It has been brought to my attention lately that there has been a recent claim that my portfolio consists mainly of “staged” weddings and model shoots. No, seriously. Normally I wouldn’t take the time to address such outlandish accusations if it weren’t for the fact that I feel deeply that this is an issue in the industry that should be addressed and considered more closely. You see, I commonly receive emails from newer photographers who seek advice on how to “click” with their clients and who seem to struggle with the bride and groom sessions during any given wedding day. I know that this was where I felt most uncomfortable in the beginning. After all, its so much easier to take a photo of an inanimate object such as a cake or a beautiful pair of shoes. But portraits as we all know is a completely different story! The hardest thing about becoming a wedding photographer is hands down building a decent portfolio. Of course the very first thing a potential client requests is to see examples of your work! And rightly so. Early on I was aware that in order to gain clients trust in my abilities to produce good images and in turn have something to show for it was simple. Practice. Practice. Practice. My very first session….I take that back. My very first FIVE sessions were absolutely free. Some from a tiny advertisement on Craigslist offering my services in exchange for the images produced. Others were friends and even a few were aspiring models I found on websites such as the really cool Model Mayhem site. When it came down to it I didn’t care about money. I just wanted the opportunity to do what I loved so dearly. Honestly, I’d photograph anything and anyone who let me within 10 feet of them. Day or night. Rain or shine. Tall or short. Blond or brunette. Practice. Practice. Practice. Of all these things I have to say I learned the most from aspiring models, most of which who like me were looking to build a portfolio and fine tune their craft. I never paid for their services, only traded the images for their time. It was a beautiful relationship. But it was in these shoots that I began to grow. I learned so much about how to feel comfortable, not only from behind the lens, but also how to better interact with clients. In fact, it was in such a shoot that I learned an invaluable lesson about women. That they don’t like to appear taller than their male counterparts. It seems simple I know. But as an combat medic/firefighter it was so foreign to me that I never in a million years would have even considered it an issue. And in another session I learned that women have an odd obsession with shoes and that they feel prettier in a sexy “s” pose rather than the much more stiff poses I was suggesting in my lack of experience. On the other hand a male model once told me that he always feels awkward without something to do with his hands. So whenever possible he prefers to put his hands in his pockets and lean slightly to the left on his “sex hip” as he put it. I noticed that he immediately looked casual and comfortable. Brilliant! Yes, all invaluable lessons indeed which in turn fast tracked my skills, fine tuned my craft, and allowed me the opportunity to produce images that I was truly proud of. Practice. Practice. Practice. To this day one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to find someone to photograph who will give you constructive criticism. It amazes me that some would frown on this and rather you “practice” on the most special day in a couple’s lives instead. Trust me, when you are racing against the sun and you only have ten minutes with a couple, that is not the time to work out the bugs on your bride and groom portrait sessions.

Here’s something to chew on.

I met Leslie on Model Mayhem. She had been with Berk for over two years and had never had pictures taken together. So we set out on a beautiful sunny day and went out and had some fun for a while. Absolutely free. Just because I love taking pictures. It keeps my mind clear. It satisfies my insides like few things can in this world. It sets me free. In the middle of the session Leslie just happen to lean over and wrap her around Berk and rest her head on his shoulder. To this day I think the composition and framing is nothing less than a brilliant accident.

In an instant, gone are the days of tearing out magazine advertisements. Inspiration was right in front of me! Immediately every wedding client following this “just because” session benefited because I became just little more comfortable in my own skin.

Just ask clients Anna and Tyler:

Or Sean and Leigh:

Or Hunter and Brittney:

Or Sanah & Zain:

So there you go. And on the record. I have and will continue to photograph every chance I can. In my mind’s eye I will never be good enough and will continue to seek out those who will help me grow and evolve and take me one step closer to being the artist I ache to become. Love what you do. Do it for yourself. In the end clients don’t book you on WHO is in your port. They book you on how well you will capture THEM. So I am happy to consider this issue…well, squashed.