portraits, documentary , and lifestyle photos.
I’ll be honest. I’ve never been a fan of the “everyone look at the camera and say cheese” style of photography. To me, the magic of living in the Flint Hills isn’t found in a stiff pose. It’s found in the way your toddler’s hair catches the Kansas sunset or the way your family naturally collapses into a fit of giggles while exploring the tallgrass.
I call these “Lifestyle Sessions,” but lately, I’ve been thinking of them more as storytelling.
My goal during our time together outdoors isn’t just to get one perfect portrait for the wall; it’s to capture the raw, unscripted energy of your family exactly as you are right now. Whether we are chasing the light at Marlatt Park or wandering through the Konza, I’m looking for the moments where you forget I’m even there.
Obviously, with a posed portrait, everyone will be smiling at the camera. Cheese! If you are spending money on a photographer, you probably want at least one fantastic, posed portrait. These photos tend to have the least amount of emotion. So, you can bet I’ll be jumping around like a fool to get some real smiles at least!
Documentary photography is all about taking pictures without influencing the subject or setting. You want to capture a true representation of the people and place. At a minimum, I’m going to pick out the best spot for you to stand for a good backdrop. So, there is never really true documentary photography going on at one of my family sessions. If you hire me as a birth or event photographer, I’ll likely spend a good deal of time playing fly on the wall and scanning the room as those true candid moments unfold.
Lifestyle photos are my jam.
My favorite moments are the ones where you and your kids are being goofballs and laughing up a storm. You know the ones I’m talking about. The pictures that tell a story. When you look at those photos, you can still hear the laughter in your head!
I’ve always been a fan of lifestyle photography. It is this wonderful blend of genuine moments and artistic portraits. My absolute favorites are when you are looking into each others eyes, truly connecting, and unable to stop giggling.
Even when clients value candid photos, they still want that perfectly posed shot. I try to get that picture out of the way early on. But, because real smiles don’t happen when they say cheese, I’ll get posed pictures while you play, too.
You’ll often hear me shout out, “Nobody look at the camera!”
And then the occasional, “Okay, everyone look right here!”
While I’m totally in my element getting fun action shots, I’m happy to give more direction. Here are a few things I’m aiming for:
I should be able to see everyone’s face.
Nobody should be caught in an awkward or unflattering position.
Everyone should look engaged and happy.
I’m a big fan of action shots. Playtime!
If not HAPPY, I want there to be some kind of emotion that makes that image priceless.
Sometimes this can take some patience and repetition, but it’s so worth it! As I’ve realized how much people love those slightly staged pictures, my style has evolved. I guess I’m a lifestylish photographer.
Because time is limited, I’ll sometimes tell my families to turn and laugh at the person next to you. Sure, that feels forced, but the pictures can be so much fun! And fake laughing at someone almost always results in real laughter. My extended family sessions tend to include far more posed pictures. So, you can bet I’ll have you fake it to make it even if just to loosen everyone up.
Since I started including a proofing album in my session fee, I always get to see your favorite images. This proofing process is designed to be fast and mobile-friendly so you can pick your favorite images right from your phone. You receive a robust album of minimally-edited images to pick out those pictures that really speak to you. I then work my editing magic to create masterpieces you’ll be excited to show off.
This proofing process also helps me prepare for your next photo session. I know what “poses” you love the most and can focus on those moments!
Gah! So CUTE! What parent wouldn’t need to have this kind of picture on their wall?!?
Here are a few more posed pictures of these cuties.
I also like to take pictures of those sweet details you never want to forget. But, these pictures tend to go in your complimentary album since editing tends to be pretty quick.
Over time, my style has evolved to be more of a hybrid of portrait photography and lifestyle poses.
I have an endless arsenal of fun activities to keep you moving and laughing. But, there is often someone looking over at me and absolutely glowing. I can’t say no to that!
As you look through my portfolio on LittleLeapling.com, you will mostly see lifestyle photos. But ,there is a wide variety of photos that you’ll get to choose from.
One thing I’m pretty confident about is that you will all be pretty tired by the time I’m done with you!
Want some inspiration? Follow me on Facebook and you’ll get to see my favorite pictures from each session!
Want to get some ideas for the best storytelling locations in the Manhattan area for your next photo session? Take a look at my location guide!
