We often score new assignments at Photography by Misty because the previous photographers didn’t take the time to care about their clients. What a shame. Of course, we appreciate the opportunity to work with new clientele, helping them rep their brand, themselves, or their families with pride and authenticity. However, we never wish ill will on our friendly competition (though maybe occasionally on our not-so-friendly competition).
Great photographers must think of themselves as their clients’ mirror. I will use myself as an example. I know which side of my face appears younger. I know exactly how to pose to appear 10 pounds lighter. I know which way to angle my face to minimize my lazy eye (please don’t start taking a closer look at me). When it comes to picture time, I have a tendency to throw it all out the window. Oftentimes I simply forget or I just don’t want to appear too boujee. Later, I’ll take a look and kick myself for not practicing what I preach. And that’s exactly why I’ve hired my associate photographers to take my family’s portraits as well as my updated headshots.
At Photography by Misty, there’s an added mirror element. My blog inspiration came from this quote I found: “If you see a mirror, you will see God’s best creation.” While that sounds great and wonderful, that’s not how most people view their reflection. Yet, that’s exactly how we see our clients. And no one gets behind a Photography by Misty camera, whether it be for a headshot in my Plano home studio, family portraits in Frisco’s Central Park, high school senior portraits in Deep Ellum, or branding photography at a fancy Instagram-created studio, without being able to bring this out of an individual and capture the true confidence and strength that we should all see in ourselves.
There’s no room for faking love for the human race in my company’s space. Before an associate photographer takes on one of our clients, they must first be an assistant. It’s very obvious if they genuinely care and have concern for others.
We serve as their mirror not only for uneven shirt collars, cranky ties, cray cray hairs, and crooked necklaces, but our faces serve as their reflections. Before reading the above quote, I’d never really thought of it this way. What did occur to me, after 10-plus years of photography experience, is that we literally fall in love with their clients. They, in turn, fall in love with themselves.
From the moment they step into our on-site or home studio space, our clients begin to see themselves through our eyes. It’s only after this magic happens do we start the image-taking process. Clients often tell us that our images are the best and most genuine pictures they’ve ever taken.
Are we that good? Well, yes. But it actually has just as much to do with how much we love and appreciate each individual for their worth and beauty as it does with our photography ninja skills.
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