You know, it’s hard work going against the grain. I guess that’s why they refer to it as “swimming upstream”.

People have certain ideas and expectations from photographers as service providers. You come to the studio which usually has a reception/waiting area, you sit on stools and boxes surrounded by drapes and props, and you self-consciously force out smiles… afterward, you review your favorites on some sort of monitor, picking out all the flaws after it’s too late. (You know the whole “why didn’t you tell me my hair was sticking up?” bit).

Well, guess what people – this isn’t Sears.

You wouldn’t believe (or maybe you would) the number of people that come in to my studio and say, “so this is it? Where do you take the photos? how does this work?”

They probably expect to walk in and see stands, backdrops, lighting equipment… and in time, I plan on acquiring those things. But as my website says, I’m all about capturing real life as it happens. That could change in time, along with my ever-changing taste and style. For now, though, I hope that people can accept my business as it is. I like to do things a little differently. Hopefully my clients will be more comfortable in front of the camera if they come in and are able to plop right down on the couch and make themselves at home.

Maybe the whole concept would be easier to swallow in a bigger city, housing people with open minds.