When I invite people to “ask me anything,” I’m frequently asked if I have any client horror stories. As a novice photographer fifteen years ago, I admittedly had a handful of anecdotes to share. But, ever since I started being explicit in sharing my brand values in 2021 (thanks to guidance from Erica Courdae and India Jackson), I find myself filled with immense gratitude at the connections I’ve made with clients as a photographer.
Being transparent with brand values
So often, one of the first things potential clients share when inquiring about photography is that they read my brand values and reached out because they resonated for them. It’s always meaningful to be trusted to document milestones for people. There’s something extra comforting in knowing that we share common ground in this way.
When we’re transparent with our brand values and unpack the ways we tangibly put them into action in our own communities, we’re making it easier for marginalized clients to find vendors who will hold space for them and honor their identities.
Jeff is a glowing example of one of those clients who shared that he felt connected with my values and wanted me to document his proposal to his loved one, Rebeka. I was honored to photograph their proposal at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (one of my favorite places to photograph proposals), along with a portrait session to follow.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Proposal
The couple had initially traveled on their first short road trip together from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, where their first date in the city was at Magic Gardens. During their more recent travels to Philadelphia, Jeff told Rebeka he was planning on surprising her with a photo session.
It meant a lot that Jeff told me that he was quite nervous and asked me to document the milestone because he felt a sense of comfort by looking through my imagery.
If you’re thinking of having a proposal photographed, I’d love to be considered to help support you through the process.
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