I've read some really fantastic blog posts lately by photographers about the struggle for perfection in your work. It's been timely for me because lately I've been dealing with disappointment after disappointment. Not in myself, or in my skills (I rock my camera), but in things out of my control. For example the unusual weather or locations becoming unsuitable, illness etc.
As a creative it doesn't matter how much you tell yourself something's not your fault or it's out of your hands, you still carry around this awful feeling of failure if things didn't go as you wanted them to.
I would love to be honest with you. If you love my work and are fond of me, I know you won't mind. And if you've had photos taken by me before, you will know that all of the following is true.
I cannot promise that the sun will shine on the day of your photos. I cannot promise that there won't be a crazy wind or torrential rain. I cannot promise that the spot you had your heart set on didn't just get mown or all of a sudden become inaccessible. I cannot promise that your little or big ones will co-operate (in fact I can pretty much tell you it's likely the little ones won't).
What I can tell you, is that both before the day and on the day I will give my all. I will try and find you another location, I will use my skills to make the most of the weather we are given or reschedule. I will try and bond with your children and get to know them. I will act like a goofball. I will overcome as many hurdles as I can to bring you beautiful, real, images of your family and loved ones. I want to show your joy, your love and your connection on that day, in that place, just the way you are. Perfectly imperfect. And if you trust me, and laugh with me, and maybe even cry with me, you just may find that you love your photos despite all the obstacles.
That's what I can promise you.
