PHOTOGRAPHY: A COLLABORATION
Collaboration over EGO
Early in the photography meet-and-greet process, I try to uncover a few key things:
Who you are.
What your personality is like.
What you do.
The purpose of the photoshoot.
And of course, all the essential details to ensure your session goes off without a hitch.
Photo session conversations, when the vibe is good, often remind me of the lively exchanges you’d find in barbershops, beauty salons, around the water cooler in the office, or even over a few good plates of food. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job—the socialization, the connection, the excitement and energy.
As far as my expectations go, I always hope every client arrives ON-TIME, calm, confident, and ready to knock their session out of the park. I like for every photoshoot to be "one for the books" LOL.... However - I learned early that I have to leave room for the unexpected because sometimes that’s just not the case.
Story time:
Not once, prior to this client, did it ever occur to me that a client might show up reluctant, even apprehensive, because of a previous photoshoot experience. But here she was — cute, reserved, and carrying something I couldn’t see at first: hope watered down in hesitation.
During our small-talk banter, while trying to get a read on her reservations, I casually asked, “When was your last photoshoot?”
She hesitated for a moment and then said:
“It was about a year ago. I never shared or printed any of the photos. I didn’t like them. They didn’t look anything like me. The photographer didn’t listen to me at all. She moved my hair out of my face even though I love my hair in my face. She made me feel uncomfortable in the outfit I chose. I hated all of it.”
I inhaled and then exhaled deeply, standing there, stunned. I didn’t want to bash another photographer, but I couldn’t help the WHAT IN THE ENTIRE #%!? reaction screaming in my head and most assuredly, resting on my face. The thought I didn't say out loud: I know photographers AIN'T OUT HERE GIVING FOLKS PTSD!! I thanked her for sharing. Had she not provided that information - I may have taken her body language personally, initially. In writing this piece, I reflect on how often I assume. I assume other photographers move with care and mutual respect. I assume other photographers want the client to get, at a minimum, what they asked for. I assume they put aside what they "think" is best for the sake of reaching the desired outcome. I assume that each client is treated as MORE than just a transaction. I assume they listen.
Sidebar: Can EGO and Collaboration Co-exist????
Before I became a photographer, I too, had a moment like the one my client described.
For my personal photoshoots, I love themes and concepts - and if I can slide in a sentimental element, I will do that too. It’s my way of expressing myself loudly in contrast to my naturally quiet personality. I once booked a photographer, fully ready to push the envelope with a bold idea, only to be talked out of it by the very person I was paying. They insisted their idea was better. And while there were elements of the photos taken that I liked, I walked away without the sentimental piece of the concept that I really wanted.
Later, when I shared the photos with one of my closest friends, her blunt response stuck with me: “They’re nice, but they don’t look like you.” Huge Sigh... I'd gone to the friend who was just plain ol matter of fact blunt. I never admitted it then, but she was right. They were nice, but they weren't me at all. My hair had also been changed and the editing was HARD. On a positive note - My face was beat to the GAWDS tho! In hindsight, I count it all as a win. That may be the reason I take such pride in the photos I deliver - I want those images to actually look like the person photographed. Good makeup and LIGHT editing and a lil body smoothing is all it truly takes.
That experience and verbal exchange with my client reinforced something invaluable: As a photographer, the client’s vision matters. Yes, I’m the expert. Yes, I have suggestions. But at the end of the day, my role is to capture you—your personality, your essence, and your story—in a way that feels authentic to you.
So here’s my philosophy: the person paying calls the shots. My job is to guide you, offer ideas, and even snap a few sample shots for you to preview. Together, as a team, we’ll decide what works best and bring your vision to life.
I’m not here to force my preferences onto you. My goal is to present you in the best light possible—through the poses, expressions, and moments that reflect who you are.
Every photoshoot should leave you with images you love and a memory you cherish—not an experience you want to forget.
Sincerely Lindria!
