Tips for Success for New Photographers

One of my favorite aspects of being a photographer, besides actually taking photos, is helping other photographers learn the trade and grow their business. It sounds crazy, right? Why would I want competition? 

The truth is I am a firm believer that there is plenty to go around for everyone. 

I also believe that those who are truly “bad” at their profession, or perhaps in it for the wrong reasons, no matter the profession, will eventually weed themselves out. 

Likewise, when you’re passionate and good at what you do, you will find a way to thrive in your profession, as long as you’re patient, you work hard, and you’re open to thinking outside the box. 

So, if photography is your passion and you just haven’t figured out how to get ahead in the game, here are some tips for newcomers. Or for some not-so-newcomers who find themselves still floundering. 

1. Be Willing to Work for Free or Really Cheap

I’ve heard it said many times that you should never work for free, and I’ll say that’s terrible advice. When you’re just starting out, you’ll have to apprentice with a seasoned photographer you admire. You’ll offer free photo shoots to friends and family members. And you’ll give away mini-sessions or seasonal shoots for really low prices. Why? Because that’s how you’ll gain experience. 

2. Be Willing to Fail

Part of that experience is failing. You’ll mess up the lighting. You’ll be terrible at editing. You’ll use the wrong lens. You’ll leave the cap on the lens for an entire shoot! You name it, you’ll do it. And you’ll do it terribly. Be willing to fail forward and learn from each mistake you make. Take it all in stride. It’s what will make you an expert one day. 

Remember, we don’t learn from our successes. We learn from our failures. 

3. Get In Close

When you’re taking photos, always opt for getting close rather than using zoom. Zoom will be detrimental to your photo every time. If you can get closer, get closer. 

4. Plan for Composition and Depth of Field

Composition is the arrangement of elements in your photo. It’s the story you’re telling with your photos. Be ready to tell that story visually wherever you go. On any shoot, you’ll want to understand depth. Is your subject too far away? Are they in focus? Can you see them clearly? Don’t be afraid to move, rearrange, and adjust. 

5. Learn to Shoot on the Go

And speaking of moving, it is essential to learn to photograph moving subjects. You can often get a much better shot from a person or people when they’re moving. Back to composition, movement can tell an entire story on its own. Imagine wind rushing through her hair, him running to catch the football, or the kids chasing each other. These images capture moments you just can’t get with perfectly still figures. 

Oh there’s so much more! But I’ll save those for another day. For now, keep up your practice and stay passionate. 

The world can always use more great photographers.

The Value of an Organic Candid Photo Session Over a Posed One

I cannot tell you how many clients I have come to me asking for a perfectly posed photo shoot. And while I hold no judgment over a staged photo session, I am here to tell you that a natural, organic, candid session is so much more rewarding. It can yield much better results. 

The Pros of Having a Posed Shoot

Of course, I can’t blame any of my clients for asking for or even expecting a posed shoot. It’s the standard photo shoot we’re all used to, right? You arrive at a studio in your Sunday best. Maybe you’ve chosen a pretty location outside near a bridge or by some wildflowers. And the photographer will angle you in the right light, ensuring she catches your best features. 

She’ll position you from angles that highlight your connection to the family members in your shoot with you. It will look picture perfect, and you can hang it on your wall for years to come. 

The Reality of a Posed Shoot

The problem, of course, is that with posed shoots, most people in those sessions don’t feel relaxed and comfortable. Often, what you’ll remember most about the session is how your husband was cranky, your baby was crying, and your older kids ran rampant, knocking down cameras and pulling down curtains. 

Yes. The image I’ve just described is very real in staged photo shoots. 

And look, there’s nothing wrong with this kind of chaos. I’ve seen them in many types of sessions. Sometimes, you just want to show up, get the shot, and be done. 

However, it can be so much more beautiful, so much more relaxing, so much more authentic than all that. 

The Pros of a Candid Photo Shoot

There’s not too much difference between a posed shoot and a candid shoot. We can still meet in my studio. You can still wear your Sunday best. I can still pose you and position you. 

Or we can meet in a field of wildflowers, on the top of a mountain, or on a rugged beach. 

The distinction lies in the feeling. In the moments in between the poses and the perfection. 

In a candid photo shoot, rather than give you exact instructions and angles, I give you suggestions. I ask you to be yourselves, to remember how much you love each other, to think about what you adore about each other. 

I’ll ask you to walk away from me, to smile at each other, to look into each other’s eyes. 

There’s more free-flowing natural movement with these organic shots, which is why I love meeting you at your home, in your kitchen or your garden. 

I can capture you in your natural habitat, cooking, baking, changing diapers, wrestling on the floor, playing board games, or doing whatever it is you normally do. 

These sessions are so much more fun for everyone in the family, and 9 times out of 10 I can even get your husband to let loose a little and give a genuine smile. 

Your kids are less likely to throw fits (though it definitely still happens, and that’s okay!), and you are much more likely to feel warm and cozy about the session. 

The Results of an Organic Photo Shoot 

Look, when you get your photos back after the session, you will probably love your photo no matter what kind of shoot you had. 

But when you get your photos back after an organic shoot, you’ll remember exactly how it all felt. You didn’t just take pictures that day. You made core memories. 

That’s what I’m good at, my strength as a photographer. I bring out the best in my subjects, and I help you create precious moments that come naturally to you in life. At some point, you’ll forget entirely that you’re on a photo shoot!

I’m the catalyst for a great experience, and then I capture the experience and give it back to you in the form of an image. 

I can do it in either kind of session — posed or organic — but I think every single one of my clients would choose organic if they really knew what they were choosing. 

Contact Me Today!

If you’re ready for your next photo session, contact me today. 

I’ve got mini sessions coming up in April on the 13th. 

These are great opportunities to have a small, candid photo shoot in time for Mother’s Day or just to make new memories. For $325 you’ll get a 30 minute fun, playful session that combines the traditional shots with some candids. 

On April 27th, I’ll have pop-up Headshot/Business mini sessions at a local winery. I’ll capture your professional side in a 15 minute session for $135, which will give you full access to an online gallery of images with full printing rights. 
Let me know if you’re interested. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Should You Get Headshots?

Have you been considering headshots? 

It’s the season!

I’ve noticed in the last several years of photography that once these first couple of sleepy months of the year pass, professionals start gearing up for branding, marketing, and selling their products and services.

This preparation often means a fresh set of headshots!

Should you get headshots? 

If you have a website, a social media platform, or just a LinkedIn profile, yes. Yes you should. 

Headshots will make your site look more professional and your profile on various platforms more legitimate. 

I can book quick headshots sessions here in my studio, or I can come to your office and capture you there. We can even do a mini branding session, where I catch you in the act of your profession, whatever that may be. 

And here’s a teaser: I’ve got an event coming up at a local winery, where I’ll be offering headshots to participants. 

So make sure you’re subscribed to the site and you’re following me on my socials, so you don’t miss out!

If you’re ready to book your headshots, let’s collaborate and work on what might be right for you.