Do you wonder sometimes how other photographers’ clients look happy and beautiful at the same time? Are you sick of deciphering technical photography jargon? In the next five minutes, I’ll teach you how to make your personality your strongest tool. Don’t think you have what it takes? Trust me, you do.
I. Surprise your clients by redefining the process
Many people would argue that having their picture taken sucks. It’s awkward and you have to get all dolled up for no reason. Well, this is a challenge I love taking on every time I pick up my camera. Use the following tips to redefine what it means for your clients to have their pictures taken.
1. Make sure your gear is more compact and less intrusive.
2. Your personality rocks, so use it.
3. Keep things lighthearted and moving quickly.
4. Have an assistant help direct people.
II. Comfortable means profitable
Photographing people is inherently intimate. Whether you’re capturing images during a couple’s first glance or covering a birth story, the fact that you’re in the moment with a camera in your hand makes it very intimate. The best way to overcome this intimacy and make it an opportunity to make money is to ensure all parties are comfortable. Tell the groom what to expect when his bride taps him on the shoulder. Tell him to relax, be himself and react naturally, as if you aren’t in the room. You should definitely grab the bride’s hand and tell her to have fun. This is important to ensure she is comfortable.
In the end, they will view their images in a different light and be more likely to purchase prints or enlargements of your work.
III. It’s your artwork – make it count!
Are you an artist? In my opinion, if you said no to this question, you shouldn’t be a photographer. Your work must have meaning and artistic direction, otherwise “uncle Bob” can do your job. Use your personality to create unique artwork that you identify with. It doesn’t matter if you use seven off-camera strobes with different colored gels or shoot natural light with a 42-inch reflector. The point is that you establish moments with your clients and build a rapport. This will help you create artwork that has meaning to you, your clients and hopefully other admirers of your work.
About the Author:
Based in Minneapolis, Joe Krummel is a fine art wedding, portrait and lifestyle photographer. He specializes in fresh images for fun-loving people.
“My work begins well before I ever press the shutter. Behind the lens, I work to create a fun, comfortable experience, where genuine personalities can shine. Then, I use my artistic vision to craft fresh, timeless images. My work is constantly evolving, but it leans toward being modern-photo-journalistic in style. My architectural background informs how I shoot, and I frequently find myself in fast-paced, urban environments, searching for clean lines and texture.”