A Parent's Guide to Choosing a Local Photographer: Understanding Photography Terms

Photography JARGON you need to know

Shopping for a photographer can feel like learning a new language - candid, posed, lifestyle, documentary, editorial. But don't worry, I’m here to translate. These terms basically tell you what kind of experience you're signing up for and what your photos will feel like in the end. Let’s break it down.

Documentary photography

A documentary session is as real as it gets. Your photographer’s job? To be a fly on the wall. No instructions, no posing—just life, exactly as it happens. This style is for families who want raw, unfiltered moments captured, like a true snapshot of your day-to-day life. It's perfect if you're looking for images that are honest and unposed, whether it's the chaos of breakfast or a quiet moment reading together.

Lifestyle Photography

A lifestyle session is all about those beautiful, in-between moments with a bit of subtle direction. Think of it as “real, but with good lighting.” The photographer will guide you into certain situations or positions, but the goal is still to capture natural connection and emotion. It’s perfect for families who want a relaxed vibe but also appreciate some gentle guidance to help make everything look and feel effortless (even if wrangling the kids sometimes feels like herding cats).

Posed photography

Posed sessions are for those classic, polished shots—where everyone’s standing just right, smiling at the camera, and looking their best. This is the kind of session where your photographer takes the lead, telling you exactly where to stand, how to sit, and what to do with your hands (because honestly, hands are awkward sometimes, right?). Posed photography is great for those who love a more traditional, “frame-worthy” shot for their wall or holiday cards.

Summary

Documentary Photography: 100% hands-off. It’s life as it happens, without any staging or direction. Perfect for families who love the raw, real moments.

Lifestyle Photography: A little bit of guidance, a lot of natural moments. Ideal for families who want that in-between mix of candid and directed shots.

Posed Photography: Classic and structured. Perfect for those who love a polished, traditional look with everyone looking their best.

Natural light

Natural light is the light provided by the sun, and it changes throughout the day. Indoors, it streams in through windows, and outdoors, it varies depending on the time. Early morning and late afternoon provide softer, more flattering light, as the sun is lower in the sky, reducing harsh shadows. Midday light, when the sun is directly overhead, can be a bit more intense. Natural light often feels organic and comfortable, which really comes through in your photos.

STUDIO LIGHT

Studio light is when we bring in artificial lighting - whether it’s on-camera or off. It gives us full control over the look of your photos. This can be continuous light (bulbs are always on) or flash (the light only fires when the photo is taken). Studio lighting is perfect if you’re looking for polished, predictable, and super consistent results. It’s great for a more controlled, refined look.



GOLDEN HOUR

Ah, golden hour - the photographer’s dream! It’s that magical time just before sunset (or right after sunrise) when the sun creates a soft, golden glow. This light is flattering and warm, adding a dreamy, nostalgic feel to your photos. Perfect for outdoor sessions if you’re looking for that "glow" that makes everything feel a little more magical.

Fill Light

Fill light is indirect, softer light that fills the space without coming directly from the source. Think of a gently-lit bedroom in the morning where the sun isn’t shining straight in, but the room is still bright. It’s soft, subtle, and helps create a natural, airy feel in your photos.

HARSH LIGHT

Harsh light usually comes from direct midday sunlight, which can create strong contrasts with bright highlights and deep shadows. It adds a certain intensity to photos, but it can also be tricky. If your session is scheduled during the middle of the day, your photographer may guide you to shaded spots or diffuse the light to avoid those high-contrast shadows on your face.

HIGH RESOLUTION DIGITAL IMAGES

Your photography session might include high-resolution digital images, or they could be available for purchase afterward. High resolution refers to the clarity in an image, meaning the photos will look detailed, even when printed at larger sizes or viewed on a monitor. High-resolution images are ideal for creating beautiful prints without losing any of that detail.

NEGATIVES

Negatives come into play when your photographer shoots with an analog or film camera. Unlike digital cameras, film cameras use a physical material called a negative to capture and store the image. The image is then scanned from the negative into a computer, instead of being saved on a memory card like with digital photography. When a photographer shoots on film, they might offer you the negatives as a unique and lasting family heirloom—an original version of your photos.

PRINTS

Prints are your digital images brought to life in physical, display-ready form. Some photographers only offer prints, while others provide both digital images and prints. Some may give you access to a print store where you can easily order wall art, albums, or other keepsakes. Others may provide digital images, allowing you to print them at your preferred location. Prints are a wonderful way to showcase your favorite photos and turn them into timeless wall art.