Lifestyle product photography has the power to take your brand to the next level. It’s about more than just showing off a product – it’s about making it come alive. These photos capture products in real-life settings, turning them into something relatable and aspirational. When done well, lifestyle shots help customers picture your product in their own lives, sparking an emotional connection.
For businesses, this kind of photography is a game-changer. It goes beyond showcasing what you sell, telling a story that resonates with your audience. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes lifestyle product photography so effective and share tips on how to create shots that truly engage your customers.
What Is Lifestyle Product Photography?
Lifestyle product photography is all about capturing your product in a way that tells a story and evokes an emotional connection. Instead of the standard studio shots on a plain background, lifestyle photography shows the product in use, often in a real-life setting that reflects how it will be experienced by the customer.
Lifestyle product shots create a visual narrative that helps potential buyers imagine how the product will fit into their own lives. These images typically feature the product alongside models, props, and settings that feel authentic and relatable. The goal is to showcase the product naturally, as part of everyday moments, and create an emotional connection that turns a simple product into something people can’t wait to own.
Lifestyle Product Photography – Definition
Lifestyle product photography captures products in real-life situations, showing how they fit naturally into everyday life. It focuses on creating a story around the product, often featuring people, settings, and props that help potential customers picture the product in their own lives.
Lifestyle Product Photography vs. Traditional Product Photography
When it comes to product photography, lifestyle shots and traditional studio shots each serve a unique purpose. The key difference lies in how the product is presented and the emotions it evokes.
Traditional product photography typically features the product alone, with a simple background – usually a plain white or neutral backdrop. This style focuses on capturing the product in its most straightforward form, highlighting its details and features. It’s often used for e-commerce sites or catalogs where the main goal is to clearly showcase the product so customers can see exactly what they’re buying.
On the other hand, lifestyle product photography is all about context and storytelling. Instead of just isolating the item against a plain background, it places the product in scenes that highlight how it fits into people’s daily routines. By incorporating models, props, and natural surroundings, it helps customers picture themselves using the product. It’s perfect for brands that want to showcase not just the product, but the experience or lifestyle it offers.
While both styles are valuable, lifestyle shots are more engaging and aspirational, and traditional shots are more informative and straightforward. Many brands use a combination of both to cater to different marketing needs.
Why Lifestyle Product Photography Matters for Businesses
Lifestyle product photography is a game-changer for businesses looking to build stronger connections with their customers. It paints a picture of how the product fits into a customer’s life, which, in turn, makes it more relatable and desirable.
When people see a product in action, they can better envision themselves using it, which leads to a stronger emotional connection. Lifestyle product shots help businesses tell a compelling story that aligns with their brand’s values and the lifestyle they promote and offer a powerful way to show potential buyers how the product can enhance their lives.
Additionally, lifestyle photos are highly shareable, making them perfect for social media and advertising campaigns. They help generate buzz and engagement, encouraging followers to see themselves using the product. Visuals are key for modern customers and ordinary people – as such, lifestyle product photography can be an innovative strategy, helping businesses stand out, boost brand recognition, and ultimately drive sales.
Key Elements of Effective Lifestyle Product Photography
Effective lifestyle product photography is all about the details. To truly capture the essence of a product in a relatable setting, several key elements need to come together. Here’s what makes a lifestyle shot stand out:
1. Composition
Good composition is the foundation of any great photo. In lifestyle product photography, it’s important to balance the product with the surrounding elements, so the focus remains on the item without overshadowing the scene. Using techniques like the rule of thirds can help keep the shot visually engaging.
2. Lighting
Natural light is often the go-to for lifestyle shots, as it gives a soft, flattering glow that feels more authentic. Whether shooting indoors by a window or outdoors in the golden hour, the right lighting can make a huge difference in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A professional lifestyle product photographer knows to avoid harsh, direct lighting that can create unflattering shadows or overexpose the product.
3. Props and Background
Props should feel relevant to the product and its use, but they shouldn’t take the spotlight. For example, a kitchen product might be paired with ingredients or utensils that complement its function. The background should also support the scene and not distract from the product. Keep it simple and in line with the mood you want to convey.
