How to Choose the Perfect Photography Style for Your Family | Mentor Ohio Newborn Photographer
If you’re anything like me, I bet you've got a wall in your house dedicated to family photos, right? The smiling faces on the wall serve as a constant reminder of what truly matters in life and work.
But have you ever wondered how to choose the right photographer and the right style to capture your family's unique spirit even better? Although photographers frequently use jargon like "Lifestyle" and "Portrait," it can be hard to truly understand what types of images these terms will produce. So, what does it all actually mean?
Just like you wouldn't wear a tuxedo to a beach party, some styles just work better with certain moods and moments.
First up, let's talk about the Classic Style also known as Portrait Photography.
Classic Photography is timeless, a little more formal and almost always heavily posed. This style usually has a lot of emphasis on the pose, so you would expect to see more rules than creativity.
Picture your grandma's vintage photo hanging on the wall - that's a perfect example of traditional portrait photography.
Generally this is the “holiday card photo.” You can clearly see everyone’s face and everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.
Mentor Ohio Family Photographer
Next, we have Candid Photography or some call this Lifestyle Photography.
It’s all about capturing spontaneous moments - the giggles, the funny faces,
the sudden burst of dancing in the living room.
Usually this is done on-location or in studio, but your photographer might use more casual prompts and poses in order to get laughs and reactions from those being photographed.
This style is perfect if your family loves a more casual look to their photos. You might not be able to see everyone’s faces and some people’s faces might look goofy, but that’s the point of candid photography!
It's less about perfection and more about authenticity.
Mentor Ohio Family Photographer
One you might not hear too often is Fine art photography.
This is a style that emphasizes beauty, creativity, and artistic expression.
It's a genre of photography that's often compared to a fine painting or sculpture, with each image carefully composed and thoughtfully designed.
The photographer may use lighting techniques to create a certain mood or emotion, and the subjects may be posed in a way that highlights their form and beauty.
The goal of fine art photography is to create a work of art. This is where many of my artistic newborn shots fall under!
While it may not capture the spontaneous moments of candid photography, it offers a different kind of beauty and depth.
Mentor Ohio Newborn Photographer
Finally, for those who love activities, “Day-in-the-life” Photography could be your perfect match.
This style aims to capture real-life events or milestones or activities in a storytelling manner, often set in personal and outdoor spaces.
So if your family loves to hike, camp or picnic, lifestyle shots will catch those special moments.
With day-in-the-life photography, there is generally no posing or prompting at all. The photographer really is a fly on the wall while your family participates in an activity you all love doing together.
I particularly love day-in-the-life photography for families with toddlers because it’s so much more fun to do an activity they love than trying to ask them to sit still and smile for a more classic type of photography session.
I often times do Fresh 48 Photography which takes place about 2 days after birth in the hospital. These are beautiful natural candid shots taken of your newborn.
Cleveland Ohio Fresh 48 Photographer
Now, here's the fun part: deciding on the best style for your family!
This isn't about choosing 'the best' style out there, but rather what's best for your family (and this might change depending on the season of life your family is in).
If your family is a lively bunch that's constantly on the move, candid or lifestyle photography might work best. For families that love tradition and formality, portrait photography could be the way to go.
But hey, who says you have to stick to one style? Now that you know the terms photographers use for these types of sessions, feel free to ask your photographer if they do these types of photography and if they’re willing to mix and match.
For example, I generally include both “classic” and “candid” in my portrait sessions because my clients like a mix of both.
As you ponder over your next family photo session, let these styles play in your mind.
I can't wait to see you and your family in front of my lens, capturing those moments that will become treasured memories!
Love,
Danelle
Cleveland First Birthday Photographer
Cleveland Ohio First Birthday Photographer
Dinosaur Themed First Birthday Photoshoot
How fun is little Theo on his first birthday cake smash session! I first met the family at their maternity photos and had the pleasure of photographing their maternity, newborn and now first birthday photos.
When booking a cake smash photo you have 2 options. Simple or complete and customized. If you just need a few simple photos with balloons. Now worries, I got you covered. The quick photo shoot usually take place with my white backdrop and create some fun and classic photos.
If you ready to create and have some fun with a customized theme. I’m ready to help! When booking the complete smash cake session I work with the family in regards to the decor and style of the shoot. I usually like to take family photos prior to the smash cake session. That way you get a little bit of both photos.
The cake smashes are so much fun and make the best memories and mess, lol! Need more information or ready to book. Reach out and I’d be happy to help!
Northeast Ohio's Newborn Photographer | Introducing Baby Aubrey
Northeast Ohio’s Newborn Photographer. Introducing Baby Aubrey, and baby makes a sweet family of 4!
The best thing I love about my job is getting to know the families and literally watching them grow over the years! It is so hard to believe I first met this adorable family when I did their Fresh 48 Newborn Portraits for their first daughter. This took place right before Covid happened. We had no idea after that what we would be in for.
Since the Fresh 48 photos, I watched their little girl grow through all of the many mini sessions we had together.
I was so excited at their last mini session, when she announced she was expecting! What an honor to photograph their sweet newborn portraits again. Baby Aubrey rocked her newborn shoot and I had the best time shooting their Newborn Portraits.
For more information on my Newborn Package Pricing please reach out I would be happy to discuss.
