Some thoughts on my personality, my approach to photography, and why I believe there's beauty in doing things a little differently.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the kind of photographer I am and, perhaps more importantly, the kind of photographer I want to continue becoming.
If you've ever worked with me, you'll probably know that I'm not particularly loud or overly animated when I'm behind the camera. I'm not the photographer who's constantly shouting encouragement, hyping everyone up, or trying to become the center of attention.
That's just not really me.
My energy is a lot calmer than that.
And I think for a while, especially when I was starting out, I wondered whether I needed to be a little more outgoing, a little more energetic, or perhaps a little more like the photographers I was seeing online.
Because if you spend enough time on social media, you'll notice that there's a certain personality we often associate with photographers. They're bubbly, incredibly confident, full of energy, and seemingly capable of making an entire room laugh within five minutes.
And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I think it's wonderful when someone can bring that kind of energy into a space.
But I've realized that it isn't the only way to connect with people.
I've Learned to Appreciate My Own Energy
I think one of the things I've come to appreciate about myself is that I don't feel the need to fill every quiet moment.
I enjoy conversations. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, and finding those little things we have in common. But I also enjoy simply observing.
And photography has given me a beautiful reason to do more of that.
When I'm photographing a wedding, for example, I'm paying attention to the things happening around me. The little glances between people, the emotions during a ceremony, the way someone reaches for another person's hand without really thinking about it.
They're not always the loudest or most obvious moments in the room, but they're often the ones I find myself drawn to.
I think my personality naturally influences what I notice and how I photograph people.
I'm not constantly trying to create a moment when there's already something beautiful happening in front of me.
Sometimes, I just want to let it happen.
Calm Doesn't Mean I Don't Give Direction
Now, I do want to clarify something.
Having a calm approach doesn't mean I'm going to show up at your session, stand silently behind my camera, and leave you wondering what on earth you're supposed to do with your hands.
Because I know how uncomfortable that can feel.
I absolutely give direction when it's needed. I'll help you find beautiful light, suggest movement, guide you into a flattering position, and speak up when something needs adjusting.
I love creating intentional, editorial-inspired photographs, and those images sometimes require a little planning and direction.
But I don't believe direction needs to feel overwhelming.
There's a difference between confidently guiding someone and making them feel as though they're performing for the camera.
And personally, I'm much more interested in helping people feel comfortable enough to be themselves.
I want there to be space for a little laughter, a little awkwardness, and the moments in between.
Because that's real life, and I happen to think real life photographs beautifully.
I Pay Attention to How People Feel
One thing photography has taught me is that everyone responds differently to being photographed.
Some people walk into a session feeling completely confident. Others are nervous before we've even taken the first photograph.
Some love lots of direction, while others need a little time to settle into the experience.
And I don't think it's fair to expect every person to respond to the exact same approach.
I'm always paying attention to how people are feeling.
If someone seems a little nervous, I might slow things down, offer a little reassurance, or start with something simple.
If a couple is naturally playful and affectionate, I want to make room for that.
If a child needs a few minutes to get comfortable, sometimes the best thing I can do is give them those few minutes.
I don't want every session to feel identical because the people I'm photographing aren't identical.
They have different personalities, different stories, and different ways of connecting.
And I think part of being a good photographer is knowing how to respond to that.
I Don't Want to Be the Main Character of Your Memories
This is something I feel quite strongly about, especially when it comes to weddings.
Of course, there are moments when I need to take charge. Family portraits need organizing, timelines need managing, and sometimes I need to step in and make a decision.
That's part of the job.
But I also believe there's value in knowing when to step away.
When you're exchanging vows, laughing with your friends, or having a meaningful moment with someone you love, the last thing I want is for my presence to become more important than what's happening.
I want you to remember your wedding as the day you married the person you love, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Not as the day you spent constantly being directed by your photographer.
I want my work to be part of how you remember the day, without becoming the thing that takes you away from experiencing it.
And perhaps that's one of the reasons I'm so drawn to blending editorial portraiture with documentary photography.
There are moments when we intentionally create something beautiful together, and there are moments when I simply observe and preserve what was already there.
I love both.
There's More Than One Way to Be a Good Photographer
The longer I work in photography, the more I realize how important it is to build a business and an experience that actually reflect who you are.
Not who you think you're supposed to be.
I'm still learning, still growing, and constantly finding ways to improve my work and the experience I offer my clients.
But I don't want that growth to come at the expense of my personality.
I don't think I need to become louder to become more confident.
I don't think I need to turn every session into a production to create beautiful photographs.
And I certainly don't think there's only one type of personality that belongs behind a camera.
Some photographers bring incredible energy into a room, and their clients love them for it.
Others, like me, bring something a little quieter.
Neither is better. They're simply different.
And I think there's something really lovely about finding the people who appreciate your particular way of doing things.
Maybe That's What I Love Most About Photography
Photography has become much more than a creative outlet for me.
It's taught me to pay attention, to connect with people, and to appreciate moments that might otherwise pass without much thought.
It's also teaching me to trust myself more.
To recognize that the way I see the world, the things I notice, and the energy I bring into a space all influence the photographs I create.
And that's not something I need to change simply because someone else does things differently.
I still want to grow. I still want to challenge myself creatively, try new things, and create photographs that feel beautiful, artistic, and meaningful.
But I want to do all of that while remaining myself.
A little calm. A little observant. Thoughtful about the people in front of my camera, and intentional about the work I create.
Because I've come to believe that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to make people feel seen.
And if there's one thing I want people to feel when they work with me, it's exactly that.
Seen, comfortable, and appreciated for who they are.
