Your results are in...
are you ready?
You're style is...
Lifestyle
Life is a beautiful story and you are there to capture it.
You are flexible and able to go with the flow to create an experience your clients will love (and that will be uniquely them!) While you aren't afraid to hop in there to offer some direction, it's less about 'creating a moment' - and more about 'creating the opportunity' for reactions that are genuine.
You love trying new locations, finding amazing light in clients' homes, and documenting families in situations that they typically do!
Because lifestyle session locations are often chosen by clients, you may never know what kind of light or setup you are getting into, so planning becomes integral!
Although the reactions may be candid, it's key to have a game plan on what they usually do and where!
Also, a location visit prior to the session can be important too, so you know the best light and time to do the session at!
Engaging with the kids, telling silly jokes, and asking them questions is also a great way to get more genuine laughs, authentic reactions, and real smiles.
Here's a few things to watch out for...
You may struggle with finding a balance between directing them and leaning back and letting things happen organically.
Just remember every family is different and the goal is to not only create art, but memories that they will have forever.
Check out these photographers' work for inspiration on great lifestyle locations & ideas.
Check out these artists
for inspiration
Iris Hu
Light By Iris Photography
Colie James
Colie James LLC
Leah O'Connell
Firefly Photography
So...
Where to from here?
Make a learning plan.
It’s easy to hop from one YouTube tutorial to the next, learning a bit of this a bit of that, and fully understanding very little. Decide the area that is holding you back, and get to work on that. Find a trusted mentor/teacher/group to help.
Practice, practice, practice.
One of the mistakes that can happen easily for those of us who love learning is forgetting to practice what we learn. Because let’s face it - watching a video and DOING the thing are two very different things.
Make sure you schedule practice sessions as you are learning new skills.
Ask for feedback
This is so.darn.hard. But girl, let me tell you, nothing is going to help you start seeing your work in a new light and see your weak spots quicker than putting yourself out for critique. HOWEVER - and this is key -make sure you are putting yourself out there in groups that are there to lift you up (not tear you down). Yes, you can get a less than stellar critique - AND still feel supported.
If you ever find yourself in a group where you feel less-than, or belittled, get out fast and find a group of positive peers (ahem...we happen to have the best communities on the planet! 😉 )
"Thanks for all you do to make The Milky Way such an incredible place to learn, grow, and collaborate"
- Sarah Jordan
“You’ve created a positive and constructive “home” for all of us to connect and improve - thank-you for curating this environment that fosters growth and pursuit of our dreams!”
- Lizzy McMillan
“You have built such an amazing and supportive community”
- Rebecca Connolly
“I feel so empowered by all the teachers AND the students as well. What a great community to be a part of!”
- Rebecca Connolly
Here's a few more
important tips
1
Be mindful that what you show is what you want to photograph.
Does your website/social media posts reflect the types of images that you want to capture? The images you show will attract the clients that will resonate with it.
2
Ensure you are taking time to work ON your business not just IN it.
We’re artists - but we’re also business owners - and when things get busy, it’s easy to find ourselves putting off the activities we know we *should* be doing because we find ourselves in a cycle of ‘shoot - edit - repeat.’
3
Don’t forget to take care of YOU.
While we’re artists and business owners, we’re also humans, and as one of my mentors says, “we’re human BEINGS, not human doings.” So don’t forget to take time to recharge, refuel and enjoy the simple pleasures of life (whatever brings YOU joy!)
Hello lovely!
If we haven't met yet, I'm Lisa and I'm so glad you're here!
I’m a photographer, educator and mama to one incredible little boy (who isn’t so little any more!)
I remember feeling so alone (and overwhelmed) when I was getting started and I know it doesn’t have to be that way.
You've just discovered the friendliest, most supportive community of photographers and teachers that will help you learn the skills you need to create the art you love and a business that truly lights you up.
So what's next?
So happy you asked!
If you’re brand new to the Milky Way family, watch your inbox in the coming days as I share some great ways to stay connected with your clients in a way that feels authentic to YOU!
And if you're a family photographer...
Watch for the brand new 2023 {online} Family Retreat - coming this June!
Tickets go on sale May 31st
