Two photography terms that has confused us from years.
Lifestyle photography has always been confused as creative photography or vice-versa in terms of product shoot. Let us start by a layman's definition.
Lifestyle Photography, "mainly aims to capture portrait/people in situations, real-life events or milestones in an artistic manner and the art of the everyday. The primary goal is to tell stories about people's lives or to inspire people in different times." - Wikipedia
Important terms that can be derived are - "in situations", "real-life events", "the art of everyday", "tell stories about people's lives".
The concept being that of photographing people in their real life, their real expressions, emotions and surroundings. And not by setting up a beautiful set-up with props, drapes, a pooch and loads of make-up with high-end editing to even out their skin tones. Yet lifestyle photography should look appealing and attractive.
Lets see an example below.
If we have to relate the same in terms of product, it will be - to photograph products with their actual purpose; to show or depict their use in actual life.
Lets see few examples below.
Creative photography, on the other hand is " an extension of conventional photography into creative art. Its purpose is to stimulate creative thoughts and encourage experimentation with new ideas going beyond a simple photograph." - Waccfoto
Its is open to multiple interpretations and are often outside of normal photographic protocols. A creative photograph may be out of focus or blurred, under or over exposed; but on a purpose. Not all out-of-focus photographs can be categorised as "creative". There are bad and ill-clicked photos also!
A creative image can be a complex or a simple representation of what the eye has already seen and it always reflect photographer's interpretation of the subject.
Creative photographs may or may not have one subject that needs attention but can have subjects that make up a concept, sets a mood and evoke thoughts.
Lets see few examples below.
What if we have to relate the same to products? Creative photography in terms of product can be explained as - an artistic representation of the product. A unique look of the product that has yet not been seen.
Lets see few examples of creative product photography.
Which of the two will drive in more sales in terms of online selling?
Lifestyle photography. Its is lifestyle photography because, your potential clients get to see an example of how you have used your product in the photograph. You can't expect your clients to have excellent imagination power. But you can help them see the use of your products in awesome ways by displaying multiple lifestyle shots of that product.
For example.
All that being said, there’s no rule saying you can’t work in between the two styles!
We at The Pen Tool Design Inc. knows the anatomy well. From creative shots to product shots, we have it all to offer you with the best of our photography services. We are always open to ideas & collaborations!
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