Cinematic Lifestyle Session - Downtown London Ontario Cafe + Arcade Family Photos

Introducing: RFP Cinematic Lifestyle Sessions

Cinematic, because the photos feel like paused frames from a cherished family home video. These longer sessions focus on activities and interactions and are documented with more of a fly-on-the-wall approach than a typical family portrait session. They also last longer, because you’re actually doing whatever activities you’ve chosen–I’m just along for the ride. Have a fun idea? Indoor, outdoor, any season—I’d love to hear it!

We’ll also dedicate a window of time to capturing a handful of lightly posed family photos, so you’ve got those as well (scroll to the last few photos to see what I mean).

For this session, I documented this adorable family as they strolled around the market, enjoyed hot chocolate and treats, and had a blast at the arcade. We also snuck in a few classic family photos in that creamy downtown golden hour light.

If you’re thinking, “my kiddo can barely handle a mini session”—don’t worry. These are not “stand here, look-and-smile” sessions that a child needs to “behave” for. With cinematic lifestyle sessions, you’re in the moment, in movement. These sessions allow for feelings, for getting bored, getting hungry, for changing the plan as needed. There’s no earning a special treat after the photos, because getting the treat is part of it.

Telling stories through images is more than just an overused photographer tagline for me. It’s always been the thing that drives me creatively, the meaning behind my business name. I want you to look at these images and think: “There we are. That’s totally us.”

London Ontario Headshot Photographer | Aimee's Downtown Cafe Branding Session

I absolutely loved Aimee’s lifestyle headshot session in a downtown London cafe. I first met Aimee when she booked a couple photography mentoring session with me. We hit it off and have since become friends (as have our daughters!) and I was delighted to be able to shoot some headshots for her in an empty corner of a busy downtown London cafe. I loved the light streaming through the window for these photos, here are a few favourites!

London Ontario Branding Photographer | Julie Anne & Lindsay's Downtown Lifestyle Headshot Minis

You may or may not know that I offer 3 branding packages for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The smallest of these - the Lifestyle Headshot Mini - is perfect for those needing only a handful of updated headshots for their website and social media. As with all of my photography, my approach to branding photography is natural and personal with a lifestyle feel. I want your headshots to tell the story of who you are, beyond just a plain backdrop. These two sessions took place within walking distance from each other, but are completely different - perfectly demonstrating how even with a headshot mini, you can infuse your personality into your photos.

Julie Anne - who also happens to be my gorgeous big sister - is a doula with who loves evening walks and beautiful sunsets. It seemed only fitting to update her headshots at golden hour, while walking along the water, in a location that really showcases that glowing pre-sunset light.

Lindsay is a naturopath who really wanted her personality to shine through her photos. After chatting a bit about what that would look like, we settled on a downtown cafe for a few photos before heading out - coffee in hand - to take advantage of the nearby brick wall backdrops.

Here are some favourites from their sessions!

London Ontario Branding Photographer | Michelle's Lifestyle Headshot Session

Michelle is the talented photographer behind Michelle A Photography, and someone I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know while photographing 2 headshot sessions, her engagement session and her wedding! It’s been such an honour to help capture these important moments for Michelle over the last years. With her next headshot session coming up in a few weeks, it was definitely time to blog this fun branding shoot from 2017. If you know Michelle, you know she loves her adorable dog, Samson. I love that he was such a big part of this session - and I swear this dog actually smiles for the camera! We incorporated some other things Michelle loves - golden hour, iced coffee, and of course her camera - and included outfit and location changes around Wortley Village to ensure a gallery full of variety that Michelle could use on her website and social media as needed. I absolutely loved this lifestyle branding session, and am so happy to finally be sharing some favourites on the blog!