When the girls turned two we had a fantastic outdoor photo session and got some of my favourite family photos. So when Deepa of Deepa Rodrigues Photography got in touch to work on a lifestyle family session, I jumped at the chance to get some updated images.
Any parent will testify how quickly their little ones grow and I love taking photos of every stage but it’s not the same as getting high quality family photographs taken by a professional. Especially, as I get to feature too instead of being hidden behind the lens.
Most of the people I’ve spoken to about family photos seem to opt for a studio session. These are really popular, often have a central location such as a town centre and are run like a slick business with multiple packages to suit. However outdoor lifestyle sessions really excite me so much more.
If you’ve never had a lifestyle session, here are five reasons to try one.
1) Choice of Location
Instead of meeting your photographer in a studio, you can discuss various locations for your family photoshoot. Maybe you have a local park that you love or want some images captured in your family playroom. Wherever you and your family will be relaxed is the perfect location.
Deepa and I messaged backwards and forwards and settled on Swithland Woods in Leicestershire. I’d never been before but I wasn’t disappointed as it was a beautiful backdrop for our photos. Often lifestyle photographers like Deepa know some great hidden locations.
2) Make it Memorable
Instead of a photo session being just a photo session, you can make it a family outing that you will all remember. Even without the photos, we had a lovely morning taking a stroll through a beautiful setting. It was a great opportunity to switch off our devices and just be together. It’s a completely different experience to that in a studio.
3) Keep it Natural
We often go for family walks and out exploring local woodlands and so for the girls this was a great little adventure. Obviously, they didn’t know Deepa but by being in an open space, a photographer is far less intimidating for little ones. In fact, for most of the session, they probably forgot why we were there. Deepa worked around them and so we got a great mix of totally natural images but with a few directed shots.
4) Variety of shots
In a studio, your photographer may have a variety of props and backgrounds but nothing can compare to the variety of being in nature. Just in a very small area of the woods, Deepa managed to capture a whole host of interesting back drops including a trickling stream, stepping stones, a fallen tree and an interesting pathway.
5) Easy to distract
Without a doubt, it is so much easier to distract and entertain little ones on a lifestyle shoot. Look at this hollow tree or who can find an orange leaf? There is so much more to look at and unlike in a studio they don’t need to be kept contained in a small area. Of course a little chocolate bribery also works wonders too.
Have you had professional family photos? I’d love to know what sort of session you had or whether you’ve tried a lifestyle shoot. If not, why not give it a go.
If you’d be interested in having your own lifestyle shoot and are local to the Midlands, you wont be disappointed by the personal service Deepa provides. You can find more of her work HERE
Alternatively, test your luck and enter our fantastic giveway below. You can enter up to 5 times to be in with a chance to win a free lifestyle session with Deepa including mounted and digital images in a gorgeous keepsake box. Good Luck.
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