4. Models and Interactions
Including people in lifestyle product photography can breathe life into your shots. It’s all about creating relatable moments so obviously, you’d like to see a real person using the item in question. The models should engage naturally with the product, showing how it fits seamlessly into everyday life.
Pro Tip: Authentic expressions and casual body language go a long way in making the scene feel genuine.
5. Storytelling
Lifestyle product photos should always tell a story. Whether it’s a morning coffee ritual or a family outing, the product should be part of a narrative that connects with the audience. Think about the emotions you want to evoke – like comfort, excitement, or relaxation – and make sure the scene reflects that.
When these elements come together, the product doesn’t just look good; it feels real, inviting, and desirable. A great product shot can even influence consumer buying decisions. And that’s what lifestyle product photography is all about!
Tips for Creating Stunning Lifestyle Product Shots
Creating stunning lifestyle product shots doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention to detail and a bit of creativity. Here are some tips to help you capture photos that stand out and truly showcase your products:
1. Choose the Right Setting
The setting can make or break your shot. Choose locations that naturally complement the product and fit the mood you want to convey. A cozy living room might be perfect for a home decor item, while a bright kitchen could work well for a food-related product.
2. Play with Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend when it comes to lifestyle photography. It creates a soft, warm feel that makes your product look more inviting. Try shooting near windows or during the “golden hour” just after sunrise or before sunset to achieve that beautiful, flattering glow.
3. Focus on Composition
Don’t just place the product in the center of the frame and call it a day – play with different angles, distances, and perspectives. Make sure the product is the focal point of the image, but feel free to experiment with how you position the surrounding elements to guide the viewer’s eye.
4. Keep Props Subtle
Props are a great way to enhance the storytelling aspect of your photo, but be careful not to let them steal the show. Choose props that complement the product and make sense within the context of the scene.
5. Capture Real-Life Interactions
As we mentioned earlier, including people in your shots adds life and authenticity to the scene. Avoid stiff or overly posed shots and instead, focus on capturing moments that feel genuine and spontaneous.
6. Edit with Care
Post-processing is where you can really enhance your photos, but it’s important to keep it natural. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and colors to make the product pop, but avoid heavy filters that could make the image look artificial. The goal is to enhance the realism and warmth of the scene, not to distract from it.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating lifestyle product photos that capture attention and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.
Do you want to learn more? Check out our article about types and best practices in ecommerce product photography!
Examples of Lifestyle Product Photography
Lifestyle product photography spans a variety of industries, from fashion to home goods, demonstrating just how versatile this style can be. Let’s explore a few examples that show how lifestyle product shots can elevate a brand’s story and create a deeper connection between products and their audience.
Home Decor and Furniture
A beautifully styled living room featuring a cozy throw blanket and a decorative vase can transform a simple product shot into a warm, inviting scene. By showing the product in a real home setting, customers can easily picture it in their own space – that’s the emotional connection we were talking about earlier.
Here’s a picture of an empty two-tone vase. Elegant and quite decorative, isn’t it?
Now look at the picture below:
The vase is still the main subject of the photoshoot but the setting is different – the photographer decided to use real flowers and natural lighting, creating a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
Now look at the third picture. This time, you can see a vase with some flowers in a fully furnished room, with nicely-blurred background:
Even though there are no people in the picture, we bet you can easily relate to the scene and imagine this vase on your coffee table in your living room.
Beauty and Skincare
Lifestyle shots in the beauty industry often feature products being used in everyday routines – like a skincare product applied in a morning ritual or a makeup item in the middle of a fun night out. These photos help the customer imagine how the product can seamlessly fit into their own lives, making it feel personal and essential.
Let’s take a look at these two pictures below. The first one features a bottle of a skincare product. As you can see, the setup is quite minimalistic but it’s still well-thought out, and the picture is esthetically pleasing.
The second picture is much more relatable. Here, we have a model during her skincare routine, holding a bottle of facial serum. The lighting is natural and warm, and the model’s face is relaxed. The photographer managed to create a calm and realistic scene that for sure makes you imagine how it feels to be using that serum.
