I get asked this question a lot. "What's your photography style?" Well, my style is a mix of both: Documentary and Lifestyle, and while there is a distinct difference between these, and most photographers either land in one zone or the other, I am perfectly happy shooting this way. To be honest, there isn't a right or wrong way to shoot, and there also isn't a better way. These are two different styles, serving different purposes and yielding different outcomes. 

What is Documentary-Style Photography?
Documentary-type photographs are the ones that have been created with absolutely no interference from the photographer. They depict "exactly" what is happening in front of the lens as it unfolds. You can think of this as a type of photojournalism: think back to the type of images reporters pull from the field when shooting wars, social and political issues, etc, these photos are meant to depict exactly what is happening at a certain place and time. Documentary Photography, as it pertains to family photography, aims to do the exact same thing. Documenting the lives of families, their stories and life and, ultimately, leaving a legacy for future generations of what life in the family was like years ago.

What is Lifestyle Photography?
Lifestyle photography is a very broad term, but what it basically comes down to is a photographer giving some type of guidance or instruction (sometimes really minimal) during a session to capture candid moments. Think of images you see on Pinterest, and almost certainly most, if not all, of these are considered lifestyle.

Which is Better?
It isn't fair to say one style is better than the other. They're both different, and each style has its strength and beauty. If I'm honest, I think most people would absolutely love the Lifestyle photographs today, however, in 10 or 20 years time, it is the documentary-type photos that will leave the biggest impact.

This is why I choose to do both styles. My natural photographic instinct is to shoot documentary (its how I shoot my own family), but I understand that sometimes clients appreciate a bit of lifestyle. This is a personal choice and I respect it, and that is why I organize my client sessions in a way to capture both styles. I give minimal guidance during my lifestyle portion to ensure the images are as natural as possible, though. I prefer to anticipate and observe the people and the environment around me, and I shoot what moves me as a person and artist.

Here are some examples from previous shoots to give you visual examples of the differences.

Documentary

Lifestyle

I hope this has helped clarify the difference between the two! I absolutely love shooting events as they naturally unfold, and the best way to do that is through my "Day in the Life" sessions. You can choose either a full day (8-10 hours) or half day (4-5 hours) and I will come hang out with your family and shoot that day's activities and interactions, with no interference from my part like posing, etc. The results from these types of shoot offer the most candid and genuine of moments, and I really hope you'll consider this when you're thinking of booking your next session! You can get in touch with me here if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help you decide what's the best fit for your family! 

xo

I think back to the story of the birth of my first baby, and I know that it was a pivotal moment in my life: not only was I becoming a mother for the very first time, but it was the moment I put my foot on the path that has brought me to where I am today. I always knew I wanted a photographer to cover my labor. Sadly, I wasn’t able to find a Dubai birth photographer that would be able to provide this service for me. This is why I decided to start doing this myself. I am happy to say that I have shot three births in Dubai already, and I am looking forward to shooting many more in the future. If you are considering whether you should hire a birth photographer, look no further. Here are my five main reasons why the answer to this question is a definite YES:

1. It is their story, too!
A lot of times during pregnancy,  and leading up to birth, we focus on mom and baby. We forget that pregnancy and birth are both journeys that affect EVERYONE in the family. The birth of a new baby is the birth of a new mother, father, siblings, grandparents... Don’t forget that this is their story too, how lovely would it be if they all get to be in the pictures too?

2. Major life event
The birth of your child is one of the most eventful, and life changing, days of your life. We always hire photographers to cover birthdays and weddings. How is the birth of a child any different? If anything, it is probably even more special than a wedding. Your baby is the product of your love for your spouse. You will only get ONE chance to birth this very baby, why not make sure you have someone there to document this special time for you?

3. You will forget what took place around you.
At some point, you will inevitably end up in labor La la land. It is a period of intense focus and concentration, where it is just you, your breathing and your baby, working tirelessly to make it to the finish line. This is where a lot of lines get blurred and mothers tend to forget, and are not aware of, what is happening in the room. By hiring a birth photographer, you will not only see what it was like in the room, you will also get to experience it in the same way other members of your family were probably experiencing it as well.

4. Visual gift to your children
Birth photography is a wonderful visual gift to give your children. Don’t just tell your kids the story of their birth, show them what it looked like, what you looked like, what everyone in the room looked like. From the small details, to the big emotional moments. It is a wonderful way to preserve the memory forever.

5. One chance
There is only one shot to capturing the moment you first become a parent, the moment your spouse becomes a parent! Hiring a birth photographer ensures you have professional images that capture all the important moments and emotions. The biggest feedback I get when I speak to many of my clients about birth photography, is how they just WISH they had someone in the room to capture these fleeting moments. 

Sometimes we don’t know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. Birth photography is a new, but growing, art form, and I am very happy to be able to provide this service in Dubai. Get in touch with me today, so we can talk about the best options for you and your family!