5 Tips for Lifestyle Photography

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5 Tips for Lifestyle Photography March 03, 2012
Author: Elsie Larson Photography Tips Tips


Photographing everyday life is one of my biggest creative passions! There is just something so special about capturing the things that make today wonderful. I've been photographing my daily life for nearly ten years and I love looking back on random moments from years past. In the days of film photography people were afraid to "waste" film. They chose to take more posed photos of groups of people and less small memories of each day. We're so lucky to live in the digital age where you can literally take 100 photos on your phone today and only keep your 3 favorites. I always think back to my high school self (who spent a lot of allowance money on packs of film) and imagine how blown away I would be if someone would have told me that in just 10 years time I'd have a phone that took better photos than my camera. The resources we have at our fingertips are truly incredible! Here are 5 tips for capturing your everyday life... 1. When In Doubt, Bring Your Camera.

I try to bring my digital SLR with me as much as possible. There are so many random photos that I would have missed if I hadn't been lugging my Canon with me everywhere I go. I have quite a few camera bags to switch out (some that double as purses) and that's super helpful! It's always easier to leave it at home, but I'm determined not to let any dust collect on my camera. I never regret bringing it along! Here's a photo that I captured this week while at lunch with my sister. I loved the way the light was coming through the blinds. It's always worth it to bring your camera and when that's not possible, rely on your phone camera! 2. Zoom In

Instead of focusing only on wide shots of people, take time to zoom in and capture little details! Each day there are countless expressions, moments and pretty vignettes in your life that you might not remember if you don't caputure them. Always remember to zoom in and photograph the little things you love in life! I love this photo. Even though it doesn't show our faces it communicates a lot!



This photo from our home tour was my favorite because it captures the happy vibe of our home on a lazy morning. 3. Be Weird

There are little things that make you unique. Be sure to document these quirks and special qualities! The photo above was taken the morning after Jeremy proposed to me. We get coffee together almost every morning, but this morning was extra special! I am glad I have this photo and it means more to me than most of the posed photos we took that day. One of my family members even commented that it was "kinda weird", but what matters is that it tells a little piece of our story! Step outside the box of getting a "good photo" and try to capture something really personal. This photo of my grandfather riding his bike is one of my favorites because we used to ride bikes together when I was little. It means more to me than most of the smiling/posed photos we have together because it evokes a memory. 4. Cell Phone Photos Are A-O.K.!

Cell phone photos have completely changed the photography world in the past five years. The quality has quickly gone from something you couldn't really print to something that, at times, rivals traditional photography. It's pretty exciting! I often post cell phone photos on my blog and have a basket of them printed out on my coffee table (I shared about ways I display iPhone photos in my home here). There is nothing wrong with using your phone as your secondary, or even primary, camera! It's a great way to capture everyday life because it's always with you.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from this past month, via my iPhone... These little things might have gone undocumented had I not had my phone at my side.5. There Is No Such Thing As A "Wasted" Photo

When in doubt, snap the photo! The above photo was taken in an airport while we waited for a flight. I asked Jeremy to hold up his coffee because it said "Jerry". To my delight the photo that resulted is one of my favorite random photos of him. Sometimes the most unlikely moments can produce the most special images! This photo was snapped by one of our pals during our first month dating. It looks very posed, but it wasn't. It was just a random little snapshot that turned out to be one of our most cherished memories of our early relationship! Sometimes the smallest moments can mean so much more later on. This is why there is no such thing as a "wasted" photo!

I hope you've picked up a few helpful hints from this article. Taking everyday life photos is one of the healthiest creative habits to excercise. If you're not currently in this routine, why not try some today? xo. elsie

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Photo Credits: All Photos by Elsie Larson + Emma Chapman except coffee shop photos by Kelli Trontel and home tour photo by Janae Hardy.