In on-line reviews, we’ve had clients compliment how easy Tropical Focus was to work with, whether it was for a family vacation portrait or a beach wedding. While pleased, we’d never given those comments much weight. But for the last few days, we’ve been on the other side and now we “get” it. We really, really get it.
Zach Takes Aim On Bob Near Maho Bay
A staff photographer for a national travel magazine has been here on St. John to take images of our family. No, we’re not celebrities – just a small part of an assignment for an eventual article. The experience taught us some things about ourselves that was eye-opening and at the same time it affirmed some of our business beliefs. Everyone can benefit from what we learned.
Bob Catches Zach During A Work Shoot This Week
In our family, Bob is the resident ham. He likes to have his picture taken. Like many people Karin rolls her eyes at the 3 or 4 poses that seem to be ‘his’ in so many photos over their 23 years of marriage [our anniversary is this weekend!]. Karin is camera-shy to say the least. She is a living example of someone who is not comfortable in their own skin, but is working on it even as a 50-something. With an understanding husband who’s a photographer she’s got two or three looks down herself, at least when Bob is taking those inevitable family photos.
Before Zach arrived this week, we made a conscious decision to just be his clients and learn from it. That was easy to say, but when Zach showed up with three (!) cameras around his neck we both knew it would be a challenge, even for us. Bob gets razzed by some for the two cameras that he constantly carries to a shoot. How intimidating!
Zach Followed Us To Our Skyway Villa Shoot
Yet, it was a strangely comforting thought that our own past clients would understand exactly what we were about to go through. It was time to put our own beliefs into reality.
We know it’s not always easy to just be yourself in front of a camera. No ham, no shyness – just exposing yourself and trusting your photographer to do his job, do it well, and capture you. Trust matters. It’s something we’ve always told clients but it certainly hits home when that camera is aimed at you by a stranger, no matter how much of a pro he is. While our clients often say we make them quickly comfortable, Bob now knows first-hand the impact of those two cameras hanging off his neck when he says his initial hello. Zach had an easy way with people, just as Bob does. It was a bit surreal to see this magic turned on us for a change. It also affirmed our belief that a critical trait for a destination photographer is to earn trust quickly and put clients at ease.
Zach Caught Bob Shooting A Vow Renewal
Client attitude makes a difference. This well-known photography tip was put to the test this week. Instead of whining about looks, Karin consciously told herself that she was worthy and aimed to forget about the camera and have fun. Bob worked at stripping off the outer ham and let Zach catch a bit of his inner self. Instead we both focused on enjoying our new best friend, occasionally sharing little bits of ourselves with Zach tagging along for the ride as we went about our daily lives. Magically, we forgot the cameras more often than not. And, we survived the experience, not just unscathed, but with happy memories.
Zach, Ready To Shoot on Hawksnest Bay
We haven’t seen more than a photo or two in the camera’s preview lens, but it doesn’t matter. Our attitudes made the process enjoyable and gave us some sweet family moments together. Cataloging life’s moments is what photography is all about and we’re sure Zach caught a few of ours beautifully for a lifetime of viewing.
We probably won’t see any of those photos for a while. And we may not ever see most. Meanwhile life goes on. But the experience will stay with us. And for the first time we really understand why some vacation portrait clients say we were the highlight of their vacation. It wasn’t us or the even the finished images that mattered most, but the surprising fun they had of the entire photographic experience. We get it now.
Thanks, Zach, for taking us onto The Other Side!
P.S. – A special thanks to Skyway Villa, Captains View, and to the Weatherholtz family for your graciousness in letting us share your photo shoots in an unusual way this week
