6 Reasons To Do Lifestyle Engagement Photos (Psst: One Of Them Is Because Itll Be Free!)
Madelinne Grey, a Texas-based wedding photographer, returns with valuable insights on how to enhance your special day through lifestyle photography. In her latest contribution, she shares the benefits of incorporating this style into your engagement and wedding photo sessions, along with an exclusive discount.
When it comes to capturing life’s precious moments, I’ve developed a unique approach that blends the best of both worlds – traditional posed shots and unscripted, photojournalistic coverage. My signature semi-posed creative moments are designed to spark genuine emotions and authentic interactions between loved ones. Whether it’s a tender moment between Mai and Ashley, or a joyful celebration with friends and family, my goal is to tell your story in a way that feels real and relatable.
While lifestyle shoots may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning an engagement photo session, I’m excited to share six compelling reasons why this approach can elevate your experience and produce stunning results.
Lifestyle photography is about the little details
My approach to lifestyle photography is tailored to capture the essence of each couple’s one-of-a-kind story. I focus on capturing authentic moments that unfold between the chaos of everyday life – from playful laughter shared over a joke to quiet contemplation before becoming united as a pair. By doing so, my goal is to preserve the authenticity and uniqueness of their love story.
In this instance, Kera’s ukulele-playing passion was seamlessly integrated into their engagement photo shoot, reflecting the couple’s ability to incorporate their individuality into their special moments.
They are good practice for the wedding day
Incorporating a portrait shoot, particularly a lifestyle session, offers an ideal opportunity for individuals to ease into being in front of the camera. This type of setting provides a relaxed atmosphere where they can gain valuable experience taking direction from the photographer, understanding the flow of a typical portrait session, and ultimately conquering any initial apprehensions.
The practice gained from this experience will undoubtedly translate to other situations, allowing them to feel more at ease when faced with future photo opportunities. Sarah and Lalo’s lifestyle session is a perfect example of this, showcasing their love for each other and their furry family.
It can be super-nice to have some professional photos that aren’t in wedding clothes
Displaying cherished memories in a tasteful manner is key. Without transforming your home into a shrine-like atmosphere, you can thoughtfully showcase your favorite moments from the special day. The images will serve as beautiful mementos for Thank You notes, Save the Dates, and even your wedding website, allowing you to share them with loved ones without overwhelming the space.
Or you can even do lifestyle photos in your wedding clothes…
As we spent the day capturing lifestyle portraits of newlyweds Ismael and Kate, their natural smiles and effortless joy were a true delight to behold. But let’s be real – sometimes the best moments don’t come from posed photoshoots, but from those in-between moments when you can just relax and enjoy each other’s company. Like when we took a break from photography to indulge in a slice (or three) of pizza, still dressed in their wedding attire.
The laughter, the love, and the pizza – it was a truly unforgettable experience.
A lifestyle session is an opportunity to get photos of you doing something you love together
Lifestyle photography is all about capturing the essence of everyday moments that make life worth living. Whether it’s whipping up a batch of homemade bread, jamming out to music with loved ones, or cozying up with pets and a good cuppa, these sessions invite you to share your authentic self. And let’s be real – posing in a field can be pretty awkward! Lifestyle engagement sessions offer a refreshing alternative, allowing you to capture moments that feel like home.
Take Leah and Johnmark, for instance, who found common ground through baking bread and making music together. Or Jess and Erica, sipping coffee at their favorite Austin shop. And then there’s the quiet intimacy of a weeknight in, spent playing games with your significant other – all these little moments can be treasured memories when documented through lifestyle photography.
If you want a lifestyle photographer for your wedding…
When selecting a photographer for your special day, it’s essential to consider not just their aesthetic or budget-friendly options, but also your personal connection with them. As you’ll be spending an extended period together – often longer than time spent with loved ones on the wedding day itself – it’s crucial that you feel at ease in each other’s company.
I emphasize this importance during consultations, advising clients to choose a photographer who not only aligns with their vision but also resonates with them on a personal level. For instance, Kevin and Casandra opted for an unscripted approach, eschewing posed photos altogether. In the end, they were thrilled with the outcome, praising my work as ‘bad-ass’ in their own words.
Their joy and emotion were palpable as they relived their wedding day through the photographs – a testament to the value of a genuine connection between client and photographer.
Offbeat Bride special offer:
When booking your 2016 wedding with me, take advantage of an exclusive offer. Receive a complimentary upgrade to a lifestyle engagement session, valued at $295. To redeem this special deal, simply mention that you read about it on Offbeat Bride when we touch base. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to capture the magic of your engagement and upcoming nuptials.
