Different Photography Styles Explained
Choosing a photographer can get overwhelming fast. If you’ve ever posted in an online group asking for recommendations, you know how quickly the comment section fills up. Suddenly, you're swimming in marketing buzzwords that sound great—but what do they actually mean?
Let’s break it down.
In family photography, there are a few popular styles you’ll come across: lifestyle, documentary, and traditional. You might also hear about fine art photography.
Lifestyle Photography
Lifestyle photography blends candid moments with just a little bit of direction. Your photographer will guide you with gentle prompts—nothing stiff or overly posed—designed to spark real connection and (hopefully) spontaneous emotion.
These sessions usually happen outdoors and often take advantage of natural light. While lifestyle photographers might use props or set a scene, what sets this style apart from traditional photography is how the subjects interact with the setup. Props aren’t just decorations—they’re part of the story.
This style is especially popular among family photographers because it’s relatively accessible—no need for expensive studios, and there's room for flexibility as new photographers develop their skills.
That said, photographers who really master this approach stand out for their deep understanding of natural light, strong technical skills, and editing consistency. They know how to help clients relax and play without feeling awkward or staged.
Documentary Photography
Documentary photography is rooted in photojournalism. It’s 100% candid—your photographer takes on the role of a quiet observer, capturing real, unscripted moments. Think of it as the “fly on the wall” approach.
You’ve probably seen this style used in weddings, birthdays, or other milestone events. But it also translates beautifully into family photography. If your loved ones tend to shy away from the camera, a documentary session might be a great alternative to the more interactive lifestyle approach.
Sometimes these sessions include an activity—maybe baking cookies, playing a board game, or just hanging out in the backyard. The goal is to document your life as it actually is, with a focus on authentic connection and storytelling.
Photographers who excel in this style have a keen eye for composition, timing, and light. Since there’s no posing or direction, they need to anticipate moments as they unfold—and know which ones will tell a meaningful story.
Traditional Photography
Traditional family photography leans more formal. These sessions are often done in a studio or carefully chosen outdoor location, where the photographer has full control over lighting, background, and overall aesthetic.
In this style, the photographer will guide you into classic poses with a strong focus on presentation and symmetry. The result? Timeless portraits for you to enjoy for years to come.
Photographers who specialize in traditional portraiture have a solid understanding of professional lighting setups and indoor shooting conditions. They’re also skilled at crafting clean, elegant scenes and guiding subjects into flattering, well-composed poses.
Fine Art Photography
Fine art family photography is highly stylized and intentionally artistic. Sessions may take place in-studio or outdoors, but they usually involve more detailed planning—from wardrobe selection to creative concepts.
While there is still direction and posing during the session, most of the magic happens in post-processing. These photographers are masters of editing tools like Lightroom and Photoshop, using both to bring their unique artistic vision to life. Some may even incorporate practical effects during the shoot to achieve a specific look or mood.
Fine art photography often feels dreamlike, elegant, and a bit surreal. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something more imaginative or gallery-worthy.
Final Thoughts
Each of these photography styles offers something different—and none is “better” than the others. The best choice depends on your family’s personality, your goals for the session, and what kind of images you want to treasure for years to come.
Whether you love the candid moments of lifestyle and documentary work, the structure of traditional portraits, or the artistry of fine art sessions, there’s a photographer out there whose style matches yours.
