My 3 Goals as a Professional Photographer

Many people think that photography is just about how well a photographer can take a photo. Although that is really important, the way in which photographer interacts with their clients can definitely make or break their reputation. When people pay a photographer for a service, they want to feel like they are getting their money’s worth. Being treated by the photographer like he or she has something better to do can definitely be a deal-breaker. This will never build a solid client base. Clients should always be treated like they are of value.

As I have been gaining knowledge and experience these past couple of years, I have discovered this same dynamic can be present in clients as well.  You can encounter just as many diverse personalities on a photoshoot. There can be two extremes. On one hand, you have those that just don’t care, and on the other hand, you have those who care way too much.  No matter who the customer is, my desire is to always provide a quality product and excellent service. I strive to achieve this with each client by incorporating these 3 essential goals.

– Inspiring Genuine Smiles. 

As a photographer, I don’t want to settle for less. It’s easy to tell when a client truly isn’t having a good time.  You can see it in each frame you take. It’s almost like the photos themselves are screaming at you, “I really don’t want to be here.”  Plus, the last thing I want any of my clients to experience is dissatisfaction.  I want my clients to laugh, let loose, and have the opportunity to show their own personalities. Photography should be fun, not painful!

– Instilling Confidence.

It saddens me when clients say, “Make sure you get my good side.” or “Can you make me look ten years younger?”  This is not an uncommon experience, though I wish it was.  The way a client views him or herself as they pose in front of the camera is very different than how the image actually comes out.  One of my biggest desires is to be able to help men, women, and children feel confident and accepted in their own skin. That’s my favorite part about portrait sessions! As a photographer, I’m able to capture how I view them, “fearfully and wonderfully made by God.” My desire is to encourage each of my clients to be who they are no matter how young or old.

– Keeping it fresh.

My desire is to stay current for the sake of my client as well as for my own.  In order to do this, it is important that I meet new people and explore new places at every opportunity I get.  Being able to adventure outside of my city block, outside of my circle of friends, and even outside of my own State gives me the chance to absorb the culture and textures of my world. It makes my passion for photography grow exponentially. This passion will ultimately benefit my clientele.

Working with a diverse clientele is actually a huge factor in why I love photography so much. I love being able to make acquaintances through my business. There can be a special connection that comes as you spend time together on a photoshoot. As I take the time to get to know the people around me, I am better able to adapt my business to the needs of my client while expanding my knowledge of photography.  This gives me an amazing opportunity to experience this life to the fullest!

By inspiring genuine smiles, instilling confidence, and keeping it fresh, I strive to create moments and images that will always be treasured by my clients. I truly love being a photographer. Through my passion for the art of photography, I know that achieving these three vital goals will provide more opportunities for me to create beautiful images and amazing experiences that will last a lifetime.