What Your Photographer Wish You Knew

photographerI’m eye balls deep in the busiest time of year for me. If you didn’t know, I am a family photographer and as the saying goes, ‘Fall is to photographers as April is for accountants” is my life. I’m barely sleeping, I’m working ’til I’m cross eyed, and I’m trying to hold down my household at the same time. 

It’s a CRAZY time of year but I absolutely love it! It’s so fun to talk with my photographer friends. We swap tips, locations and bounce ideas off one another all the time in our groups. Very often you’ll hear someone say, “I wish my clients knew …<insert so many things>.”

So I’m going to share with you a few of my most agreed with things that we WISH you knew! Please take a minute to just read them and think about them. Sessions are all about feelings! 

1. Attitude is everything 

I make sure to do my best to clear my mind of negativity before I show up. I need you to try and do your best also. I know most dads don’t want to to be here and many express it to me, but I need you to make the best of it. If you’re grumpy, you set the tone. I’m sure you don’t want your kids to look back years from now and see someone who’s unhappy! Give them positive memories!

2. All kids are a handful

That’s why they’re kids and it’s normal. Here’s what I need from you … breathe and relax. They aren’t bothering me. Don’t threaten your children during a session. Please PLEASE do not spank them during a session. All it creates is tears and that doesn’t get the job done. There is a time and place for correction. A simple word if a child is being ugly is fine, but if they’re just having fun, don’t crush their spirit! I want to see it and capture it! 

3. Don’t belittle your spouse

It hurts my heart to even write this but I see it so often. I need you to build each other up, not tear each other down. Positive mindsets create beautiful pictures. 

4. Momma relax 

I’m not judging you at all. Your children are not the worst I’ve ever photographed. Your hair is fine! That outfit is okay. I know you might be uncomfortable, but remember that I want you to look your best. If I move you or ask you to tilt your head, I PROMISE it’s because I want you to look your best! 

5. Please let me do my job

I need you to smile and laugh. Tell jokes, lovingly tease your spouse, and let me do what I do best. I know there’s a method to my madness, and if you don’t micromanage the session, it will be so much easier for everyone. I prefer that you let me play with your kids before you start offering your phone. So tuck it away in your car and give me a little space to work my magic. 

6. Come with no expectations

It very rare that kids do what we want. Let yourself relax and enjoy the experience. I promise you’ll find images you never would have dreamed of. 

7. Respect my time 

October and November can be HELL for me. Some days I can answer right away, and others it may take me a few hours to respond. This could be from shoots taking place, my child needing some undivided attention, editing marathons where I need to focus, or I might just be taking the day off to recharge. I’ll answer as soon as I can. 

 8. Light is life

I know you’d love to do pictures when it’s convenient for you but TRUST ME. Lighting is LIFE. I’m not trying to be difficult when I suggest early morning or late afternoon. I’m trying to guide you to the time of day where you get those glorious light rays and no squinty eyes! 

9. I love Pinterest too 

But I won’t copy a picture for you. Can we use it for inspiration? Sure. But time of day, outfits, personalities and how the stars are aligning all go into pictures. See #6.

10. It’s okay if we don’t fit

Meshing with your photographer is KEY! It’s not about what equipment I use or how I edit. It’s about style. There are A LOT of photographers in this town. It’s okay if my style or prices aren’t for you, or if maybe you want to try someone else. I promise! At the end of the day, I want you to have gorgeous images to hang on your walls that you and your family will love. 

Be sure to check out my other two favorite blog posts about family pictures ::

How to Dress for Family PhotosYes, You Have to Take the Pictures 

Carlie
Carlie is a divorced mom of five. She moved to Lafayette 22 years ago from a small town in-between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. She has four young adult children from her first marriage that ended after 19 years, Christopher, Cara, Clay and Cade. She has a one year old daughter, Poppy Mae with her significant other, Joey. She is a work-at-home mother who is a freelance writer and photographer/owner of Carlie Anne Collective. Organized chaos and tons of lists are her style. Carlie loves to workout, travel, visit with her friends, bike with Poppy Mae in their neighborhood, attend outdoor concerts, eat out at local restaurants, walk aimlessly through stores looking for good deals and swing in her hammock while chatting about her BST addiction with her online friends. She keeps an active Instagram account as a photo journal of her days.