Hey there, lovely clients! I find it amazing how everyone automatically assumes that all photographers are created equally, but that's far from the truth. As you know, I'm a natural light photographer specializing in portraits. I'm not an event, wedding, pet, baby, or any other kind of photographer—I can't do it all! In this blog post, I'll discuss why not all photographers are created equal and why I love portrait photography.
Who Do You Think I Am?
It's crucial to research the photographer you want to hire for a session. As I've mentioned, not all photographers are created equally. Some only shoot in-studio, others prefer outdoor settings with natural light (like me 😊), and some focus exclusively on sports photography. You can't assume that just because someone owns a camera, they can take any kind of picture you want—I wish it were that simple.
Photographers have niches, just like many other professions. Here are a few types of photographers:
- Real estate photographers
- Baby photographers
- Drone photographers
- Food photographers
- Wildlife photographers
Just as a soccer coach can't coach volleyball, a food photographer probably can't take wildlife pictures. Why? They might not be interested in the subject, lack the proper gear, or have no experience in that area.
A Prime Example
I was once invited to take pictures of a local semi-pro football team. Had I ever taken pictures of football players before? No. But did I give it a shot? Of course! Let me tell you about how it went.
Picture this: You're an experienced natural light portrait photographer with no interest in sports, limited sports knowledge, and no appropriate lens for capturing action from a distance. There I was, standing on the sidelines while my friends quickly tried to explain which plays and players to capture as everything unfolded. Needless to say, most of my pictures were of things that caught my eye—the players on the sidelines and a stray helmet on the ground. Sorry, not sorry.
My point is, was I able to take pictures at the game? Yes. Were they as good as those taken by a sports photographer? Definitely not.
Count on Me for Portraits
I love portrait photography because it offers variety, human interaction, and the opportunity to get up close and personal. Let's delve into these aspects:
Variety
Portrait photographers can specialize in various types of portraits, such as engagement photos, professional headshots, graduation pictures, and more. I enjoy the element of surprise when a client inquires about a shoot. It's like opening an Amazon package!
Human Interaction
My full-time job is remote, so I don't get much human interaction outside of the gym and grocery stores. Having a side hustle that allows me to meet new people is fantastic, and I learn many unique and interesting things from my clients.
Getting Up Close and Personal
I've always been a big fan of taking close-ups. There's something special about capturing a shot of just the eyes, a close-up side profile, or similar angles that truly stand out.
In addition to portrait photography, I'm also a natural light photographer. This means my sessions are outdoors, relying heavily on sunlight. I would love to offer studio sessions, but that's not feasible at the moment as I don't have access to a studio (unless I pay per session). In the future, I hope to offer both outdoor and studio sessions.
I hope this blog helps you understand why most good photographers don't try to be a "jack of all trades, master of none." Come back later for more insights, some knowledge, and maybe some deals! In the meantime, keep booking with me. (:
