Contemporary family portraits produce some of the best and most popular images taken by Luminous Photography.  My preferred method is for Lifestyle Portrait Photography that takes a more relaxed approach to portrait photography by utilising a home or an outdoor setting: an individual or family is placed in a less formal or familiar setting, which also helps to reveal more about the character, personality and life of the person or family.

To capture beautiful lifestyle portraits successfully, there are specific tips and techniques we need to follow. However the most important is to simply learn about the subject/s

Our lifestyle portrait planning begins with questions about the subject. We want to show more of his or her personality and life, so we must understand him or her better. 

For example we may ask about

• about his or her daily schedule and responsibilities
• talk to his or her spouse, friends, co-workers, etc. to obtain some third-party perspectives
• favorite hobbies/ pastime
• Favourite places and why etc

With that information, I have a realistic basis from which to choose a location for the portrait and what kind of picture to compose. Ideally I’d to spend time with the subject so he or she will become familiar with me and more confident about what I want to accomplish. This is why at Luminous Photography we do not put a time limit on our sessions as this process cannot be rushed and, in addition to this, we've usually had in depth conversations before the shoot commences

It’s not just that many people are uncomfortable in a photography studio, under the hot lights. It also divorces them from much of what makes them who they are. For example a portrait idea could be a well-planned, well-lit and carefully composed photo of a son playing his guitar or a daughter acting in a play. in my opinion this is a much more interesting image than of her in a professional photographers studio setting. She can be surrounded by instruments/ microphones and family/ friends, whilst playing a song to emphasise the passion or hobby even more.

Perhaps your daughter is a budding photographer; so instead of (or in addition to) a formal pose in a new dress in the garden, photograph her with a toy camera taking pictures of her sister with dramatic sunlight streaming through high windows creating interesting shadows.

Whatever location(s) we choose, it should be an extension of the subject, with a few interesting elements that help tell his or her story. The location must offer the right balance without dominating the portrait. In most cases, the location for the lifestyle portrait won’t be ready-made. You may have to do some arranging. For example, there may be a lack of interesting, supporting elements, so don’t hesitate to add props if they will help. You also want to eliminate background and/or foreground clutter and find subtle, neutral background.

If you like the sound of who we go about our beautiful lifestyle photography, then please don't hesitate to get in touch and we can start planning it today!

Thanks

Tom