Building a Relationship with Your Photographer is the Key to Great Photos

Kim Brundage Photography 2022

I often think it would be ideal if your best friend was an awesome professional photographer. That’s because, the more you trust the person taking your photo, the more relaxed you’ll be and the better the photos turn out. 

Getting a great photo is about a lot more than the lighting or the background or even the equipment you use. All of those things are important, but I can tell you, as a professional photographer, it’s the energy and how well you and your photographer are aligned that has the biggest impact on how your photos turn out.

Most of my clients say they have fun during our photoshoots - even those that ‘hate’ having their picture taken! I think that’s the best compliment ever.

It’s why I take the time to meet with my clients, regardless of the photoshoot they book, to learn about them, and share a little about my process. We define together how we can co-collaborate and be on point to their personal brand. That way, we ensure they have images they can’t wait to use in their marketing and share on social media.

If a client shows up to our session looking forward to meeting a friend (me), I'm much more able to play because they already trust me. It’s magical and I’m able to suggest poses and background options that reflect their brand even more with that trust. Portraits that come out of sessions like this are my favorites and my clients.

Since I work with “movers and shakers” (from entrepreneurs to corporate CEOs), my clients tend to be much more comfortable taking action and creating big things than having their pictures taken. That’s why I’ve designed an experience that makes it easy for my clients to be their authentic selves in front of my camera.

I love showing my clients the back of my camera so they can see firsthand the great progress we’re making. It’s a confidence booster. Plus they can give me any feedback and we can make any tweaks.

Here’s a shortlist of things I do to help my clients feel more at ease.

First, during our pre-branding consult, I ask my client to think of three to five words that best express how they think of themselves and how they want to come across in their photos. My three words are authentic, beautiful, and playful. I’ve found that just the act of defining yourself with this exercise can get the wheels turning and sets the tone for your hairstyling, camera-ready makeup, and wardrobe styling. Everything needs to be consistent.

The second thing I do to prepare my clients for a successful branding session is to have them meet with my wardrobe stylist ahead of their branding session. The clothes you wear tell the world a lot about you, and if you choose your photoshoot wardrobe based on your three words, it’s even more powerful.

Finally, my goal is to help you feel absolutely beautiful and your most authentic and confident self when you step in front of the camera. That’s why I include hair, makeup, and style services from my “dream team” on the day of your photo shoot. You’ll be pampered and look amazing before you ever step in front of the camera. 

Dream Team: From Left to Right - Kelsea Dayberry, Radiant Reflection; Megan Wilson, Wardrobe Stylist, Whitney (client), and me.

If you’re wondering if all of this can make a difference in your next professional photos, I’d love to jump on a quick chat with you to talk about it. It's the first step toward making a bigger impact with your ideal clients (and toward us getting to know each other better so you can call me “friend” before we do your next photoshoot).