What Photography taught me about people
From my previous blog, I explained my primary source of income in photography, which is restaurant sales. I approach people and offer to take their pictures, which I shortly after print and sell.
With almost three years of experience, I have learned a lot about photography itself. However, constant work with people taught me even more about human nature and the way people act.
Everyone is different. Each individual has their own manner, way of talking, and way of expressing themselves. At the same time, there are certain patterns that I noticed during my experience that keep repeating.
The groups of people I am about to describe can be met anywhere, in a cafe, restaurant, office, or library. Different settings change behavior, but the patterns remain.
The first group is the person who says no. A lot of times, as a photographer, I forget that people make their decision based on how they perceive me as a person. If I am having a bad day, if my shirt is dirty, or if there is a stain on my shoe, all of these things can affect the answer. The interesting part is that the results can vary. Sometimes I am clearly tired and pushing myself to approach people, and they still decide to give me a chance. Other times, something as small as a wrinkled shirt becomes noticeable.
People decide based on the emotion they receive from the way I approach them, the tone of my voice, and my manners. There will always be people who simply do not want to be photographed, and that is okay. They might be on a first date, in an important meeting, or joking about having an affair. That last one is a joke I have heard too many times by couples. Please do not do it. It is not funny.
There is also the person who loves to spend money. Of course, the quality of the product matters, but in order for someone to spend over two hundred dollars on pictures, they cannot be afraid of spending. I do not like stereotypes, because they are misleading, but often you can sense this type of person. It is usually the one the server keeps checking on, the one who laughs the hardest at jokes.
If that person likes you and you impress them with your work, you can make a very good daily salary. They are often part of a bigger group, and if your work is strong, everyone else notices and praises it. At the same time, this type of person can turn on you quickly. If you make a mistake, they can become your harshest critic.
Selling photography is mostly about emotion. Sometimes I deliver a technically good picture, show it to the group, and still make no sale. If the picture does not make them feel the way they expected, they will not buy it. That raises an important question. Does the picture matter if the potential client does not like me? The answer is both no and yes.
The person has to like you, or more accurately, you have to make them feel comfortable with you. Over time, I noticed there are different ways photographers approach people. Some are very energetic, constantly smiling and complimenting others, even when it feels artificial. Humans are emotional beings, and most of the time, this approach works.
Good servers in restaurants do the same thing. They adapt to your mood to give you the best experience. If you are celebrating, they celebrate with you. If you are upset, they become empathetic and understanding.
I used to think this was morally wrong, that you were creating an artificial version of yourself. I do not think that anymore. Everything today is advertised. Food, technology, clothes, and services are all marketed. If you do not know how to market yourself, you will struggle in almost any field.
There are also people who agree to take pictures and genuinely like them, but still do not buy. Usually, it comes down to money, and that is fine. What I do cannot be forced on anyone. The problem appears when people like the picture but expect it for free. They often ask to take a photo of the photo.
I used to refuse. Now, I usually do not care, as long as it does not turn into a scene and I can continue working. Sometimes, though, it becomes a whole show. This happens often with bachelorette groups. Everyone takes turns taking pictures of the picture, and I honestly do not understand why a group of ten people cannot contribute a few dollars to buy a photo for their friend who is getting married. In most cases, it ends up being the bride who pays.
Big groups are tricky. Usually, there is one person who pays for everything. If there is no clear decision maker, it becomes very difficult. When it is time to pay, it is almost comical how people suddenly turn away or change the topic. If there is one main person who likes the picture, they usually end up buying it for everyone.
Couples are my favorite. I do not want this post to turn into sales philosophy, but love does sell. There is a reason Valentine’s Day is one of the most profitable days. With couples, once they feel comfortable with me, I can give them a genuine experience and create images that reflect their connection. Yes, it is emotional, but at the end of the day, they walk away with real memories.
That leads me to one final thought. Memories sell because they cannot be recreated in the exact same way. You can repeat the moment, take another picture, or visit the same place, but the emotions will never be identical. Photography captures something temporary and turns it into something permanent. That is what I learned about people, and that is what keeps me doing this work.