Why a Consultation Prior to Your Session?
Part of our process for every photo session at Akoma Studios includes a consultation, at least for the first time you shoot with us and I sometimes get the question- why? Or at least pushback because they feel in a hurry or that it is unnecessary. I would like to take a minute to share with you why I feel the consultation is an important piece of what I do and why it kept me from quitting photography.
Ten years ago I was what they called a shoot and burn photographer. I called it a ‘let’s shoot at the park at nine’. I have no idea what you are wearing. I have little to no idea of what you want, who you are and what you will be using the photos for. I also have no connection with you prior to putting a camera in front of your face where you feel self conscious and probably a bit nervous.
The results of these photo sessions were, I would say sub par. Sure I had clients that seemed to like their photos. But there was still a general emptiness to the photos. They were definitely not winning awards. From what I know today they likely would not be judged as a professional standard. But the biggest thing for me was there was no impact. It was an empty process, and not very rewarding- for either party.
I was actually ready to give up photography- because it was an empty process. I felt I was moving onto other things… and then I ran into Sue Bryce. While I took many concepts from Sue the consultation was a game changer for my photo sessions… in many ways.
Let’s get on the same page for your photo session
Ideally if you follow my photography you may have an idea of my style. Unfortunately I would say my style is more of the connection I have with the clients that shines through for a relaxed, fun or other portrait. I LOVE playing around with different types of light- bright and airy, traditional, color lights and so on. And depending on what you want- I could potentially use any of those lights depending on your style, the story you want to tell and even where you want to use the photographs. For instance if you have a brand that is bright, your website and a lighter color pallette and perhaps a white back drop- you probably would not care if I took the following picture for you as it does not meet your needs.
A consultation gives us a chance to get on the same page. We review visuals and what stands out to you. I gather your input on the story you want to tell, not only with visuals but also with words. Most importantly I am getting to know you.
The better the connection, the better the photographs
Getting your picture taken is not always the most fun and unless you are a professional model I am going to guess it is not at the top of your list of fun things to do. Then add to that the person taking your pictures is likely a stranger, or maybe you vaguely know them. It does not help put your mind at ease in a situation where you might be nervous.
A consultation for me is more than a review of visuals and your goal with the photos. It is a chance for us to meet without the camera present. A chance for me to see if there is something I can connect with you during the session. It is an opportunity for you to get to know me better and see that my goal is truly- your best you in the session.
I don’t recall where but I remember reading that many of the great photographers focus on spending as much time with their subject as possible, because this connection is key. While they and I can still take a picture in 5 minutes, and the ability to connect does improve over time I have found that a consultation is very valuable to create a plan for the photo session so that on the day- you can sit back and relax because you know the plan. And you know the person behind the lens- has your back.
Planning always equals better results
If you are like most of us you have probably visited the grocery store and seen several magazines at check out with several gorgeous pictures. While many of these pictures are likely highly produced and manipulated there is generally one constant- planning. They did not show up one day and say lets take a picture. They had to arrange for hair and make up, wardrobe, location, assistants and so on. While we do not shoot that large for individual clients, why not take a page out of the professionals playbook. I would offer that planning across many industries lead to better results. No, you cannot plan for everything- but at least it gives us a better starting point and a better opportunity for better results.
I have loved consultations since I started doing them, even for headshots. No, it does not make alot of monetary sense for me to do the consultation for a headshot, and I have even thought about getting rid of them. But I love them. I know to many people photographer’s just push a button but I hope to let you know that to many of us it is so much more than that. I love the positive impact my sessions now have with clients. I love the beautiful imagery we create together. But even more than that- I love connecting with other humans. Many that I am now lucky enough to call friends.