July 11, 2021

What to Expect at a Lifestyle Photo Shoot

I have a standard flow for my lifestyle family shoots that helps ensure I capture the most important moments during our time together. Here are some snippets from a recent shoot to illustrate what you can expect:

At the beginning of our shoot, I take a few photos with everyone looking at the camera. These photos are great for holiday cards and formal portraits. This is the only time during our shoot I will ask everyone to look at me!

Young family sitting on log on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle

I then have a few tricks up my sleeve to encourage everyone to relax and start having fun. In this case, I asked the family to dance!

Young family dancing on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle

I always make sure to take close up individual portraits of each child.

Baby girl close up photograph on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Young boy on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Young girl on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle

There is plenty of time for children to play with their parents and each other. I capture photos of each parent and child during this time.

Father throwing his baby daughter up in the air on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Father tickling his daughter on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Mother playing with baby daughter on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Mother spinning son around on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Mother hugging daughter on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle

Of course, I capture some shots with all of the kids together!

Young siblings on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle

It’s often been several years since parents have had professional photos done together so I give them a few moments alone and take a few portraits.

Father kissing mother on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle

I also take individual portraits of mom. She’s usually arranged the shoot and is often the one taking photos of the family on the phone. I want her to have some photos to celebrate how beautiful she is!

Mother portrait on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle

The last half of the shoot is about having fun together and exploring the beautiful surroundings. This shoot was at Carkeek Park and the kids loved throwing rocks, playing in the sand, watching a train pass, and finding seashells. This is my favorite part of every shoot and where most of the natural magic happens.

Young girl searching for shells on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Mother, daughter and son looking at rocks on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Mother playing in sand with baby daughter on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Young family watching train go by on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Young girl jumping on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle
Young boy throwing rocks on beach at Carkeek Park in Seattle

I hope this helps illuminate what to expect at a lifestyle family session!

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