Want your photographer to love you forever? I may not be able to speak for all other awesome photographers out there, but here are the top eight things that I always wanted to say but never did:
Sure, I have a great camera, but it’s only one of the many things that makes my photos look better than that candid you just posted on Instagram.
I spent a lot of money on my camera. But I also spent a lot of time, energy, and money educating myself on my craft. A good camera is only the start. I had to learn lighting, lenses, camera settings, and posing. That’s why you pay me the big bucks to take your pictures instead of letting your kindergartner do it.
Never ask me to “just Photoshop that.”
Ugh, don’t get me started on this one. I may know how to Photoshop with the best of them, but your toddler’s face will look a lot better if I don’t have to digitally clean his leftover PB&J off his face after your session. It’s always better to start with clean faces, hands, and teeth. If your photos take a lot of extra editing, you can expect an extra fee.
I’m dying to know if you love your photos (and if not, please say so nicely).
The pictures I take are my art. I want to know if you like them, what you like about them, and what I can do better for next time. If you have critiques, that’s great, but please treat me like a human being and be kind.
I get nervous too.
Before you get there, I get a case of nerves. I love what I do and I want you to love the outcome. It’s sort of like stage fright – I know I’ve practiced and prepared plenty, but I still get jittery ahead of time.
Men – it wouldn’t kill you to smile.
Really, it wouldn’t. Relax. Have fun with your family. These pictures are going to hang on your wall for years to come and they’re going to be the way your kids remember you when you’re gone. So look like the happy guy I know is in there somewhere.
Hey moms, take a chill pill.
So Suzy’s smile looks more like you took her to the dentist and not my studio. Trust me, it’s okay. Someday, you’ll look back at her goofy grin and miss these days. If you get uptight, everyone else will be nervous and stressed, too, and I can guarantee everyone will look like they’re about to get a root canal and not a family picture.
I have a personal life outside of photography. Please don’t expect me to miss my kid’s school concert because today is the ONLY DAY you have available for photos.
If you see me out enjoying my family on a day I told you I wasn’t available for photos, don’t have an adult temper tantrum. I reserve time for my family because my kids are only young once. I love my job photographing your cute kids, but I also don’t want to miss out on engaging with my own cute offspring.
No, you can’t have all the pictures I took. And you wouldn’t want them anyway.
You would not believe how many photos I actually take in your session. Afterwards, I clean out the duds and duplicates. I promise you, it’s not a task I love and you won’t either. Just take my word for it – be glad you’re not getting all 953 files.
Keep these things in mind and I can guarantee we’ll get some great photos!
I’m ready if you are! Let’s book your family photo session today!