I hear it time and time again from approximately 75% of my clients, “we never take photos together so we’ll need help with posing” or “we’re going to need a lot of direction because we’re awkward in front of the camera.” This is the only time, every time, my clients are WRONG and i’m excited to show them that.

Sammy sent me some version of that phrase in her texts proceeding her engagement session with Corbin at Mcmenamins in Tacoma, WA. I’ll tell you what I told (and showed) her about the power of capturing relationships authentically: My skill in taking photos is secondary to making my clients feel as comfortable as possible during the time we spend together.

Think about it for a second. When do you feel the most confident? Your truest self? I bet it isn’t in any situation where you feel uneasy or nervous. With a camera in your face…most would feel immediately nervous. Being a photographer of people, capturing the moments that become heirlooms; it’s more than knowing how to pose and expose your images properly. This craft is about creating a space in every session where someone feels comfortable to act genuinely. Allowing every human that steps in front of your lens to let loose, smile with their teeth, and cry without thinking about anything but. that. moment. That’s where the true beauty occurs, in the space after you leave room for authenticity-

You just have to point and shoot.

Any photographer with experience and knowledge can capture pretty images, not every photographer can capture your intricacies. My goal for every client, as it was for Sammy + Corbin, is to leave the session or wedding day feeling like you want to do it again. To have another time to hangout with your best friend Mackenzie, let her into the warmth of your love story, and laugh the entire time.

Check out these images that hold this sentiment from S + C’s classy holiday engagement session in Tacoma: