What is Indoor Lifestyle Family Photography? | Vancouver Washington, Jaime Bugbee Photography

I define lifestyle family photography as images that capture real family connections though guided direction that allows families to relax and be themselves. I absolutely cringe at stiffness in a photo, especially family photos. It is the way you interact with your family that makes you unique and photographing that makes my heart full. I think it is one of the most exquisite ways to photograph people, you may not think of your family as an art piece but in my mind you are and that is what I want to photograph when working with your family.

Guided Direction Over Posing

I am obsessed with movement, hands, and closeness in family photographs. I’ll ask families to dance to their favorite music in the living room, snuggle really close on the couch and look at each other while holding hands or sit together closely on their bed and tell me about something they love to do together. When families aren’t concerned about looking at the camera the realness shows and it’s so amazing. It happens every time! I love that so much! I rarely have families look at the camera, although I typically get a few, my goal is to show the connection of your family and how special that is at this time in your lives.

Capturing Details

Before a family and I ever meet for their lifestyle family photography session we get to know each other via email. I send each family a pre session questionnaire that allows to get a glimpse into their family unit, family life, and what’s important to them. It only takes them about 5-10 but it helps me guide their session so that they are able to be themselves. Getting to know a family allows me to focus on details such as special connections between your kids and how mom and dad met, knowing what is important to them is key to getting details.

A Story is Unfolding

When I am photographing a family, I am telling their story-as they are now. The family photographed below had recently moved into their new home, I let them know that this is an awesome time to have the photos taken, even if you’re not moved in and everything looks “perfect”. I loved that they were so open to having this time documented, it is a new chapter for them and now it can be treasured in their family photographs for a lifetime. This is This is done through many images, not a just a handful. I deliver larger galleries of images to each family that show them as they are and their special connection. Each family is different and that is what makes them unique. I encourage families to relax, let kids move around and be silly, have fun, and let me do the work for you. Just showing up and being you is the best advice I give families.

Personal Elements

Your home is as unique as your family and being in your element can create a personal feel to your family photos. I encourage families to “tidy-up” prior to their family session but your home doesn’t need to be spotless, unless it normally is. If it is, please tell me how to achieve this! lol. As I mentioned, I loved this session because this family had just moved into their new home, I am so glad we got to document them moving into a new chapter in their lives. Check out the R family!