Engagement Session location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

What's bugging us (affordable) photographers?


In recent years, I have noticed a growing number of clients requesting certain styles that do not fit the photographer, or asking for various services for a different and often lower price point. This typically stems from not having a budget for one person and hoping to get the same quality for less with somebody else.


This bothers me as a person.

What's bugging us (affordable) photographers?


In recent years, I have noticed a growing number of clients requesting certain styles that do not fit the photographer, or asking for various services for a different and often lower price point. This typically stems from not having a budget for one person and hoping to get the same quality for less with somebody else.


This bothers me as a person.

Engagement Session location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

Ask yourselves...


Would you hire a paparazzi photographer to do natural and airy photos? Or hire a natural light photographer and expect studio quality light? Perhaps candid photography, then expect them to do a stylized, dramatic, and "posey" session?

Engagement Session location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

This is awkward...


I was hired for a reception and days leading up to it, I get an email requesting that during the entrance arrivals, to do paparazzi photos. I'm talking, shout to each wedding party member and do the whole "red carpet" step & repeat nonsense.


It certainly was not my approach or my style. Not only did this catch me off guard, but it created performance anxiety. Why would I be hired for this type of photography when my work showcases an entirely different approach?

Engagement Session location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

I didn't change who I was


When the panic came and went, I explained that they did not hire that type of photographer. I stressed however on how my approach was documentary - moments captured to be remembered for years to come. That shouting out and disrupting the flow of events was not my approach. Furthermore, I re-explained my method; that I will be in view to capture the entrance arrivals, direct eye contact will be made, and a more subtle approach will be done.


This originally started from the client seeing a trending video of a photographer doing a red carpet style photography. A photographer who was out of their budget, with a very different aesthetic from mine.


Was the client going to be disappointed now knowing I am not willing to change who I was?

Engagement Session location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

They were happy, but that's not the point


I often wonder, years after doing the reception, if they were truly happy with the overall outcome or settled knowing that they couldn't get exactly what they wanted because it was simply too late. So, I think it's time to change the flow of how we approach expressing our desires, and knowing when to let go.

They were happy, but that's not the point


I often wonder, years after doing the reception, if they were truly happy with the overall outcome or settled knowing that they couldn't get exactly what they wanted because it was simply too late. So, I think it's time to change the flow of how we approach expressing our desires, and knowing when to let go.

What are you willing to let go if nobody matches your exact desires?


I am going to cut to the chase and be blunt; let us change the mindset of trying to transform affordable photographers to get them to do what you want for less. This will save awkward conversations and spare feelings. Instead, let's break down on how to understand your photographer, how to ask the right questions, and figure out what you truly need & can afford. What matters to you the most with photography? Is what you see trending online influencing your way of thinking? What do you not want and what's nonnegotiable?

Engagement Session Location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire
Engagement Session Location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

Hire for the aesthetic & work ethic


Hire a photographer because you like their work, their style, the way they live life... Shit, maybe because they love dogs and comics and that alone can be a winner. Hire a photographer because they make you feel confident and assured that your day will be captured the way it's intended with your vision in mind. Don't hire a photographer then request a complete change of character.

Hire for the aesthetic & work ethic


Hire a photographer because you like their work, their style, the way they live life... Shit, maybe because they love dogs and comics and that alone can be a winner. Hire a photographer because they make you feel confident and assured that your day will be captured the way it's intended with your vision in mind. Don't hire a photographer then request a complete change of character.

Engagement Session Location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

Just like everything else in a wedding...


There's a right fit. A right fit for your attire, decor, desserts, vendors... It's about taking the moment to recognize what you want and what you can actually afford.


Engagement Session Location, Wallis Beach, Rye, New Hampshire

Don't lose sight of the end goal


This isn't to discourage you from asking for certain things. It's to remind you that you hired the photographer for a specific reason and with an end goal in mind: to have your special day captured authentically and beautifully. The way your photographer sees it, with you in mind.