In reviewing my year – because it’s that time again – I thought about how much this in-home lifestyle session meant to me and how much I love the images. I wasn’t sure the blurb served the images as well as it could, so I am re-sharing it with a slight tune-up to the story. I’d love to know what you think of the writing or the images, and I’d be grateful if you let me know in the comment section below.
Being welcomed into someone’s life to do an in-home lifestyle session fills me up. It gives me strength. It gives me joy.
Joyelle and I met during a virtual art project. It was six-degrees of separation that brought us back together years later. It was serendipitous.
In-home lifestyle sessions are intimate, raw and even laid-back. Whatever a family’s style, I always aim to highlight them in their natural habitat with all their creature comforts. ~ Michele Mateus
The kids welcomed me into their space quickly. No shyness here. Plus, they were excited to pull out all their favourite things and show me how much they love them. From MineCraft to Taekwondo moves to Star Wars costumes, I saw it all.
In the Brandt family, Dad is the photographer. He’s rarely in front of the camera. Because of his role, I was thrilled to capture these candid moments of him and the kids. I’m pretty sure he liked being on the other side of the camera, too.
Grandma stopped by to see what the fuss was about with an in-home lifestyle session, and I pulled her into the pictures. That’s what I loved about this visit with the Brandt family — we incorporated real life into their family albums and wall art.
As part of my sessions, I like to get to know you well. Here are a few of the questions that I like to ask – Joyelle, being the loving and open person that she is, didn’t mind me sharing her answers in this blog. Enjoy!
Q. Tell me a bit about your family.
A. We are a creative family of 4. Robert is a dentist by day and writer by night, Joyelle is a Mom and author/illustrator, Gabe is 9 and loves all things Star Wars, and Gavin is 4 and loves everything his big brother loves.
Q. Do you do family photos every year? If so why?
A. This is only our second time doing family photos, but after our session with Michele in 2015 I realized the boys had grown so much in the year that I wanted to update our photos. Now I think I will do them yearly, because it is so wonderful to have images that document our ever-changing lives.
Q. What do you like about my approach as a photographer?
A. I love that you are so willing to co-create the vision for the session with us, and {Michele} is creative in her approach.
Q. What made you interested in doing an in-home lifestyle session?
A. Doing a home session really meant capturing the everyday moments, like the kids playing Lego and running around doing a light saber battle. These are the things that happen every day and often don’t get documented. It captures more of our real life, and I love that.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments you saw when looking at your photos?
A. All the moments we were laughing because our kids did something funny. People are often wary when I suggest in home session as they worry about messy houses and cluttered spaces.
Q. What would you say to those that have never done an in-home lifestyle session before?
A. I would say a good photographer knows how to focus on what matters (your family) and conveniently blur out the background clutter, and Michele is a really good photographer! And also, that clutter and mess is real life with kids, and we don’t need to have perfect homes to have beautiful photos.
