5 Tips for Lifestyle Photography

 Photographing everyday life is one of my biggest creative passions! There is just something so special about capturing the things that make today wonderful. I've been photographing my daily life for nearly ten years and I love looking back on random moments from years past. In the days of film photography people were afraid to "waste" film. They chose to take more posed photos of groups of people and less small memories of each day. We're so lucky to live in the digital age where you can literally take 100 photos on your phone today and only keep your 3 favorites. I always think back to my high school self (who spent a lot of allowance money on packs of film) and imagine how blown away I would be if someone would have told me that in just 10 years time I'd have a phone that took better photos than my camera. The resources we have at our fingertips are truly incredible! Here are 5 tips for capturing your everyday life... 1. When In Doubt, Bring Your Camera. 

I try to bring my digital SLR with me as much as possible. There are so many random photos that I would have missed if I hadn't been lugging my Canon with me everywhere I go. I have quite a few camera bags to switch out (some that double as purses) and that's super helpful! It's always easier to leave it at home, but I'm determined not to let any dust collect on my camera. I never regret bringing it along! Here's a photo that I captured this week while at lunch with my sister. I loved the way the light was coming through the blinds. It's always worth it to bring your camera and when that's not possible, rely on your phone camera! 2. Zoom In

Instead of focusing only on wide shots of people, take time to zoom in and capture little details! Each day there are countless expressions, moments and pretty vignettes in your life that you might not remember if you don't caputure them. Always remember to zoom in and photograph the little things you love in life! I love this photo. Even though it doesn't show our faces it communicates a lot! 

This photo from our home tour was my favorite because it captures the happy vibe of our home on a lazy morning. 3. Be Weird

There are little things that make you unique. Be sure to document these quirks and special qualities! The photo above was taken the morning after Jeremy proposed to me. We get coffee together almost every morning, but this morning was extra special! I am glad I have this photo and it means more to me than most of the posed photos we took that day. One of my family members even commented that it was "kinda weird", but what matters is that it tells a little piece of our story! Step outside the box of getting a "good photo" and try to capture something really personal. This photo of my grandfather riding his bike is one of my favorites because we used to ride bikes together when I was little. It means more to me than most of the smiling/posed photos we have together because it evokes a memory. 4. Cell Phone Photos Are A-O.K.! 

Cell phone photos have completely changed the photography world in the past five years. The quality has quickly gone from something you couldn't really print to something that, at times, rivals traditional photography. It's pretty exciting! I often post cell phone photos on my blog and have a basket of them printed out on my coffee table (I shared about ways I display iPhone photos in my home here). There is nothing wrong with using your phone as your secondary, or even primary, camera! It's a great way to capture everyday life because it's always with you. 

Here are a few of my favorite photos from this past month, via my iPhone... These little things might have gone undocumented had I not had my phone at my side.5. There Is No Such Thing As A "Wasted" Photo

When in doubt, snap the photo! The above photo was taken in an airport while we waited for a flight. I asked Jeremy to hold up his coffee because it said "Jerry". To my delight the photo that resulted is one of my favorite random photos of him. Sometimes the most unlikely moments can produce the most special images! This photo was snapped by one of our pals during our first month dating. It looks very posed, but it wasn't. It was just a random little snapshot that turned out to be one of our most cherished memories of our early relationship! Sometimes the smallest moments can mean so much more later on. This is why there is no such thing as a "wasted" photo! 

I hope you've picked up a few helpful hints from this article. Taking everyday life photos is one of the healthiest creative habits to excercise. If you're not currently in this routine, why not try some today? xo. elsie

Photo Credits: All Photos by Elsie Larson + Emma Chapman except coffee shop photos by Kelli Trontel and home tour photo by Janae Hardy. 

Comments

[teddi]

i like lifestyle photos too. elsie, you may have actually introduced me to the idea of them many moons ago. :)

[Janine]

GREAT POST!! Thanks so much for sharing x

[Vivi K]

This post is amazing! Thank you for these tips, they've really inspired me!

www.vivikstyle.blogspot.com

[Emma]

Thanks for these tips, Elsie and beautiful mess team.

[Chelsea]

Oh my are these photos pretty! Great tips this is SUCH good advice!!! I love all the photos there so sweet and I would have so much fun if i started doing this (which I am going to start!) and I definitely agree with the phone photos I use my iPod for photos for my blog because it's so much more convenient than my camera and the pictures still come out great! :)

[Allison]

Thank you for sharing these. All of your photos are lovely. I still have a lot to learn. The first step I need to take is brining my slr everywhere. I just get too nervous I will break it, but what is the point in having one if you don't use it?

[Material Fixations]

Amazing! thank you for these great tips ... !

[Joy]

About your phone pictures, how do you get the quality that high? I have an andriod so therefore I don't have instagram. I was just wondering what other aps you use and how your pictures are such great quality even though they're from your phone? Thanks!

[Christina Shumway]

I have been loving your photography tips posts. They have been so insightful and inspiring. Right now, I don't have the $$$ to purchase a real camera, but I have been snapping away on my iPhone.

Also, I loved that you mentioned film when you were growing up. So true!! Someday our little ones will have no idea of what it was like "back then" :)

[linda]

great tips! it would be nice to hear if you do any post-processing of your photos at all?

[Laura]

This is such a helpful post.
The pictures you have used are beautiful :)

Laura xoxo

[anna]

great suggestions!! thank you!

[Maude G]

I love taking pictures of mundane things! Especially food! I am in love with your blog. Such an inspiration! Keep it up.

Maude :)

[Susann]

I love taking such random photos!

Fashion in Pepperland

[Val @ A Cleaner Closet]

Thank you for these great reminders - it's true that it's so important to be open to capturing special moments every day! I love how random/unexpected snaps turned out to be some of your favorites.

acleanercloset.blogspot.com

[elsie]

Q: I love the nail polish you're wearing in the picture after you got engaged. Do you remember what it's called/the brand??
A: It's hard candy. Not sure about the color, through!

Q: I'd love to see was purses you use to carry your camera around. And, do you put the camera in a smaller bag and then your purse, or do you just throw your camera in your purse with everything else? Thanks!
A: I'll blog about this soon! I have a bunch. Some huge & some small.

Q: I was just wondering what other aps you use and how your pictures are such great quality even though they're from your phone?
A: My favorite Apps for iPhone are picture show and instagram. My friend with a Driod told me that there is an app called "Vignette" that is really good for that! Also, when I e-mail myself photos I choose the largest file size always. Hope that helps!

Q: great tips! it would be nice to hear if you do any post-processing of your photos at all?
A: Thanks so much! I do use photoshop for nearly all of the photos I share on this blog...mostly to correct colors, brighten etc. I use Totally Rad actions... there's a link to them on my FAQ page. It makes photoshop much much faster!

[MissLilly]

Thank you for the tips, love all the photos. Love the zoom ones, just to show some special details, and love the weird ones, you know those photos that everyone wouldn't think about taking :)
Very useful post. Wish you a great weekend ahead

[Ti]

Great tips and encouragement! :)

[Sarah]

Great post! I was just lamenting to my husband today how often I regret not having my DSLR with me when I'm out and see something amazing that I miss out on photographing! Definitely a new resolution to bring it along when I head out in the morning... :)

[Jillian]

I love this post. It gives me warm fuzzes and makes me want to get my camera out this minute. Glad to hear from someone that the cell phone photos are ok, too.
-Jillian
http://epic-thread.blogspot.com