Lifestyle Event Photography | Nicole’s 40th at Brighton Beach House
Today on the blog: Nicole’s 40th birthday party in Brighton Beach House! This shoot falls under my “family milestone” sessions and these shoots are always a lot of fun to photograph. Besides offering newborn, maternity and family photography sessions, a big part of being a documentary family photographer includes lifestyle event photography.
Lifestyle event photography is more than just taking pictures, it’s about capturing the essence of a moment, preserving memories that tell stories, and reflecting the unique energy of an event. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a Christening or an annual family get-together, lifestyle event photography combines candid authenticity with creative artistry.
Unlike traditional event photography, which often focuses on posed group shots and formal compositions, lifestyle event photography aims to tell a story. It highlights the candid, spontaneous interactions between people, the laughter, the small gestures, and the fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
As a family photographer capturing these type of events, the key is to blend in, becoming part of the atmosphere while maintaining a keen eye for detail and timing.
Nicole’s birthday party fell on a gorgeous Summer day and the views from the balcony at Brighton Beach House were just gorgeous. Overlooking the sea and with a perfect view on Brighton Pier, it is just the best spot for people watching.
The family booked two private rooms for all their family and friends - some of them travelled all the way from Australia to come and celebrate! A lot of thought went into the decorations, all 80s themed - as well as old school reports and even retro View-Masters (remember them?!) that came with cardboard reels containing old photographs of the family!
The highlight of the evening for me was definitely the cake - a perfect recreation of the famous Australian 80s swimming pool birthday cake, with jelly and cake!
It was such a lovely party to document - and below are just some of my favourite pictures from this fun and fabulous event. If you are looking for a lifestyle event photographer to capture your family milestone in some candid unposed photos, then I’d love to hear from you! I am based in Brighton and Hove, but also cover Lewes, Worthing, Chichester and the rest of Sussex.
