I got an email today asking about how to take better lifestyle images and I wrote up a response real quick, I thought it might be interesting to others so here is my response:

Thanks for the good word XXXX,

I don’t really have a set formula, its like saying how do you shoot a good landscape images… know what I mean? Good lifestyle photographers are able to get great, believable images on demand in any lighting conditions… I’m still working on this! Carrying your camera around all day might work for getting an image or two, but might not work on bigger shoots. Here are some points that I think are important.

1) Go into the shoot with something you or the client is trying to achieve creatively. Have a look/style you want to accomplish. I like to flip through fashion magazines… a trip to Barnes and Noble can be motiving.

2) Get the athlete/talent involved in the creative process. You aren’t the only one who wants to see great images. Tell people what they are doing well and what they need to work on. Show them on the computer or at least on the camera. Also learn to realize when you need to change up locations/style/etc because things aren’t working.

3) Have fun. Do something like start the shoot with the model screaming, it loosens up the mood the things will start to flow.

4) A little style and hair/makeup go a long way. Create relationships with local make-up artists or stylists and get their help. Let them do what they are good at so you can do what you are good at.

5) Shoot something that you are safe with and something that challenges you every time you go out. The only way to get better is to take chances so do it when you can.

Hope this helps! Tk

I just wrapped in Seattle. Here is a shot –