Some of the things that I think about when evaluating new clients are the ways things are communicated, and the energetic differences between us. Times are hard, and I find more and more true that there is no point in spending time (even at work) with people that are difficult to be around. I look for a similar world view in my clients, a similar flavor of optimism bundled with curiosity. I want to talk to them, become friends with them, go on journeys with them.
I aim to make each session a process of self-discovery or transformation, to find comfort and joy in the little things and see beauty in the everyday. Where this journey begins is when a client reaches out about a potential shoot. We’ll talk about what their interests are, what motivates them, and what creative ideas they may have, and then I like to dig into logistics. I like to guide my clients through what a shoot might look like, how they should prepare, and discuss outfits or possible settings for the occasion.
If we can agree on the possibilities and aesthetics, it’s time to talk about logistics, numbers, dates, and turnaround. I like to be accommodating as much as is possible, while still giving the care and intentionality that I can afford to each particular photograph. We’ll discuss how you like to receive your photos, and how much input you’ll be able to have while picking the finished ones.
Will we have a meditation/prayer before or during the session, or are you more prepared to jump in, shoot as many angles as we can, and get out? I like to be flexible as far as what the session looks like with each new person.
Do you have allergies? Will you need accessibility or health accommodations? Do you like to be posed or find some poses for yourself? Which fabric do you like to wear that photographs well? These are all things I’d love to talk about, whether it’s your first portrait session or your fifth. Do you have a wedding coming up or an album coming out? Let’s talk about how you’d like to best represent that excitement visually!
As this year rolls on, I want to ask you, dear readers, what aspects of photography do you find yourself most drawn to? Let’s dig in and talk about it!