The Psychology of Photography

     For over twenty years, I have been blessed with one of the most creative, enjoyable and yet challenging professions, that of a professional photographer.  Those twenty years have taught me many invaluable lessons, especially about people.
     The instructors at various photography schools I attended never truly explained how challenging being a photographer could be.  I learned techniques about posing, lighting and the business aspect of the profession.  On my own, I found out that psychology plays a big part in the success of a photography business.  Dealing with people’s moods, personalities and habits can be very hard work.  Each time I come into contact with a new subject, I never know how that person is going to react to having their picture taken.
     Most of my photography deals with weddings, children, adults and special events. 
The most challenging for me are weddings. Photographing a wedding can be a dream or it can be a nightmare.  There is a lot of added stress in knowing I only have one chance to capture the day’s very special events.  That fact always adds a special intensity to the event.
     The first stage of this process is to meet with the bride and groom, sometimes up to a year in advance.   I do not try to sell myself but show them my photography and let the photography do the selling.  Meeting with them at my studio is a good way to get to know them and make them feel comfortable with who I am as a person.  Once they decide they want me as their photographer, the work begins.  I give them their contracts, go over the wedding day and tell them a little about my style.  I feel that capturing the festivities in a photo-journalistic style best tells the story of the day. 
     The wedding day is always a surprise for me.  I never know who I will run into and if everyone is getting along.  My assistants and I have witnessed all kinds of scenarios, from the bride and groom fighting, to a mother who is drunk and can’t stand her ex-husband who is due to show up at any time, to the wedding party being high on marijuana.  I have seen a bride wearing her grandmothers’s antique wedding dress getting thrown in a swimming pool by her new husband and a blubbering ex-girlfriend still in love with the groom making sure everyone knows.  My motto: stay calm!  It’s best not to react to every situation and to always stay professional and keep smiling.  I must say it’s not always easy.  Usually by the end of the ceremony and reception, it all works itself out and with enough champagne everyone is happy. 
 

     Photographing children is the next most challenging genre.  If the children are fed and happy, it’s usually very satisfying…even great!  On the other hand it can be some of the most tiring and frustrating photography when things don’t go right.  I love children and I am also very patient so I feel I have an advantage.  I find that when photographing children, I need to leave enough time before the next appointment so I never have to hurry.  More importantly, I always expect the unexpected.  I’ve had moms nurse their children right in the middle of a photo session.  Some children fight with siblings and knock down props, and while I am not looking some try to play with my computer.  With children, it is always good to keep things moving.  I find that puppets are a great way to keep their attention while clicking the shutter.  Having a character talk to them or even make silly noises like a duck, is a good way to keep them focused.  As a special treat, I offer surprises at the end of the photo session.  Candy or little toys make children feel successful.
     High school senior photos are always a kick for me because seniors are at a high point in their life.  Not knowing where the future lies and knowing they are getting ready for a whole new life out in the real world is very exciting and sometimes scary.  I usually play rock and roll music, sit and talk about their future plans and take a little time to get them to relax.  I tell them if they have fun that we will get the best pictures.  Then the work begins.  Most of the boys usually hate having their picture taken and they say “I’m doing this for my parents” so they just want to get it over with.  The girls, of course, come in with three to four outfits, a curling iron, brushes, makeup and a variety of accessories.  Now that’s fun!  Yes, we do have a lot of fun especially when we go to an outdoor setting, like a creek, and just play. 
Adults are pretty easy.  They just want to know if you can make them look younger and retouch.  I assure them, “Well of course, I’m digital I can do anything!”  They usually like that. 
     As a professional photographer, I can honestly say that my life has been very satisfying.  I love the fact that in this profession my schedule is different every day and that I get to meet so many interesting people.  My reward is to make them happy.  I have learned over the years to always keep a cool head, try to understand people and all their different personalities, to love my work and to honor my profession.

Martha Flynn
Grants Pass, OR