Photography For Your Soul

I have taken some time away from writing and other activities to search out some answers I needed to find on my own. During that time, I have had some experiences that confirm what I have known about myself for some time. I don’t like to blend in. I think everyone should know who they are, what makes them tick, happy, sad, what they are all about before they choose a career to pursue.

I have to start out with the short personal statement – I will not apologize for my faith as a Christian. I find that my pursuit of art and business are founded on what God’s desires for our lives. In turn, you will find that what I have to say is based on a foundation of faith. I am not a perfect man and have many flaws. So, if you find that my faith precludes you reading the remainder of this article or any others, I still wish you well.

I began saying that I realized some truths about myself. I definitely have outside influences, which have helped define my artistic voice. I do not like the standard off the shelf approach to portrait photography. I also like the influences of various types of music when I am working. It could be jazz, classical, opera, rock, you name it, and music has influenced how I have shot something. Then there are classic artists whose work I find inspiring, not only in subject but in sound and words too. I wrote a brief article “The Value of Monet, John Donne, and Puccini” that gives a brief thought on the influences. I find influences of others beneficial. Influences have help define who I am, what I like dislike, and hopefully brings a unique quality to my work.[singlepic id=882 w=520 h=440 mode=watermark float=left]

I am talking about this for one simple reason it is about business. It is mostly about working with clients and a little when working with other photographers.
Why do you have a client? It should be because of them seeing your work and they want you to create something for them from your artistic voice. It’s that plain and simple. It should be what you agreed upon before you decided to take them on as a client.

Which brings me to an important point, I need to meet with my client and talk with them. I want to meet with them at their home. I want to get to know them and who they are, life influences, children and activities. The more I know the easier it is to get creative with them. You really want to build a relationship with them. If you don’t, you might as well work for a national portrait chain.

Once you establish a relationship offer some ideas on portraiture. What are the special places, memories that they would really like to create. I say all of this because of one important factor.
When you are behind the camera, they will follow your direction. You will be in control. This is not intended to be arrogant or controlling, but you do have to be in control. I have seen photographers buckle under to the client and do what is asked and usually the client ends up unhappy. They say you should have said something you are the professional! You can’t be in control if you don’t know who you are; you will lack the confidence to steer the session in the right direction achieving the artistry desired in the first place. Lastly is if you are the lead photographer, then you make all the decisions. Listen to the second though they may have a good suggestion, but don’t let it take away from the vision you see, which will be in the second installment.