Get comfy
Work with photographers who make you feel comfortable.
That will ensure that the real you is presented in the photos.
If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again - you need to qualify the person behind the camera BEFORE you hire them to take your photos.
And I’m not just talking about the work itself…
…Of course, that’s important - the style and aesthetic that the photographer brings to the table needs to resonate with you, otherwise the conversation ends right then and there.
But what I’m referring to specifically is the photographer’s demeanor, personality and approach.
When speaking to them on the phone during a discovery call, be mindful of their tone and line of questions:
Are they speaking to you in a way that pushes you back on your chair, or do you find yourself leaning in?
Are they asking questions that get to the heart of who you are, who you serve, the problems you solve and how?
Do you feel passive or engaged in the conversation?
Can you envision spending time with this person chatting over drinks in a bar?
If you don’t feel comfortable with the person charged with capturing your essence in front of the camera, it will be written all over your face in every single picture.
And guess what?
Those photos are best stored in the trash as it’s not the way you want to position yourself visually in front of those you serve.
One expert who understands the importance of feeling comfortable with their photographer is Patty.
We were introduced through colleagues, and within 3 minutes, we both knew this would be a good fit.
Our personalities clicked, we got in the weeds with who she is and who she serves, and it was all downhill from there to create the list of photos she specifically needed to create.
And when it was game time, all the hard work had been done already - now it was time to play :)
After the session, Patty was kind enough to share her thoughts on the experience of working with me:
“John DeMato so far exceeded my expectations! Dozens of professional speaking colleagues said he was THE one I wanted to work with.
Our short phone chat about expectations and planning wardrobe changes to maximize our time together made me SO comfortable.
And then the reality of the day where he effortlessly made me feel so comfortable and captured unique pictures to use in endless ways. John is exceptional at finding you and capturing your beauty.
I highly recommend John who is simply a lovely person who sets you up for success!”
When you put in the effort to qualify your potential photographer beyond their portfolio and price tag, you’re setting yourself up to create a valuable experience when you’re in front of the camera.
The juice, ultimately, is worth the squeeze.
Over to you…
Are you currently looking to update your image portfolio and don’t already have a photographer with whom you feel comfortable?