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 Wedding Photographer | Niki & Tim's Downtown Engagement Session

I first met Niki years ago within the photography community here in London, ON, and she has become a dear friend that I have so much respect for. It was such a happy surprise when she asked me to photograph her wedding, and a huge honour (Niki’s super talented HRM Photography family would be attending as guests). She and Tim make an adorable couple and have such a kind, funny and down-to-earth dynamic. I loved getting to know them during their downtown engagement session. On this perfect sunny evening, we started out in Ivey Park for a more natural backdrop before exploring the nearby buildings, alleys and parking lots for a more urban look. This was such a fun engagement session and I am so happy to finally be sharing some favourites here on the blog!

London Ontario Headshot Photographer | Bree's Downtown Lifestyle Branding Session

The great thing about a lifestyle branding session is the ability to incorporate different outfits, locations, and styles in the same session. Bree even included her adorable family for a few photos before heading out to explore downtown with me. We grabbed coffee, found a back alley staircase and took a stroll on a sun-soaked bridge at golden hour, all in different outfits. We jumped between professional, playful and lifestyle approaches and the result was a gallery full of different photos that tell the story of who Bree is as a person, as a business owner, as a mama. I feel like her bubbly personality really shines through in these images, and I am so happy to finally be sharing some favourites here on the blog!

London Ontario Family Photographer | Heather, Eric, Iris and Walker's Downtown Family Session

I loved this fun downtown session! Call the Office is such a meaningful place for Heather and Eric and the story of their relationship, so it was great to incorporate it into their downtown family shoot. They definitely came dressed to match their cool surroundings, and it was such a blast to hang out with them. Heather is a fellow photographer that has been a mentor and dear friend to me, and it’s always an honour when I have the opportunity to help her document her own beautiful family. Here are some favourites from this session!

London Ontario Couple Photographer | Alex and Laura's Downtown Engagement Session

I loved meeting Alex and Laura for their downtown Winter engagement session. We checked out some of my favourite downtown photo locations and headed by the water to catch those last rays of warm golden hour light. They brought their adorable pup along with them, which is always a big BONUS in my books! I often get asked if couples and families can bring furry family members along for their session, and the answer is always YES! I adore animals and am a big dog person, so by all means, bring your pet along with you! :) Here are a few favourites from their downtown London engagement session. (PS: It was COLD! Laura was such a trooper wearing that gorgeous sleeveless dress!)

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!