Based on these two photos, which product would you prefer to buy? Chances are, picture number 2 would be more convincing.
Food and Beverage
For food products, lifestyle shots might showcase a beautifully plated dish at a family dinner or a close-up of a coffee cup on a breakfast table. The key here is to create a scene that invites the viewer to imagine themselves enjoying the product in a similar setting.
This style of photography works well in conveying not just the look of the product, but the joy and satisfaction it brings. Just like in the picture below – we bet you’re now craving a delicious bowl of ramen noodles!
Fashion and Apparel
Fashion brands use lifestyle product photography to capture their clothing in action. Whether it’s a model walking through a city street in a stylish jacket or lounging at home in cozy loungewear, the product is shown as part of a relatable and aspirational lifestyle. These photos help customers visualize how the items can be worn in their own daily lives.
See the picture below? It’s a traditional product shot of a blue denim jacket and there’s nothing special about it.
Now take a look at this picture. This shot of a man in a denim jacket, set against a worn, industrial backdrop, captures a sense of rugged, effortless style. The intense gaze and dimmed lighting create an authentic, laid-back vibe, making the jacket feel like a symbol of confidence and adventure. Instead of just showcasing the product, the image tells a story, inviting you to imagine wearing the jacket as part of a lifestyle full of freedom and individuality.
Fitness and Outdoor Gear
Outdoor brands often use lifestyle photography to showcase their products in adventurous settings. Imagine a pair of hiking boots on a rugged trail or a fitness tracker being worn during a morning run. Other than showing the product, these shots tell a story of adventure, health, and an active lifestyle.
Technology and Gadgets
Tech brands use lifestyle product shots to show their devices in use, whether it’s a laptop on a home office desk or a smartphone being held while taking a picture at a concert. These images help people see the product as part of their everyday tech routine, making it feel indispensable.
These examples show how lifestyle product photography can completely change the way a product is perceived. Instead of just focusing on the item itself, lifestyle shots help tell a story, making the product feel more relevant, relatable, and desirable to the viewer.
How to Find the Right Lifestyle Photographer
Finding the right lifestyle photographer is key to bringing your brand’s story to life through authentic, captivating images. Here’s how to choose a photographer who can bring your vision to life:
1. Review Their Portfolio
Start by looking through the photographer’s portfolio to see if their style aligns with your brand. A strong portfolio should showcase a variety of lifestyle shots, with a focus on real-life settings, natural lighting, and authentic moments. Pay attention to how they incorporate the product into the scene and whether their work evokes the kind of emotion you want for your brand.
2. Consider Their Experience
Look for a photographer who has experience with lifestyle product photography, specifically in your industry or a similar one. They should understand how to highlight your product in a way that connects with your target audience. A photographer with relevant experience will know how to create the right mood and use props, lighting, and composition to make your product shine.
3. Check Client Testimonials
Client testimonials can give you insight into the photographer’s working style and reliability. Look for reviews or case studies that speak to their ability to understand your brand, work within deadlines, and collaborate effectively. Positive feedback from other businesses can be a great indicator that the photographer is a good fit for your needs.
4. Communication Is Key
When you find a photographer you like, reach out and have a conversation. It’s important that they understand your vision and can bring their own ideas to the table. A photographer who listens to your goals and offers creative input will be a great partner in producing compelling lifestyle images. Good communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and that your expectations are met.
5. Evaluate Their Process
A professional photographer should have a clear process, from the initial consultation to the final delivery of images. Ask about their approach to planning a shoot, how they handle revisions, and what kind of turnaround time you can expect. Knowing what to expect at each stage will help you feel confident in the collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Lifestyle product photography is an incredibly effective way to engage your audience and showcase your brand in an authentic way. By putting your products in real-life contexts, you create a compelling story that makes it easier for customers to imagine how your products can fit into their daily lives.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your brand and truly engage your audience, it’s time to embrace the art of lifestyle product photography. Ready to get started? Let your products tell their story.
For expert photography services that capture your products in the best light, explore our product photographer Houston page to see how we can help bring your vision to life.
