Its time to get real for a second. Ive always thought this, but the right words just became clear to me this morning and I thought I would share. Here is my public apology: The other night, I shot a session that I suspect went less than stellar. Every time I tried to get the shot I wanted, people in the background would get in the way (we were shooting in a public facility), almost every single time. I even apologized at the end of that session because I was already doubting myself on the images, even if they circumstances that I couldnt control. But I take back that apology. Do you know why? Because at the end of that session, I had a conversation with my clients about life and what is really important to them. About their family. About some unfortunate circumstances that were currently not playing into their favor. The conversation took place in a parking lot, in the freezing cold, but I didnt care. It was the best 20 minutes of the evening and of the session. I wasnt shooting, I didnt have a camera in my hands, and I wasnt concentrating on a shot. It was then that I realized that it wasnt for the less than pristine of circumstances of our session I should be apologizing for, it was that sometimes, I get so busy that I forget to stop and really get to know my clients for who they are. Not often, but sometimes. I would say that many photographers (and people in general) are guilty of this. And to be honest, things have been a bit slow this Winter (as it usually is for a lot of photographers), but now I can appreciate that, because it gave me the time and most importantly, a reminder, of just why I got into this business in the first place. Photography comes second to me, and the people are first. Ive made many friendships over the years and much of that is due to my job. Ive watched kids grow up from as young as 8 years old, and 10 yeas later, Im shooting their senior pictures. Ive had friends who Ive went clear through school with and they chose me as their wedding photographer. And Ive met lots of new faces that resulted in new friendships. For that, I am most thankful. I want you guys to know that I never want to treat any of you (my clients) like just another number. There are already plenty of business professionals to do that in this world. If there ever comes a day that I solely concentrate on just photography, then I want to hang it all up and move onto something else. Because if I cant give of myself, and I would treat anyone like just another client or number, than I dont deserve this job anyways. And for that, I will apologize for. When I was a kid, I dreamt about making a difference in this world. I thought it would be through my camera and lens, but (and as sappy as this sounds, its really true), I believe I will make a difference because of whats on my heart. And that is you guys. The people that I care about. Even if I dont know you all that well at the beginning of a session, I would hope that I could make that change, and make you a permanent friend. Thats the difference I will make. That is what is most important.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:35:28 +0000
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