Documentary family photography vs lifestyle: what’s the difference?
When looking into a relaxed photo session for your family, you’ll probably come across terms like “unposed family photos,” “documentary photography,” or “lifestyle session.” But what do they really mean, and how do you know which one is right for you?
Let’s explore what sets them apart, so you can decide which one feels perfect for your family.
What is lifestyle family photography?
Lifestyle photography is often described as “posed but natural.” The photographer will guide you into flattering light, show you where to sit or stand, and give you prompts to help create authentic-looking moments. You might be asked to sit on the couch, play a game with your children, or stand where the light is pretty, all while the photographer gives light direction to help everything flow.
The goal is a polished, emotional feel that still looks real and relaxed, but there’s usually quite a bit of subtle posing behind the scenes. Your lifestyle photographer will probably provide you with a clothing guide to help you choose outfits with earth tones, and coordinate the family. They might even offer a wardrobe of flowing dresses for you to borrow, or share links for shopping.
Sessions often take place during golden hour (that beautiful time just before sunset) when the light is soft and flattering.
What is documentary family photography?
Documentary photography, on the other hand, is a completely unposed approach. There are very few to no prompts, no requests to smile at the camera. It’s about photographing life as it happens, the real, sometimes messy, beautiful moments that tell the true story of your family.
Your documentary photographer won’t ask you to move to a room with better light or fix your hair, they’ll work with the light and moments that naturally unfold in your home or chosen location. This style is all about honesty and bonds: the way your child climbs onto your lap, how you laugh together over breakfast, or the chaos of getting everyone out the door. You will be asked what time is convenient for you, depending on your everyday life and your child’s rythm.
Rather than focusing on picture-perfect images, documentary photography and unposed family photos celebrate what’s real, not in spite of the imperfections, but because of them. It’s an artistic, storytelling approach that captures your family in the most truthful and meaningful way. It’s a “come as you are, it’ll be grand” style.
Ever wondered how lifestyle and documentary family photos are different?
While both sessions celebrate your unique connection, their focus is slightly different.
Lifestyle sessions gently guide you into natural poses and prompts to highlight your closeness. The aim is to make you shine, your smiles, your cuddles, your bond, all wrapped in beautiful light and composition.
Documentary sessions, on the other hand, are about what you love doing together and how you’ll want to remember that in 20 years. There’s no posing, just you, being yourselves. The magic comes from the little things: the morning routines, the way you play, laugh, comfort each other. It’s about capturing the love that already lives in your everyday.
Here’s an example: If your child cries, your lifestyle photographer might suggest a pause and wait. Your documentary photographer might photograph quietly the way you comfort your kid, because they feel it’s also a beautiful moment worth documenting.
Lifestyle photography focuses on the people themselves, highlighting their beauty and connection through guided poses that encourage interaction, soft light and cute outfits. Documentary photography focuses on the bonds, which shine through the everyday things a family loves doing together: it’s that honest connection that makes them beautiful.
So, what do I do as a documentary photographer?
While lifestyle photographers guide their clients throughout the session, I take a different path.
I’m here to observe, not to direct, but that doesn’t mean I just show up and hope for the best! In fact, we prepare your session together well in advance. I’ll ask you what your family loves doing, what your rhythms look like, and what matters to you. Then I’ll gently help you plan the session around meaningful activities that naturally create connection. Do you love making pancakes together, walking the dog, reading a book, or gardening? Then we’ll definitely do that.
Sometimes I may offer a prompt or suggestion if it feels helpful. But there are also many, many sessions where I don’t intervene at all, because everything flows beautifully on its own. My presence isn’t meant to change your dynamic, but to preserve it.
When I arrive at your home, you’re not left wondering what to do with your hands. You already know what this time is about. And while I do provide a guide for outfits should you need it, I encourage you to wear whatever is handy and comfortable, and I wholeheartedly welcome toddlers’ “I did it myself” mismatched outfits. Personality over looks!
Read more about why I chose to become a documentary photographer.
Why do unposed family photos matter?
Because the way your family is right now, in all its chaos and sweetness, is worth remembering. Documentary photography gives you more than just beautiful images; it gives you emotional heirlooms. It preserves the details you didn’t even know you’d miss one day.
Whether you choose lifestyle or documentary, what matters most is finding a photographer who aligns with your values and understands what you want to remember. And later in life, when your child is grown up and their memory of those times are fuzzy, they will cherish this gift. Read more about how to choose the best family photographer in Dublin.
FAQ
Can I still choose some photos in documentary sessions?
Yes! After your session, you’ll receive an online gallery where you can select your favourites, regardless of whether they were posed or candid.
Do toddlers respond well in documentary sessions?
They do! Toddlers often thrive in documentary sessions because they can move, play, and interact naturally without the pressure of posing. They get to be kids and have fun, and spend some quality time with their parents. They love it!
Can we have one posed photo where we all look at the camera?
Absolutely! Even in a documentary or unposed session, I’m happy to take a traditional group shot if you’d like. In fact, I have a blog post dedicated to the “grandma photo”, go and have a look!
Curious to learn more?
If documentary, unposed family photos sound like what you’ve been looking for, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about what your real life looks like, and how we can honour it together. I can’t wait to meet you!
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