A Decade Behind the Camera: What I’ve Learned That Sets Me Apart
I can hardly believe I’m writing this: a whole decade behind the lens.
Ten years of smiling faces, heartfelt moments, quiet glances, happy tears, and lots of chasing golden hour. This past year especially has been one of reflection and growth — both as a photographer and as a person.
There’s something about hitting that ten-year milestone that makes you stop, sit down, and really ask: What have I learned? Where am I going next?
So today, I want to share a little of what I’ve learned in these ten years of photographing families, couples, and new beginnings — not just how it’s shaped me as an artist, but how it’s shaped me as a human.
1. People Won’t Remember What You Said — They’ll Remember How You Made Them Feel
This is the biggest lesson of all.
Clients might not remember what prompts I used or what camera I had, but they will always remember how I made them feel during their session.
Feeling comfortable, seen, heard, and valued — that’s the foundation of every session I photograph. Whether I’m capturing a couple’s wedding day or a newborn’s first days at home, my job is to create a safe, relaxed, and joyful experience.
2. Reading the Room Is a Superpower
Knowing when to press the shutter and when to pause is something you can’t learn overnight. But after a decade, I’ve come to trust my instincts.
Sometimes the most meaningful photo isn’t posed — it’s in the pause, the exhale, the quiet moment when no one thinks I’m paying attention.
But it’s also knowing when someone needs a break, when a child is overstimulated, or when a parent just needs a minute. That awareness is everything.
3. Reaction Photos and Candid Joy Are Just as Important as the Posed Ones
When I’m photographing a session or wedding, my eyes are always scanning the room.
Yes, I’ll get the big moments — the kiss, the smile at the camera, the “everyone look here!” shot.
But the magic often happens in the in-between:
- A grandparent wiping away a tear
- A toddler giggling at something off-camera
- Friends cheering in the background
I’ve trained myself to not only focus on the subject but to capture the story unfolding around them.
4. If You’re There, You’re in a Photo
This is a personal rule I’ve adopted, and it’s simple:
If you came to the session — even just to help wrangle toddlers or hold a diaper bag — you’re in at least one photo.
It costs nothing extra. It doesn’t matter if you weren’t “dressed for it.” You showed up, so I want to make sure you’re remembered, too.
Some of my favorite moments have come from these “extras.” A grandma’s soft smile while holding a grandbaby, or a proud sibling helping behind the scenes — these are moments worth preserving.
5. Boundaries Are Not Bad for Business — They’re Healthy
This year, I learned something big: just because a day is technically “open” doesn’t mean it has to be booked.
Running a photography business doesn’t mean being available 24/7. My family, my rest, and my own time matter, too.
This year I turned on my out-of-office responder and had 426 messages during one week. I let everyone know I’d reply within 72 hours — and guess what? I survived. And my clients respected it.
Clear communication, contracts, scheduling policies — these things don’t make you less accommodating. They make you sustainable.
Ten Years of Gratitude
Looking back on the last decade, I feel a lot of things — mostly gratitude.
Gratitude for every family who let me into their home, every couple who trusted me on their wedding day, and every person who stood in front of my lens and let themselves be seen.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I truly can’t wait to see what the next 10 years hold.
See more of my new headshots here!
If you’re looking for a photographer in Indianapolis who cares just as much about how you feel as how you look in your photos, I’d love to work with you. Whether it’s a wedding, newborn, or family session — let’s make some magic together. Reach out here →
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