Columbia Missouri Photographer

What Is Lifestyle Photography? | Columbia MO Family Lifestyle Photographer

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The term “lifestyle”

When asked what kind of photography that I do, I typically say, “I’m a lifestyle photographer.” I want to talk a little bit about the term “Lifestyle” since it is one that is quite often thrown around in the world of photography, if you’re not a photographer, you might not have any idea what this even means. As I mentioned, this is what I use to describe my work, so I’m going to break it down for you and explain what exactly is lifestyle photography!

What is “lifestyle Photography”?

Lifestyle photography falls somewhere in between traditional portrait photography, which is more staged and posed, and documentary photography which isn’t posed at all.

Lifestyle photographs typically captures the essence of the people you are photographing, really capturing a little piece of their humanity. It often includes movement, loving gestures, and often environmental storytelling.

Lifestyle photography means that you are going beyond stiff and boring portraiture to capture the true personality behind the humans you are capturing. The subjects are allowed to be themselves which helps tell their story, and shows people who they are.

Why should you hire a Lifestyle Photographer?

  • If you’re looking for photos that tell the story of your family and life,
  • If cuddling with your family and having photos that show your relationships with each of your family members sounds like something you would love to display in your home,
  • Or, if you crave photos that show genuine laughter, fun, and interaction between your family…

then lifestyle photography is going to be right for you.

Ready to book your lifestyle session?

I love doing lifestyle photography, especially with open windows or out in a nice sunset. If you’ve read this post, then you probably have a good idea if my personality is going to fit with your family or not. If I’m the lifestyle photographer you’ve been looking for, then I would love to photograph your family! Head on over to my pricing page. I hope to see you soon!

Three Reasons Why You Should Have Maternity Photos Taken | Columbia MO Maternity Photographer

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Maternity photography is a somewhat new thing. It has slowly been on the rise in the last 15-20 years. In fact, I don’t even remember it being that popular when I was pregnant with my first born about 8 years ago.

I want to be completely honest, many women don’t feel their best while they are pregnant. Yes, it can be a magical, meaningful, and a transformative time, but that doesn’t mean you have to love it.

 Many women have lots of hesitations about being the center of attention for a photo session during such a time.  

I want to share with you three reasons why I KNOW you should have maternity photos taken.

  1. Your body is doing magnificent work. Your body is growing a tiny little human. Your heart is literally beating for two, and you have such a powerful body that it can sustain life for both you and your unborn child. You need photos of your body when it is doing such a sacred job. 
  2. Your family dynamic is about to change. Whether this is your first baby or you have 5 kids and this is your 6th, this baby will quite literally change everything. It is very special to capture what your family looks like right now before it all changes. Sure, the change is for the better, but what you are right now is special and should be captured. 
  3. You will someday forget what it’s like to be pregnant. My kids are 7, 4, and 2. I only have a few cellphone photos of my first pregnancy, and if I could go back and book a session with someone, I would. Even if you don’t love being pregnant, you will want to remember what you looked like and how you felt and photos will help take you back. 

You are beautiful and you deserve to have photos of this special time.

So don’t hesitate to have those maternity photos taken. You won’t regret it!

Click here for more details about Maternity Sessions

Why Book a Family Photo Session Yearly | Columbia MO Photographer

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Why Schedule a Yearly Family Photo session?

There are a lot of reasons to book a yearly family photo session, and I don’t just say that because I’m a photographer. I really do think getting yearly photos can have so many benefits, which I will explain in this blog post.

We are always changing

Changes might be the biggest reason to have a yearly family photo session. Our kids are constantly growing, their faces change, they get taller, teeth fall out, or hair gets cut… just so many changes are always happening! My hope is that you will preserve those memories in the form of photos.

Different seasons, get different photos

So many families wait around until the fall to book their photo sessions, but if you are booking family photos yearly, you should definitely try out some different seasons! If you’re here in Missouri, then you know how beautiful it can be here year-round. The spring is gorgeous for lots of greenery and flowers, summer has wildflowers all over and overgrown fields, and winter can be super fun in the snow.  Change it up every year and get a variety of looks for your walls! Which brings me to my next reason…

Update the photos on your walls

Another reason for a yearly family photo session is to update the photos that are hanging up in your home. I suggest having a large family photo as a focal point that is replaced every couple of years. A really great way to show off your yearly family photos is to create a gallery wall that shows the progression of your family each year. Hang up one photo from each of your photo session and make sure to leave room to add onto it yearly. You and your family will love looking at how much you’ve changed!

Create a new family tradition

Making your own family traditions is so exciting, and as long as you choose a photographer who makes the session fun, your kids will practically beg you to make a yearly family photo session your new tradition. You get to spend time giving your kids tons of attention, playing with them, maybe exploring nature a bit… and then after the session you can extend the fun by going out for a treat!

Trying to take photos of your own kids can be a hassle

I left this one for the end because it’s my favorite reason to schedule a yearly family photo session. If you’ve ever tried to photograph your own kids, you know what I mean. Kids sometimes just don’t listen as well for people that they know really well, and I know that I personally can get frustrated with my own kids when I try and photograph them. I can’t help it! I have all these amazing ideas and I really want to capture that perfect shot, and they are not having any of it.

But when there’s someone new behind the camera, it can make things go smoother! Having someone who knows what they’re doing BEHIND the camera produces significantly better results. They know how to get the right expressions and interactions. They know what to say, what angles look best, how to get the kids having fun, and great candid shots.

I want the whole family to not worry about a thing and to just have fun! When you have the right photographer, they will encourage you to relax and enjoy your kids and not to discipline them. I encourage my clients to go with the flow and not worry about your kids “being good” because sometimes those photos of your kids running wild are the best!

Ready to book your own Family Photo session?

Fill out the form on the Contact page, email me at haley@haleyjohnsonphotography.com, or send me a message on my Facebook or Instagram page!

Click here for more information a portrait session