The 8 Best Lifestyle Photographers in Reno

Lifestyle storytelling through photography is one of our favorite genres to explore. Many photographers use straightforward perspectives on love and connection but it’s the lifestyle angle that makes fine art out of daily life. So if you’re looking for an outdoor, at-home, or studio session with an artistic twist, take the time to explore the work of these top Reno lifestyle photographers!

1. Shelby Forman

Deeply emotional storytelling and photography are what Shelby Forman has to share with us today! As a Lake Tahoe and Reno lifestyle photographer, she aims to preserve the fleeting memories surrounding once-in-a-lifetime moments like weddings from an artistic angle. Rather than simply documenting the day’s unfolding, Shelby uses emotions, setting, and background as fine art elements.

This can play out in many ways, which we always love to see! Sometimes we see posed moments that perfectly convey the elegance and classic elements of weddings. And other times, Shelby features documentary, fully candid instants that showcase the unique qualities of her subjects in the midst of their lives. This dual approach makes her ideal for lifestyle clients who aren’t quite sure of how they want their vision to be conveyed and prefer a selection of approaches in the collection of shots.

2. McKenna Payne

Weddings, family images, and branding photography from a lifestyle angle are what McKenna Payne shares with us today. Her artwork has a distinctive, adventurous quality that often has you smiling right along with her subjects! The scenic backdrops of Nevada and California make even more intense thanks to the expansive skies, mountains, and deserts of the region. Her approach is warm and inviting, where golden tones and pale skies highlight without distracting the love felt by her couples and families.

We especially love McKenna’s love for a deeper, more intimate connection with her subject. As she shares with us: “When serving clients, my goal is to leave feeling like family. connecting on deeper levels means our time together is more than just snapping my camera or posing you.” After a shoot with her, you will feel truly seen. A gift that presents itself in the photography she creates for you.

3. Alley Rose

Sometimes having your story told in a straightforward fashion isn’t what you’re looking for. Alley Rose is a lifestyle photographer that emphasizes the art and uniqueness inherent to your tale. Her photography has a distinctly celebratory character, emphasizing the peak emotional moments alongside the beauty. Whether your natural expression is more subdued in character or one that’s radiantly outgoing she manages to shed light on these aspects in an appealing way.

Alley also often captures your beauty from a documentary perspective, using candid captures and authentic moments of laughter and love. This approach makes it much easier for viewers to feel like they are peeking into your life rather than looking at a planned photoshoot!

4. Amber Pembleton

Lifestyle photography can mean many things to different Reno lifestyle photographers. But to Amber Pembleton, it is an appreciation for documentary family, birth, and newborn photography that takes poses out of the equation. Instead, she treats us to moments of real intimacy and connection among her subjects as they engage with each other in front of her lens.

Amber’s color grading is a nice fit for her documentary perspective; subdued yet natural, with slightly toned down colors and delightful shadow. These elements give her work a nostalgic quality that’s a perfect fit for family lifestyle photography. She also masterfully uses the scenic background of the surrounding mountains and forests in her family images. It all adds up to help viewers better appreciate the Nevada story on display!

5. Kris & Ruta Swanson

Kris & Ruta Swanson are the married photographer duo behind Amber Shore Pictures. Their approach lets you fully immerse in the day’s unfolding while they work seamlessly in the background. It results in their capturing artistic angles for future appreciation.

The Swansons personally describe their style as one where they are “creating timeless, cinematic imagery with a classic vibe and a modern undertone.” The cinematic element is especially evident where couples are concerned, favoring places where the scenic backdrop and lighting adds a dramatic flair to the lifestyle story. And if you’re looking to partner with talented creatives for more than just photography, Kris and Ruta are also some of the finest wedding videographers around!

6. Chareese Medina

Professional outdoor family and lifestyle photography is always in demand here in Reno. And as Chareese Medina demonstrates, you don’t need to choose between authentic captures and beautiful fine art memories. Her photography gives you both thanks to her talent and encouraging laughter and spontaneous play and exploration as she documents your family in action.

Besides family portrait sessions, Chareese also photographs newborns, couples, and heartwarming stories of motherhood. Favoring toned-down colors and outdoor natural lighting, her photography mixes classic subjects with contemporary color and composition!

7. Cindy Hunt

Many Reno lifestyle photographers prefer a dark and moody approach where deep shadow and contrast come together in a distinctly modern style. Since many clients prefer more cheerful expressions of lighting and color, Cindy Hunt is here to present an alternative vision of lifestyle photography!

Her approach is a vibrant, sunkissed one, where abundant natural light and flash ensure her subjects are lit to perfection. Shallow depth of field is sometimes used in order to smooth the background and add emphasis in portraits. But just as often we get to savor the mountain, park, and desert surroundings that further, the Nevada family love stories her lens tells!

8. Jessey Cousins

Jessey Cousins of Skiddlydoo Photography best exemplifies the nostalgic and romantic qualities of family lifestyle photography. They are also one of the top Reno photographers to partner up with, booking hundreds of sessions each year with families and individuals in love with their approach.

Working out of their personal studio, Jessey uses carefully chosen backgrounds and lighting to highlight the laughter, holiday stories, and more. They also work with a wide range of subjects, including newborns, which aren’t always the most cooperative of partners!

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