Thought I would do something a little different in this blog post. As a full time marketer I use AI to help me with many-a-task, making some menial work faster so I can get back to ideating. So I thought why not use AI to help me with some photography work as well. To kick things off I asked AI to interview me to help you get to know me a little bit better and maybe even convince you to hire me. Here are some excerpts from said interview. 

As someone balancing photography with other commitments, how do you manage your time between client shoots, editing, and your other professional responsibilities?

Ah yes the 5-9 after your 9-5 (or more like 8-6, 7, 8… depending on the project). Some days it can be a lot but I have to remember growth is not linear. Time management has been crucial to building my photography business alongside my full-time marketing career. I’ve developed a structured approach where I dedicate Friday through Sunday to photography work, including shoots, editing, and content creation. This allows me to stay ahead of deliverables while maintaining excellence in both roles. I’ve implemented a strict 24-hour response policy for client inquiries and use project management tools to track deadlines. This systematic approach ensures I can scale my business sustainably without compromising quality in either profession.

What’s been your most memorable photo session to date, and what made it special?

My most cherished photography experiences have been capturing milestone moments for my closest friends, particularly their engagements and weddings. These sessions are uniquely powerful because they combine my technical expertise with deep personal connections. Understanding their journey and shared history allows me to capture authentic emotions and subtle nuances that might be missed by an outsider. These sessions transcend typical client work – they’re opportunities to document legacy moments for people I deeply care about. 

How do you help your clients feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera?

My approach to creating natural, authentic photos centers on building genuine connections with my clients. I implement a three-phase comfort strategy: First, I schedule a pre-session consultation to understand their vision and build rapport. Second, I maintain open communication throughout the process, sharing my expertise while being attentive to their concerns. Finally, during the shoot, I begin with movement-based poses and activities for the first 15 minutes to help release tension and capture genuine moments. This method consistently helps clients transition from feeling like they’re being photographed to simply being themselves in front of my lens.

For those starting their photography journey, what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you first began?

I think I wish someone told me that some of the best clients come through word of mouth from friends of friends of friends. It acts as almost a pre-vetting. When clients come recommended through mutual connections, there’s already a foundation of credibility that allows for more creative freedom and honest communication. I encourage new photographers to nurture these organic connections and treat every client interaction as an opportunity to expand their trusted network, rather than focusing solely on traditional marketing channels. This approach not only generates quality leads but also creates a sustainable business model built on genuine relationships and shared values. A lot can be accomplished by trust and friendship.