What's the difference between Lifestyle, Documentary and Portrait Photography?

There are so many photography styles. Let’s discuss three of the most popular when it comes to family photography.

To an outside observer, classic portraiture, lifestyle photography and documentary photography can look kinda similar – but there are a few key differences. There are no hard and fast rules about this kind of thing, this is just my interpretation and how I like to explain it to people:

Documentary Photography is completely unscripted. It’s the fly on a wall approach. It’s visual storytelling – it’s documenting your real life, exactly as it happens with no involvement or direction from the photographer. It’s raw, emotive and honestly represents who you are – quirks and all. 

While documentary photography is completely unscripted - Portrait Photography is the opposite– the photographer has full creative control over every possible aspect of the photograph – light choice, background, face and body placement etc. They are styled, polished, perfectly posed.

Lifestyle Photography lies somewhere in the middle of classic portraiture and documentary photography.  It’s a mix of authentic vs staged photography.  It’s utilizing the best light, mild posing/direction from the photographer and shooting real life situation as it unfolds.  Lifestyle images look more laid back compared to classic portraiture… To me, they are a prettied up interpretation of real life.

Each photography style is beautiful in its own way - and perfect for capturing your loved ones. Which ever style you may want for an upcoming photography session, the most important element of all is to make sure you PRINT THOSE IMAGES. Either in a book or on your walls. Do NOT let them rot away on your computer!!

Read more about the importance of printing here: