What People Think I Do vs. What I Actually Do (as a Brand Photographer/Videographer)
Some people think I just show up and take pictures with my “super nice camera”… 📸
And honestly, I understand why it looks that way from the outside. You see the final images and assume it’s a quick process — camera out, a few clicks, done.
But what happens before/during/after a brand session is a lot more intentional and thoughtful than you may think!
A big part of my job starts long before I ever pick up the camera.
The moment a client walks in, I’m paying attention to how they’re feeling.
Most people don’t arrive feeling completely confident and camera-ready. They’re often a little nervous, overthinking how they look, and unsure of what to do with their body. That’s completely normal.
My role isn’t just to take photos. It’s to help people feel comfortable enough to be themselves.
So we start by slowing things down. We talk. We laugh. We ease into the experience. There’s no pressure to perform the second someone steps in front of the camera.
Throughout the session, I’m constantly making small adjustments that rarely show up in the final gallery but make a huge difference in the final images.
I’m fixing flyaways, adjusting clothing, checking posture, and helping everything feel natural rather than forced.
I’m giving direction, offering reassurance, and reminding people to stop overthinking and trust the process.
Posing isn’t about memorizing positions. It’s about creating an environment where people feel and look natural and comfortable.
Some of my favorite images happen in the in-between moments! The laugh that wasn’t planned, the relaxed smile after a pose, the second someone forgets they’re being photographed. Those are often the photos people love most.
And by the end of the session, something usually changes.
The nerves fade. The self-consciousness quiets down. People start seeing themselves differently.
That transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Great photos aren’t just about lighting, locations, or camera settings.
They happen when someone feels comfortable enough to show up as themselves.
And when that happens, everything changes! <3
