You can’t run an online store without great photos. They’re one of the most important elements when it comes to influencing the chance of a sale. For this reason, photography – in particular, lifestyle photography – is one of the greatest weapons in any online brand’s arsenal.
Lifestyle shots go beyond showing a product to helping customers see how it looks in a realistic setting. And good lifestyle photography can help shorten the customer journey, meaning it will always work in your favor.
You also shouldn’t need to spend an excessive amount of money on a lifestyle photographer because these shots are easy to achieve with a limited setup.
Read on to discover how you can take great lifestyle photos within your budget.
Table of Contents
What are lifestyle photos?
Why lifestyle photos sell more than regular product shots
Examples of lifestyle photography that work
1. Everyday moments
2. Family and connection
3. Outdoor and adventure
4. Social gatherings
5. Product demonstrations
How to take killer lifestyle photos (even on a budget)
1. Focus on storytelling
2. Use natural light
3. Find models
4. Source your equipment
Final words
What are lifestyle photos?
At its core, lifestyle photography is about capturing products in their natural, everyday settings. Rather than snapping basic product shots with plain white backgrounds, these images show people using the product in real situations.
Think of:
- A fitness brand showing someone lacing their running shoes before hitting the pavement
- A home décor brand capturing a cozy reading nook, complete with their plush throw blanket
- A cookware brand featuring a family gathered around a table, digging into a homemade meal
It’s all about making the product feel like it’s a true element of the situation, not just a dead product on a shelf. It’s that relatability that helps to drive sales.
Why lifestyle photos sell more than regular product shots
Customers these days don’t simply buy products on a whim. More and more, they purchase from brands that give them a relatable and emotional connection. That’s why lifestyle images work so well, helping to:
- Make products more relatable – it’s easier to picture yourself using something when you see someone else doing it
- Trigger emotions – a well-crafted lifestyle shot can make people feel something (like nostalgia, excitement, comfort)
- Create a story around the product – it’s not just a sweater, it’s a sweater consumers want to wear on crisp fall mornings with a hot cup of tea
- Boost social media engagement – lifestyle shots are far more shareable than sterile product photos
- Increase conversions – customers who are able to visualize how an item fits into their lives are more likely to click “buy”
The bottom line is, a great lifestyle photo sells the experience, not just the item.
Examples of lifestyle photography that work
Depending on what you sell, different styles of lifestyle photography will make the most sense for your brand. Here are some of the best options:
1. Everyday moments
Want to show how your products work well in daily routines? Lifestyle photos can help demonstrate these everyday moments, leaving the rest to the customer’s imagination.
Why it works: It helps customers think, “This would fit into my daily routine.”
2. Family and connection
If your brand caters to parents or households, lifestyle photos of families spending time together can be a strong marketing tool. They will help show how that product can solve everyday challenges and improve family life.
Why it works: Emotion sells, and nothing resonates more than warm, personal moments.
3. Outdoor and adventure
Lifestyle photos featuring real outdoor adventures can be especially powerful for brands that sell outdoor gear, clothing, or accessories. This approach helps customers to see products they’ll potentially buy in action.
Why it works: Seeing products out in the wild helps consumers visualize their own adventure.
4. Social gatherings
Brands that sell food, beverages, or party supplies need images showing consumers how their products can improve their hosting experiences. Therefore, lifestyle photos that focus on social gatherings, like cookware at beautifully styled dinner parties or friends at a garden barbecue, will work best.
Why it works: It promotes good times and special memories, making it perfect for anyone who wants to host an event.
5. Product demonstrations
Demo lifestyle photos show how consumers can use the products to make their everyday tasks easier. The images can capture moments like someone cooking delicious meals or friends enjoying a homemade dish together.
Why it works: Seeing is believing, and it may be that consumers don’t even know they want something until they see it in action.
How to take killer lifestyle photos (even on a budget)
You don’t need a fancy studio setup to take great photos; here’s how to create high-quality lifestyle shots without breaking the bank:
1. Focus on storytelling
Aesthetics are great, but they are not the only aspect that sells a product. Lifestyle photos should make people feel like they’re getting a peek into a real moment. Consider capturing moments that tell a relatable story in the perfect location that matches the product.
For example, you may want to showcase emotional interactions between models or explore a story through different but connected events. Here are some other tips to help:
- Craft a story arc, like a simple morning routine or a casual outing with friends
- Take candid shots with real emotions and interactions
- Pay attention to the details, like a shared laugh, as these small moments speak to more powerful emotions
2. Use natural light
Lighting can make or break a shot, and many lifestyle photos look and feel better with natural light. So, consider how lighting changes throughout the day and plan your shoot accordingly. Consider these tips:
- Know the golden hour – sunset or sunrise – and make the most of it
- Scout locations beforehand to see how the natural lighting affects the shot
- If you prefer lifestyle shots during the day, reflectors will help you catch light and illuminate your models
- Monitor the weather to see when you can capture vibrant colors or soft, diffused light
3. Find models
Humans connect with other humans. So, it makes sense that choosing the right people can make lifestyle photos feel more natural and relatable. Whether you choose professional models, real customers, or friends, only use models that you think best represent your target audience. Keep these tips in mind:
- Create a profile of the perfect model, like a buyer persona
- Don’t be afraid to involve your customers, as sometimes they are the best models
- Consider asking a friend or family member if your budget prevents hiring a professional
- Do a quick test session to see how well the models fit the vibe you’re going for
Pro tip: Remember to focus on comfortable, natural poses and avoid overstated artificial ones. Models should always feel relaxed and comfortable enough to showcase real-life situations.
4. Source your equipment
Choosing your equipment shouldn’t be overwhelming. After all, you don’t need an expensive or complicated kit to capture high-quality photos. You can even use your smartphone to take some great images. However, with a little more budget, you can get:
- A versatile camera and lenses (especially a 24-70mm zoom lens)
- Accessories like tripods, reflectors, and external flashes to improve the experience
- Backup batteries and memory cards to avoid interrupted sessions
Final words
Lifestyle photography offers many advantages, whether it’s candid portraits or everyday moments that you’re trying to capture. If you do it well, these images can help any brand convey their qualities.
Remember, good lifestyle photographs should be relatable, be set in a suitable location, engage consumers, be shareable, and be illustrative. By achieving all these, your photos should act as a powerful conversion tool for your online store.
