# Why I Choose Lifestyle Photography Over Stiff, Traditional Poses
At LB Photography, I believe the best photos are the ones that actually *feel* like you.
Not overly posed.
Not forced.
Not awkward smiles with everyone standing perfectly still wondering when the session will finally be over.
Photography has changed so much over the years — and honestly, I think that’s a good thing.
If you look back at very old portraits, most people looked stiff, serious, and completely emotionless. While those photos may be historical treasures now, they often don’t feel warm, joyful, or real. Back then, photography was more about simply documenting that someone existed. Today, we have the ability to capture connection, personality, movement, laughter, and genuine emotion — and that’s exactly what I love most.
Lifestyle photography allows families, couples, and children to actually interact naturally instead of feeling like they’re stuck in a school picture line.
Instead of constantly saying:
“Sit still.”
“Look at the camera.”
“Smile.”
…I’d rather encourage:
“Go play.”
“Tickle mom.”
“Run to dad.”
“Tell me a secret.”
“Dance together.”
That’s when the real magic happens.
Especially with children.
And as for the adults, if you've worked with me then youve probably been asked to do the "drunk walk" to get some light hearted fun smiles with your spouse or children.
Kids respond SO much better when they’re allowed to move, explore, laugh, and simply be themselves. The second a child feels pressured to “perform” for a photo, you usually start getting forced smiles, frustration, or complete meltdowns. But when they’re playing? Their smiles become genuine. Their personalities shine. Their happiness becomes real — and you can absolutely see the difference in the final images.
Lifestyle sessions also remove so much stress from everyone involved.
Parents aren’t stressed trying to make their child sit perfectly still.
Kids aren’t stressed about being told what to do every second.
And honestly? You don’t leave your session feeling exhausted.
Instead, sessions feel relaxed, fun, and natural — almost like spending time together while I quietly capture the moments happening in between.
Those in-between moments are usually the ones people end up loving the most anyway:
The giggles.
The messy hair.
The nose crinkles.
The cuddles.
The chaos.
The realness.
Perfectly imperfect moments will always matter more to me than perfectly posed ones.
Because years from now, I don’t want you to just remember what everyone looked like.
I want you to remember what it *felt* like.
Whether it be at our beautiful Double B Ranch in Cabot Arkansas or in the perfect spot around Memphis, Arlington, and Bartlett Tennessee, I believe your session should be a fun occasion. Not a stressful one. But really... Do you want posed or casual?
Whe
Why