TIPS AND TRICKS
Why It’s Important to Trust Your Photographer
Photography is a way to preserve memories of special moments in your life. We’re thinking of weddings, engagements, maternity, birthday parties, personal milestones… Looking at photos of significant life events brings back the happy memories and emotions of the day.
The best photos from those important days are the candid moments your photographer captures. The unbridled happiness of seeing a bride for the first time, of blowing out the candles on a 90th birthday cake, of seeing your partner bent on one knee.
Those candid moments only happen when you fully trust your photographer. You get the best photos from feeling comfortable around the person capturing your day - allowing them to see the tears and scrunched eyes from smiling so hard.
This is something we preach to our clients. It’s important to create a relationship with one another and trust your photographer to capture the authenticity of the day. This blog will explain why it’s so important.
Understanding Your Photographer’s Expertise
Photographers have years of experience developing their skills. Some even have professional education. They know the best locations, poses, lighting, and editing styles to make you look good. Photographers know what they’re doing!
On average, our team does 50 photoshoots a year, which equates to about 100,000 photos a year! We’ve shot at hundreds of locations, worked with dozens of people, and produced thousands of photographs for our clients. We’ve got this down, and it’s important you trust your photographer and their expertise.
Building a Relationship
The first step in working with a photographer is booking an initial consultation. Here, you discuss your needs, preferences, and the scope of the project. It’s important to be open with your photographer so they can give you the best experience. You’ve probably researched their style and process at this point, but it’s good to clarify the details in this initial meeting.
This meeting is also your chance to get to know them, and vice versa! The photographer will want to know about you, the reason for the photoshoot, and your expectations. The more you can open up to them, the more comfortable you will be on the day of the shoot.
Next, there will be communication before the photo shoot to ensure both parties are on the same page. Your photographer can answer any questions, like outfit ideas and location recommendations.
Now it’s time for the photoshoot! You need to be as comfortable as possible. That might mean wearing comfortable clothes or being in a private space. And, of course, trusting your photographer. We try to act like a friend taking your photos. Who doesn’t have fun with their best friend?! Trust and comfort with your photographer lead to more natural and candid photos.
The Role of Trust in the Photography Process
There are several reasons why you need to trust your photographer. Trusting your photographer enhances creative freedom, reduces stress, captures genuine moments, and ensures quality and consistency.
Creative Freedom
Photography is a creative profession. Each photographer has a unique style and vision that creates stunning work. No two photographers are the same. Even if they have the same level of expertise, you might prefer one over the other due to their personal style.
Allow your photographer to use their expertise to choose locations, poses, and lighting during the shoot. They understand how these aspects will impact their editing later on. Don’t try to control the photoshoot; lean into the process and trust your photographer.
Reduces Stress
Knowing that a skilled professional is handling the direction of the shoot allows you to relax and enjoy the moment. This is especially important on wedding days! You’ve prepared for this day for so long; trust the professional you hired and enjoy your partner and wedding day. It makes the day easier for everyone!
Genuine Moments
When you trust your photographer, you are more likely to feel comfortable and act naturally in front of the camera. This comfort translates into authentic poses and expressions, capturing the true essence of the moment. Your photographer can capture spontaneous interactions and emotions. The unplanned moments are our favorite.
Quality and Consistency
When your photographer can control the photoshoot, they can focus on the details that matter. You can absolutely request a few poses or shots to take, but your photographer is fully capable of getting a variety of photos for you to choose from.
Trust them to deliver high-quality, edited photos you love. It drives us crazy when clients ask for unedited photos - why would you want an unfinished product? Allow us to do our thing and edit according to our style and expertise.
The Risks of Not Trusting Your Photographer
Unfortunately, your final photos might not turn out the way you wanted them to if you don’t trust your photographer. It could result in missed opportunities, inconsistent results, and increased stress.
Missed Opportunities
When you don't trust your photographer, you might second-guess their decisions. This hesitation can lead to missed opportunities for capturing spontaneous and memorable moments. Constantly directing and correcting your photographer can also hinder their ability to capture natural, candid shots. It’s uncomfortable for both parties.
Inconsistent Results
You probably have a level of expectation for your final photos after looking at your photographer’s portfolio. Without trust, you may impose your ideas on the photographer, leading to a mismatch between your vision and their artistic style. You’ll get inconsistent and disjointed photos.
Increased Stress
When two people are fighting for control, it leads to stress on both sides. There’s tension and anxiety during the photo shoot, which might be reflected in your expressions and body language in your photos. It just doesn’t create the best photos or experience - trust us!
Case Study: Justin and Jessica
I recently finished an engagement session with Justin and Jessica. They were an absolute pleasure to work with. I appreciated how they trusted me in so many ways:
Recommending a location
Helping with outfit choices
Following directions with poses
They chose to show up and have fun, which created some of my favorite photos from the shoot! That’s a successful day if you ask me!
How to Find a Professional Photographer You Can Trust
So, how do you find a professional photographer you can trust? One way is through word of mouth and looking at online reviews. See what other people have to say about the photographer. This will give you an idea of the photographer's professionalism, reliability, style, and quality of work.
The best way to figure out if you vibe with a photographer is to meet them in person (or virtually.) Do they make you feel comfortable right off the bat? Are they friendly? Could you see yourself getting along with this person? These are all questions to ask yourself in that initial meeting with your photographer.
Finally, do they have a clear contract outlining expectations and responsibilities? All professional photographers will have a contract. Read it carefully to make sure you understand and agree with the details of the contract.
Trusting Heather Ferreria Photography
Finding a trustworthy photographer ensures your moments are captured beautifully and authentically. Trusting your photographer enhances the quality of the photos and makes the entire experience more enjoyable and stress-free.
Are you ready to trust Heather Ferreria Photography with your next photoshoot? We’re booking new projects now, and we’d love to meet with you to see if we’re a good match! Complete our contact form to get started!