If you’ve set out to create authentic content for your brand, a lifestyle photoshoot is an excellent opportunity to create gorgeous material that will last for years to come. Even if you’re excited about your brand’s upcoming lifestyle photoshoot, preparing for it can feel like a big task. 

What should you do? What should your models wear? Where should the shoot take place? Today, we’re going to break down all of these questions and many more to help you prepare for your perfect lifestyle photoshoot. 

Let’s dive in. 

What is a Lifestyle Photoshoot?

Lifestyle photography is a cross between traditional portraiture and reportage-style photography. Lifestyle photography aims to capture a person or people in their natural setting. For example, consider in-home family photoshoots. Engagement shoots, couples’ sessions, and outdoor family portraits can also be great examples. Brands also utilize lifestyle photography to showcase their products “in the wild” and to humanize their offerings.

For example, take a look at popular outdoor retailer Patagonia – one of the best brands out there when it comes to utilizing lifestyle photography in their ecommerce marketing:

Primarily, lifestyle photography seeks to capture real-life moments, which traditional posed photography might otherwise miss.

Modern lifestyle photoshoots can take place virtually anywhere. In fact, some lifestyle photoshoots take place outdoors, in public places, or in similar settings. 

Preparing for Your Lifestyle Photoshoot

If you’re going to invest in a lifestyle photoshoot, you want the images to come out as well as possible. With this in mind, here are a few smart ways to prepare for your brand’s upcoming session:

Think About What Your Models Will Wear

If you’ve planned a lifestyle photoshoot, the goal is for it to look natural and authentic. These are not corporate headshots, and your models shouldn’t give off that vibe. Instead, have them something that you feel represents your brand’s personality. If your brand specializes in unique, hand-made jewelry, for example, consider incorporating it in the photoshoot. 

If you sell materials with bright colors or patterns, bring some of those into your shoot-day wardrobe. Keep in mind, also, that many lifestyle photographers offer the option for models to change outfits during your photography session. This means you can capture an assortment of images in different outfits, which adds variety and interest. 

Last but not least, make sure your model is comfortable in whatever you choose for them to wear. Again, the point of lifestyle photography is to look and feel natural. One quick note: most lifestyle photographers recommend against wearing clothing with large text characters since they take away from the model’s face and be a distraction for viewers.

How to Prepare Your Space 

If you’re holding the lifestyle photoshoot in a home or other intimate space, you might wonder what you need to do to get your space ready. If you’re like most people, you’ll be glad to hear that you shouldn’t stress too much about this. Lifestyle photographers have taken photos in virtually every location, and they won’t be bothered if your floors are a little messy or there’s clutter in the corner. Remember that dust doesn’t often show up in photos, and you don’t need to go crazy scrubbing your bathroom for 3 hours before you take your brand’s lifestyle photos. 

That said, these are photos you’ll use years to come, and you want to be happy with the way that your home looks within them.  Because of this, a little tidying and organizing is never a bad idea. 

Pay special attention to the rooms that you’d like to photograph in. For example, if you’re a small DTC brand taking your first batch of lifestyle photos at your home, and you feel your living room gets beautiful light, pay attention to anything in the space that might detract from the photographs. If you want to take some portraits in the bedroom, evaluate the space with the eye of a stranger. If you notice anything that you wouldn’t want in the photographs, or that you believe will take away attention from the portraits, remove it now. 

Beyond that, trust your lifestyle photographer and their ability to work with your home just as it is. “Perfectly imperfect” is the name of the game when it comes to lifestyle photography.

Have Activities Prepared

Unless you’re a Kardashian, using professional models in your stead, or excessively comfortable with having a camera in your face, being photographed is not the most natural thing. To help your photos come out looking more natural and relaxed, have some activities prepared before your photographer gets there. There are dozens of options, and it’s essential to choose one that feels genuine to you and your family. Here are a few great examples:

• Make breakfast
• Give the baby or dog a bath
• Have some cuddle time in bed or on the couch
• Read a favorite book
• Bake and decorate something special
• Head to a farmer’s market or favorite park
• Go “camping” in the backyard

If there’s something else that stands out to you and seems like an excellent option for your brand and product, don’t be afraid to run it past your photographer. Creativity is everything.

Research Your Photographer

No two photographers are created equal, and some have ways that they love to work. With this in mind, do some research on your photographer before the day of your photoshoot arrives. For example, maybe your photographer is especially good at taking outdoor photographs. Perhaps they love action shots or images that include pets. Maybe they have a specific location that they love to shoot. 

No matter what the case may be, understanding your photographer’s background and unique talents is an excellent way to ensure you get as much value as possible out of your upcoming photography session.

Have Fun With It

Last but not least, have fun with your brand’s big lifestyle photography session. It can be intimidating to be in front of the camera, especially if you’re not photographed frequently. Still, this is an excellent opportunity for you to create some exceptional content. Even if you’re uncomfortable at first, make a conscious effort to relax, laugh, and have fun. The more you allow yourself to be in the moment, the better your photos will be.

The H Hub: Where You Find a Photographer for Your Next Lifestyle Photoshoot

Finding a skilled photographer can be hard, but you can’t afford to gamble. After all, if you’re going to hire somebody for a lifestyle photoshoot, you want to know that that person will work well with you and your brand. Here at The H Hub, we offer a stunning selection of freelance photographers. 

Whether you’re looking for somebody to take vibrant, active outdoor photos, or intimate photos you can use in your marketing, we’ve got a photographer for you. If you’re ready to book your next lifestyle photoshoot, browse our selection of freelance photographers and videographers today. Each of these skilled professionals is an excellent option for documenting your brand and creating authentic content you will treasure for years to come.

Ready to learn more? Browse freelance photographers now.