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As photographers, we are invited to see people as they are, their interaction with each other and access a different aspect of their lives that may not always be public to the world.
We have the luxury to learn about our clients not through their appearance but through our connection during the photo session. The only way we know how to express intimacy between couples is to ensure that clients are comfortable with us and themselves in order to expose their vulnerability.
But most important we are given the opportunity to be a positive impact by providing a true and natural view of themselves. The satisfaction to us is when the image invokes what is felt at the moment the shutter clicks.
As a photographer or a client What is your definition of a photographer?
Firstly i think you need to be a businessman... secondly and artist... even though you might want it the otehr way, you have to pay the bills.
(01.26.11 @ 04:49 AM)Ahhh...good point, but let' say we agree with that concept, what % is Photog vs. Biz???
(01.29.11 @ 10:28 PM)As a photographer I live live live to get advice from a variety of resources like books, magazine, podcast, workshops and of-course wifey. Though these resources are designed to help me become a better photographer I will admit it can be a little overwhelming. To sift through variety of resources I find the most valuable source of feel good knowledge surrounding increasing my photography skills usually comes from my interaction with my clients.
In fact, the advice can be a source of two way sharing through out the photo session. I try to listen to the client's styles and profiles and create images that will resonate with their inner being. It challenges my photography skills and pushes me to consider techniques that I may not have considered before. And of-course, I get almost immediate feedback on the technique, the design and style.
For my next wedding session, my clients requested to leave the traditional "garden portraits" by the waste-side and instead use a concrete jungle theme to create contrast and depth for their wedding party portraits. As I'm currently researching some unique spray painted backdrops I'm looking forward to the challenge. Stay tuned for the results.

Oh yeah, what is your most valuable photography resource?


