Rex Jones

Lifestyle photography is what portraits look like when nobody's holding their breath.

Most photos of people fall into two piles: stiff and posed, or blurry and candid. Lifestyle photography is the good middle, where you look like yourself, in a place you actually go, doing something you'd do anyway.

That sounds easy, which is why it's hard. Nobody can fake a relaxed afternoon for a camera. The light has to cooperate, the location has to fit and the photographer has to know when to stop directing and start watching.

I'm a lifestyle photographer who works with individuals, creators and small brands. I'm based in Colorado Springs and I work across the Mountain West, and if you're covering travel, I'll go anywhere in the world.

You can't plan a candid moment, but you can plan for one.

We start with a conversation. What do you want captured, how do you want it captured, and what are the photos for? A personal brand, a social feed, a gift, or a version of you that finally looks like you?

Then we plan the lifestyle photoshoot together: the place, the time of day and what you'll wear. We pick locations you'd actually spend time in, because a river, a street or an open road looks better with someone who belongs there. We also pick a few things to do, so your hands have a job.

On the day, I keep the direction light. The best frames show up a few minutes after you stop thinking about the camera. My job is to still be paying attention when they do.

Most of my time goes into editing, not the shoot. That's where skin, color and light get finished. It's why I deliver fewer photos than a bulk shoot would, and why every one is finished.

You can't fake a relaxed afternoon, so we don't try.

The best locations are the ones you'd go to anyway.

Pick a place where you'd already want to spend the afternoon.

My lifestyle photography runs from slot canyon rivers and desert roads to city streets, bridges and bare concrete. I'm a Colorado Springs lifestyle photographer who works across the Mountain West, and if you're covering travel, I'll go anywhere. The right location depends on what the photos are for and who you are, and we settle that in the planning conversation.

Concrete, desert and sunlight all photograph better than you'd think.

Questions

Fair questions, short answers.

What does a lifestyle shoot cost?

Lifestyle shoots are quoted by inquiry, because the day depends on the locations, the number of looks and where the photos will run. Solo session prices are on the pricing page if you want a reference point.

Where do you shoot?

Anywhere that fits the goal: a river, a desert road, a city street, a bridge or your own neighborhood. I'm based in Colorado Springs and I travel anywhere, as long as travel is covered.

What should I wear?

We decide together once we know where we're shooting and what the photos are for. Bring a few options, and keep it to things you'd actually wear.

Do you photograph lifestyle content for brands and creators?

Yes. I photograph lifestyle imagery for creators and small brands, planned around your audience and where the photos will run.

What can I use the photos for?

Personal use, social media and prints. Commercial use isn't included unless we agree on it up front.

Who it's for

People who want to look like they're having a good day.

Individuals

A set of photos for your own walls, your feed or the pleasure of finally liking your photo.

Creators and personal brands

Photos with enough variety to keep a feed interesting for months, shot where you already spend your time.

Small brands

Lifestyle imagery planned around your customer and where the photos will run.