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Documentary or Lifestyle Session: what are differences between them?

Lifestyle is a term that’s been used to describe those photo sessions that are known for the lifelikeness the pictures present.

In lifestyle sessions, the best conditions are created in order to get beautiful photos that, at the same time, reflect that lifelike feeling.
The time and place are chosen, as well as the clothes that can be purposely selected for the session. And, during the session, the family is directed and posed to get a better composition and lighting. There is also a lot of interaction between the photographer and families to get authentic expressions and reactions.

 

Family with two kids having fun in Ribeira do Porto
In a family lifestyle session there is a lot of fun and play, as well as some more calm and tender moments. This is what you can expect when booking a short session, where part of the session is dedicated to make this fun natural looking portraits of your family.

 

In a documentary session, the approach is very different.

The purpose is to make photographs that truly reflect your family life – your day-to-day, who you are, what you’re feeling, how you relate with one another. So, interference will be minimal, I won’t pose you and won’t direct you in any way.
It is obvious that only by being there, there will be some interference. And that is the reason why this kind of sessions last longer, like the “day in the life” sessions that last for a whole day. It takes time for kids (and grown-ups) to get used to the presence of someone that is there to photograph their day. I do talk and play with the kids, but I don’t pose them, don’t change the environment by, for example, turning lights on or off, or ask anyone to move. I’m with the family like a guest, and by being a natural presence in their day I’m able photograph them as their life truly happens: the tender moments, the fun and chaotic ones as well as the tantrums.

 

kids jumpping on bed while mom tries to make the bed
The result is very very special. Your kids, when they grow up, are going to love to look at these pictures and relive these moments as kids. Just imagine, you having photographs of your childhood that show the chaos of your family meals, the bath time or even the tantrums because you didn’t want to get to bed.
That’s what documentary family is all about: your family in awesome, honest photographs.
 
If you’d like to book your session or know more about them, drop me an email at info@anapratas.com .

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