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Oak + Oats

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August 25, 2015
Blogging & Business, Photography

5 Tips for Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photography is one of my favorite things. It is 100% my favorite style of photography. Over the last years since I purchased my camera, I have focused more and more on capturing life to share on my Instagram and my Blog. There is just something so beautiful about capturing life in action and un-posed. Today I am sharing with you five tips to help you in your Lifestyle Photography game because you do not have to be a professional to take photos of the ones you love and the memories you make!

BRING THE CAMERA

When you can, just bring your camera! I’ve started bringing my camera bag on coffee dates, family gatherings, and backyard parties with friends. The best way to achieve “lifestyle” shots is to have them be a real moment. Bring out your camera to grab some pictures of your best friend drinking her beautiful latte or catch your friend throwing his daughter in the air and catching her. I was initially wary about bringing around my camera because it was expensive and I was worried about carting it around. But here is the thing, cameras were meant to be USED! I don’t leave my bag in the car (just to be smart) and have to carry around a little more weight but it is worth it to catch so many lifestyle moments. You can also easily “downsize” for these type of events – leave the extra lenses, tripods, props, etc at home and just bring the camera!

Side Note: Just because you have your camera doesn’t mean you have to take photos. If you are not feeling it, don’t like the lighting, or feel like others wouldn’t be down – no worries! Leave it in the bag. But I think you will find you will find more times you are glad you brought it along!

USE YOUR PHONE

When you don’t have your camera bag with you (because you forgot or didn’t want to pack extra), don’t be afraid to use your phone! Camera phones are always advancing and you can still get some quality shots with your phone! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture a moment just because you only want the best quality or perfect photo. I have many phone photos printed in my home and even in my instagram feed!

UN-POSE

When you get out your camera for a fun photo moment or for a planned photo shoot, let people know they don’t need to suddenly squish in and awkward smile. People expect posed photos – we’ve been trained that way since we were kids, “okay everyone look at me and say cheeeeeeese!” Encourage people to just continue what they were doing and capture the laughter when someone tells a joke. If you are planning a photo shoot and taking intentional photos. Let people pose in ways they most feel comfortable with – some of my favorite style photos are un-posed posed photos. Try to step outside of the desire to get a “good, normal photo” and capture something a little more personal.

CAPTURE THE LITTLE THINGS

It is tempting to try to capture everything in one picture. We love group pictures because everyone is in them but there is also a beauty in the details. Detail shots are what brings lifestyle photo shoots to life – they show the little moments that are part of the bigger picture. Your friends and family may initially think you are weird because you “forgot” to include someone’s face or entire body but you should do it anyways! Telling the story of your life requires looking at the details – a novel without details is not worth reading.

BE CONFIDENT

If you want to start practicing and working on your lifestyle photography, just start! Be confident. There may be times you are afraid how a photo will turn out, try to capture it anyways. You may fear what your friends will say, ask if you can take photos anyways. You may wonder what people will think when you bring out your camera at a coffee shop or a bar, take it out anyways! You are a photographer (whether trained or not, professional or not) and it is cool that you are taking photos of your life and things you never want to forget! Be proud, smile at strangers who ask you questions about your camera, and confidently take a million photos to edit later! You’ve got this!!!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie Cockerill says

    June 29, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    I really love this post. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      June 29, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      YAY! I am so glad you loved it!!!

      Reply
  2. Felicia says

    June 30, 2016 at 8:26 am

    I absolutely love these tips! I am working on improving my lifestyle photography as my blog has been growing. You are such an inspiration to me that I can grow something that I enjoy doing. Thanks for all of your informative and helpful posts!

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      June 30, 2016 at 11:31 am

      YAY! This is so good to hear! You’ve got this girl!

      Reply
  3. Jessica says

    August 16, 2016 at 8:04 pm

    Love this post! Back in the day (when I was a teenager), I didn’t care what my friends and family thought whenever I brought my camera and took pictures of whatever we were doing. I’ve been away from photography for a few years and now I wonder what they would think…and they probably wouldn’t think much of it, now that I think about it! Thank you for this post…it was the confidence boost I needed.

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      August 18, 2016 at 1:11 pm

      Yes! I took pics all the time in high school! Chanel those vibes! You’ve got this!

      Reply
  4. cara says

    September 22, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    Great tips! Lighting is key no matter what camera you use. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      September 25, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      Totally true! That is why natural light is my favorite!!

      Reply
  5. Sabah says

    December 16, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    Hi, I was wondering what lens you most commonly use to take your photos?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Oak & Oats says

      December 19, 2016 at 2:31 pm

      When I had my Canon Rebel (cropped sensor) I had a 24 and a 50. I used them both a lot. Now with my full frame Nikon I only have a 50 but I also want a 35 ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  6. Sabah says

    December 23, 2016 at 12:25 am

    Thank you soo much =) you have such beautiful work.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Mayberry says

      August 11, 2017 at 4:15 am

      Thank you so much Sabah!!!

      Reply

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Hello Friend! I’m Elizabeth, a Colorado photographer, writer, & blogger. Most importantly, I am a Christ follower, wife, mama, sister, daughter, and friend!

Welcome to Oak + Oats! Here we look for the remarkable in the every day. We love photographing our daily moments, making memories, and sharing our favorite places here in this space.

Our happiest days are spent together – many of those with a camera in hand! My free time (ie: Nap Time) is spent behind my computer screen sharing our tips and stories with you! I’m glad you’re here!

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