Things I Wish I Learned Sooner Part 2
I bought my first camera in 2011.
I started my business in 2013.
I went full-time in 2017.
…and there are so many things that I wish I figured out earlier!
This new summer blog series is going to explore a few of the lessons it took me entirely too long to learn. Did you miss part 1? Read it here!
Feet MATTER!
Another thing I am ashamed to admit… is how long it took me to realize how important setting the horse’s feet perfectly was.
I wouldn’t let them stand all discombobulated, but especially on a difficult horse I would give up and say “eh, close enough!”
It was NOT good enough. After careful consideration of portfolio images, it became clear that the horse’s perfect form in the photographs is what separated the “good” from the great.
I have learned to slow down. Take my time. And fix the horse’s feet until it is right.
For a profile shot (with or without a person) I want the legs closest to the camera [red arrows below] to be completely square and straight up and down.
The legs farthest from the camera [blue arrows below] are slightly inset so that all 4 legs are viewable.
For a ¾ shot (with or without a person) I want all four of the legs to be completely square, straight up and down, and equally spaced.
BONUS TOPIC…. Difficult clients!
At some point in your business, you may have a difficult request from a client. It could be a difficult task, or the client themselves are being difficult to work with. Here’s some of the ways I deal with difficult clients:
- Take time to cool down! Separate you as a person from your business and do not take things personally (which is hard!!!). Vent to a safe person, write a letter that you rip up, take a bubble bath… whatever you need to do to be level-headed and in a place you can empathize and relate to your client.
- Understand that your client thinks they are right. No matter how crazy or outlandish the request… Put yourself in their shoes, because they are entering this discussion thinking they are right. LISTEN to what they are saying, repeat it back to them, ask them clarifying questions, and ensure they feel heard by a listening and caring ear.
- Collaborate. Let your client feel like the winner, even if you aren’t giving them what they originally asked for. After you fully understand the request from their perspective, engage in a dialog to (a) meet in the middle, (b) meet them on their side, or (c) meet in a new outcome. Whichever conclusion you land on, make sure that your client feels they have the winning hand. Keep your tone slow, calm, and kind. Smile while you speak, even if it is a phone conversation. Use their name in conversation and very empathic words.
- Have a solid contract to back you up (just in case)
Kirstie Jones
fine art equine photographer
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