photography is a service based business. don't trick yourself into thinking that having all the technical skills or the best equipment will make you a successful photographer. sure, it may help a lot in getting a fantastic high resolution image for your client, but getting extraordinary, memorable images requires being a relatable, personable person behind the camera. i believe this more than anything. having a good relationship with your client(s) is the single biggest factor in getting images that are not only beautiful, but authentic.
as humans, we have an ability to discern what is and what isn't genuine. this becomes so much more important in photography because sometimes what you see can be so deceiving. it becomes even more clear through the viewfinder if your subject is not feeling the moment, or is trying to fake their way through it. but building a comfort level with your client, talking them through what you are doing and allowing them to be part of the process rather than just your muse can go a long way in bringing their mind at ease and feeling comfortable in front of the lens.
i acknowledge that some people aren't photogenic, but it's only because they are conscious of when the camera is in front of them. my job as a photographer is to not only get images of you at your best, but it's to make you as comfortable as possible, so I can get images that are both authentic and genuine and look as natural as possible. we all have our own beauty, our own essence, and hiring a photographer that can find yours in all kinds of environments is more important than what kind of equipment he/she has or how proficient they may be at photoshop. you can't fake authenticity.
de Jesus out.
