Lifestyle sessions are exactly what they sound like: a creative like myself comes to your home and spends an hour or two capturing your family’s story through pictures and video. I focus on documenting authentic, candid moments in your natural environment. Trust me, you do not need a fake Instagrammable home that looks like nobody lives there to capture truly beautiful memories.

7 aspects that DO NOT matter much in a lifestyle photoshoot:

1. Perfectly Clean Home:

A home, especially one where kids live, does not need to be spotless. A bit of everyday life can add to the authenticity and charm of your photos. I am currently living in a season of life where I am not allowed to do anything to my home unless I am alone; I clean up a bucket of toys, and my son instantaneously dumps it back out. I go to load the dishwasher, and he is right there picking out every dirty plate and fork he can find as if the dishwasher was never loaded. Trust me, I completely understand that you live a life of tiny tornadoes and there will be no judgement. I am the expert at shoving things in a corner or closet if we need the space to appear “tidy.”

2. Matching Outfits:

We understand the hype of a perfectly coordinated, matching family when it comes to pictures, but its not necessary. Lavender Laine believes that you should wear what feels comfortable to you and what reflects your style most. As natural interactions are the priority here. Options for everyone here!

3. Posing Perfectly:

Lifestyle photoshoots thrive on capturing your authentic interactions and true emotions. There is no need for perfect poses and kids cheesing at the camera. The goal here is to capture your family in your natural environment, showcasing genuine moments, rather than creating a perfectly staged image with specific poses.

4. Ideal Lighting Conditions in Lifestyle Photoshoots:

Lavender Laine has learned from capturing families in their homes that we are working with a variety of spaces and lighting; while good natural lighting with large windows helps, a skilled photographer can work with the natural light in your home or bring additional lighting as needed to provide optimal results.

5. Big, Fancy Spaces:

Do not let the size or luxury of your home hold you back from scheduling an in-home session. Lifestyle photos are about moments spent together, not the setting’s grandeur. Lavender Laine can make any home setting work: warm beds, comfy chairs, couches, and even cozy corners in the house where we can put a mountain of pillows and blankets. We are here to match your vibe!

6. Camera Awareness and Lifestyle Sessions:

You do not need to look directly at the camera and be aware of it all the time. Authentic moments shine when you are focused and living in the moment with those you love most. You do not need to focus on the camera; sometimes just pretend that we are not there.

7. Kids or Pets Being Perfectly Behaved:

Let your kids and pets be uniquely themselves; their quirks and energy often make the session more vibrant and memorable. If they are laughing and having a fun time, the stress of the parent seems to melt away into tiny loving moments between you. The belly laughs, the running through the halls, the tender moments of holding their hand. The tiny details that seem to fade away quickly are the ones that you get to hold near and dear.

Tips:

• If you want a clean home prior to arrival and it seems almost impossible, make a F*** it bucket, shove every single thing in a bucket, shove it in a closet, and pretend it doesn’t exist.
• If you are looking for perfectly behaved kids and pets, please lower your stress and remove the expectations. Throwing those heavy expectations out the door and into the cold leaves your home, your kids, and your sanity with a burst of fresh air.
• Get cozy, have fun, and enjoy every moment captured with your loved ones.

By focusing on genuine moments and interactions, the photos and memories captured will feel more personal and heart felt.