~xoxo
Danelle
Cherry Blossoms are almost here | Cleveland, Ohio | Cleveland Photography
I’m so excited to announce the Cherry Blossom season is almost here in Cleveland, Ohio! It takes a while for spring to finally kick in here in Northeast Ohio. Especially today in March, when it’s still 25 degrees outside, ugh!
If you are interested in some beautiful spring portraits with the cherry blossoms, it’s best to book now. I only have a few spots left for spring sessions. The Cherry blossoms are about 60% bloomed right now and will only stay open for the next 2 weeks. Please check out the cherry blossom tracker here https://www.universitycircle.org/blooms
Please contact me today for the spring sessions with the Cherry Blossoms.
xoxo~Danelle
Snowy Maternity Photo Shoot | Cleveland, Ohio | Squires Castle
There is something so beautiful about a maternity shoot taking place at a castle filled with snow. It was a snowy and chilly January but that didn’t stop this sweet couple from venturing out. I love when couples are all about capturing photos outdoors, even if its during the dead of winter. Outdoor shoots in the snow can be very beautify! For more information on my maternity sessions please contact me. I offer both on location and indoor shoots.
Welcome Baby Marcus | Cleveland Photographer | Best Newborn Photographer
Oh, how I love how everything came together perfectly for this studio newborn shoot! This family nailed their neutral clothings by mixing it up with some browns, blacks and creams. Your photos need to be elegant, classy and timeless especially when looking at them 15 years from now. When choosing what to wear, I don’t recommend any thing too trendy, stripes or patterns. Neutrals are always best! When booking a session with me, I’m happy to help consult clothing ideas and suggestions. Please reach out!
xoxo,
Danelle
Tree Farm Mini Sessions | Cleveland, Ohio | Best Photographer | Northeast Ohio
There is nothing better than freshly fallen snow on a beautiful tree farm during the holiday season. I mean its picture perfect, am I right?! I’m been so fortunate to be able to shoot here at Sugar Pines Farms for the last 4 years. Even their tree farm name gives you a warm feel when you think of tree farms. My tree farm minis are announced and booked during the fall for the Christmas Season. They fill up very quickly! If you are interested in future tree farm minis, please join my email list.
Best of the East Cleveland 2022 | Best Photographer | Cleveland, Ohio
I was extremely honored to be notified of being a Top 3 Finalist for the “Best of the East” for photography held by Cleveland Magazine. This is such an honor and extremely grateful for those who nominated me. Each year Cleveland Magazine selects the Best of the East of many different categories. They also hold a Best of the West section at well. This year the Best of the East was finally able to hold their party at Landerhaven! All of the best of each category represented and came together that evening.
I feel so honored to do what I love and able to be recognized at the same time!
I am forever grateful, thank you!
XOXO~Danelle
Lifestyle Newborn Photography | Mentor, Ohio | Cleveland, Ohio
How to prepare for a Lifestyle Newborn Shoot! You just had a baby, discharged home and the photographer is showing up this week~ Yes, it can feel like a whirlwind of emotions leading up to the birth and afterwards. The most important thing is to RELAX. The house doesn’t need to be magazine ready, I can make any spot of any home look picture ready.
When to book:
The sooner the better with Newborn Portraits. Newborn photo dates fill up quickly and its best to get the date you want and no more stress of worrying. I also recommend Newborn photos to take place from day 5 to day 15 of life. Anytime after that is still possible. I also like to explain to parents that around the 1 month mark, babies are much more awake and aware of their surrounding. At this age its hard to settle down as quickly, and create those desired newborn poses.
When I’m traveling to your home, all I ask is a 4x4 window lit area if possible. This spot is where all the typical newborn shots and props take place. The more lifestyle aka candid shots take place in the living room, nursery and master bedroom. I alway say less clutter the better.
What to wear:
I’m a big fan of soft earthy neutral tones. Pick a neutral color pallet and have mom, dad and siblings pick a color to coordinate never match. Please don't show up with white shirts and blue jeans.. That look left with the 80’s;):)
I also recommend feeding the baby and keeping the house warm right before I arrive. This will create those sleepy vibes I need from the baby.
If you’re interested in setting up Lifestyle Newborn Shoot, please contact me.
xoxo ~Danelle
Snowy Maternity Photo Shoot | Cleveland, Ohio | Squires Castle
There is something so beautiful about a maternity shoot taking place at a castle filled with snow. It was a snowy and chilly January but that didn’t stop this sweet couple from venturing out. I love when couples are all about capturing photos outdoors, even if its during the dead of winter. Outdoor shoots in the snow can be very beautify! For more information on my maternity sessions please contact me. I offer both on location and indoor shoots.
Now Booking Valentine Mini Sessions | Cleveland, Ohio | Mentor, Ohio | Photography
I am so excited to announce I am now booking Valentine Mini Photography Sessions. They will take place on February 1, 2020. There are 3 backdrop options to choose from. XOXO pink heart, gold heart backdrop or solid black backdrop. For more information and on how to book contact me today.
A Celebration Headshot from Case Western
I was recently asked by a graduating Case Western Law Student for some head shot photography. She was proud of how far she has come and wanted to document the success. Yes! I was so excited to hear about this. That is what photography does. It freezes time for all these special moments in our life. Often times we get so caught up in the process and hustle/bustle of life and forget to enjoy/savor the moment. We met on a beautiful spring morning at the Cleveland Art Museum. It was perfect timing with spring in full bloom. Please contact me if interested in head shot photography in the greater Cleveland area.
