Ramblings of a selfish, left-handed, photographer.

June 25, 2010

I was recently interviewed by my all time favorite publication, Design Aglow for a feature they will be running in the next issue. One of the questions that really stuck with me was “Clayton, how do you find the people that you have a connection with?” From what little time have in the wedding industry, I have read over and over how typical photographers go through great lengths in order to get to “know” their clients on a deeper level in order to provide them with the right kind of images. Even when I first began this wild and crazy journey the biggest piece of advice I received was that I needed to make myself more available to all kinds of clients. “You really need to expand your client base in order to be available to everyone Clayton” they would say. And still others would say “a job is job” and one even went so far as to call me a “selfish” photographer because I was too picky. He swore it would be my downfall.
Over time I have come to realize something that has turned my business on its head. And that one thing is this. However important it may be to understand who my potential client is, I know without a doubt that what is even more important is that my potential client know who I am. I guess what I’m saying is that I am who I am. And I shoot how I shoot. I don’t know of any other way so it is important that my couples understand this about me. Not vice verse. They should understand that if they are looking for “bridal party jumping in the air”, or “looking at the camera smiling” shots than I am not a right fit for them (or their parents who never seem to get me anyway). My work tends to be full of passion and sex and intimacy. In truth, a reflection of me.
I work in a bubble. Im a left handed photographer. Which is to say that while I could force myself to write right-handed, physically it could be done. But in the end it just wouldn’t feel right and would come out all sloppy. Being selfish is an amazing thing people. There is something powerful in turning away a client that isn’t a good fit for you. As a result every job I have is inspiring, and wonderful, and fulfills my need, yes NEED, to express myself in this wonderful medium. My couples “get” me. And that understanding leads to trust which leads to inspiration which leads to beautiful images. There is a fine line between giving of yourself freely and being completely and totally selfish. I have made a home on that line. And its a wonderful place to rest my head…

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Rachel Renee said: I’m happy that I just stumbled upon this post. I’ve been looking at your images wondering why all of your clients have “that look”. Like they could all be models for a Clayton Austin photo shoot. Sometimes I work with clients that hate life in front of the camera, and I hate shooting people that don’t want tobe photographed. Glad to know your picky with your clients. It makes for beautiful images. Amy said: Thank you. That’s all I can say to that. hannah said: this is brilliantly written, and is exactly what I needed to hear right now. thank you. chelsea donoho said: this is amazingly written, & so inspiring. you are such an artist. Kiana Washington said: well said but…… I have a problem with you calling it selfish, I dont think its selfish at all to know what your good at, where your gift is and who will receive it the way it was meant to be expressed, you go on with your good self! The world would be a better place if we all had the insight and the courage to function in that realm. Justin DeMutiis said: I love it. Besides the great images, the first time I read your blog I knew this very thing set you apart. i.am.tamryn said: thank you, thank you, thank you. Sometimes being selfish is the only way to get what you need to feel human, inspiration and completely in control of who you are and where you are headed, even more so for people who have a vision of where they want to be and how they want to get there. YOU are doing the exact right thing for you at the exact right time. I hope that I too will head toward that all important vision, do it my way and get the rewards of the hard work i put in…if that makes me selfish…ok then. claytonaustin said: Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for following my blog. Thank you for being here. Please do continue to be here. :-) Elizabeth said: A unique perspective. And while I agree you should never sacrifice your passion, creativity and perspective for a “job” or vision that just doesn’t feel right, it is a shame. I have admired your beautiful work since the very beginning, and have even dreamed of you photographing my wedding (et al) pictures one day. I am, however, the “smile at the camera” type, and had wondered if our styles would jive. I had hoped (and assumed) you probably could create the same magic you do with someone who feels more comfortable being less dramatic and more at ease in front of the camera, but I suppose if your heart isn’t in it, then truly, what’s the point? Glad to have this perspective. I wish you all the best and will continue to be a fan! Megan V said: Very well said. I really like and respect that outlook. “A job is a job” does not apply to a job that is a PASSION, that is creative. “A job is a job” when you’re working at an assembly line or something. There’s only one way to do it and it’s not personal. Photography, and other art forms, are VERY personal and that needs to be taken into consideration. Thank you for sharing your outlook with us!! It gives me confidence to do the same!! xo

Ramblings of a selfish, left-handed, photographer.

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