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A lot can happen in 90 minutes. Some of it I guid A lot can happen in 90 minutes.

Some of it I guide. I’ll shift someone slightly, move toward better light, and give a little direction. And then I step back.

I’ve learned that I don’t need to force moments. Most of what I’m looking for is already happening in front of me. It’s just a matter of paying attention and not getting in the way.

If you’ve been in front of my camera, did it feel more like being directed, or just being yourselves?

And if you’re a photographer, do you find yourself stepping in more, or stepping back?
I wish someone had handed me this list in year one I wish someone had handed me this list in year one!!

If I was starting over, knowing what I know now, here’s what I’d do differently:

I would have learned light before I ever thought about upgrading my gear! I started in 2009 with a crop frame camera and honestly had no idea what I was doing. I just assumed a better camera would fix everything. I so desperately wanted to upgrade to full frame. It wouldn’t have changed anything at that time. Learning light was the thing that actually made a huge difference for me. The funny part is I shoot Fuji now, which is crop frame, so…

I would have said “no” a lot sooner. I said yes to everything because it felt like work and I thought I had to. And sure, it helps you get comfortable behind the camera and with people, but the stress of showing up to shoots I really didn’t want to be at just wasn’t worth it. I wish I’d spent that energy on personal work instead. Model calls, shooting just for me, building something I actually cared about.

I would have created a welcome guide from the beginning. This has made such a real difference with clients. They show up prepared, they put thought into what they wear, and they actually understand how I work. Before I had one, I’d have parents mid-session trying to get their kids to sit still and say cheese, not realizing the mess and chaos is exactly what I want to capture. Getting that across ahead of time changed everything.

I would have kept my pricing simple from the start. A confused mind says no. Learned that one the hard way.

And I would have spent way less time looking at what everyone else was doing. This one is probably the hardest to admit because I lost a lot of time to it. You start following people you admire and somehow end up questioning everything about your own work. Your pricing, your style, your colour tones. And slowly you start making decisions based on what seems to be working for everyone else instead of what actually feels right to you.

The stuff I’m proudest of didn’t come from following trends. It came from FINALLY just ignoring them.

➡ What would you tell your earlier self, or if you’re just starting out, what feels most important to you right now?
Want the link to this? Just comment “wallet” below Want the link to this? Just comment “wallet” below and I’ll DM it to you!

Goodbye, pile of unidentified SD cards taking over my desk!!!

Here’s how I keep track of what’s on each one:

• Got this little card wallet
• Cut tiny papers to fit each sleeve (cardstock works best)
• Wrote down what’s on each card
• Slid them in beside the cards

Feeling big “I have my life together” energy 🙌😅😂

#photographertips #sdcardorganization #photographerlife #workflowhack #behindthescenes #photobiztips #organizeyourchaos #photographergear
Zero response. Full spiral. I’m fine 😅 #photogra Zero response.
Full spiral.
I’m fine 😅 

#photographerlife #galleryday #clientghosting #relatablephotographer #photographerhumour #gallerydelivery #photographymemes #behindthescenes #photogstruggles #creativemeltdown
Read this before your next session: It’s easy to Read this before your next session:

It’s easy to forget the little things that make a BIG difference. These tips help you slow down, tune in, and shoot with more intention.

1. If you’re stuck, change your angle, not the family’s pose.
A shift in perspective can make the moment click (pun intended 😅)

2. Connection is everything.
If you didn’t get the “perfect” shot, but the emotion is there, that’s a keeper.

3. Light before location.
A beautiful space means nothing if the light isn’t working.  Find the light!

4. Step back. Then get closer.
Shoot wide for story, tight for feeling.

5. Watch the hands.
They tell more of the story than faces sometimes.

Save this for when you need a reminder.
Which one of these do you need to remember most right now?

#photographytips #photographyeducation #lifestylephotographer #familyphotographytips #newbornphotography #creativephotographer #photoeducation #montrealphotographer
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