Shooting Solo
Why I Shoot Alone?
Newborn, Maternity and Kids photography is such a different genre in the world of photography. Most people think that we’re photographers with an army on set; assistants lighting technicians make up/hair artists – but this is far from true, at least in Tomato Photo Studio! In Tomato Photo, I shoot alone!
The Question Many Asks
Every now and then, I do get asked the same question…“Hart, why do you work alone?”
Isn’t it a case of “the more, the merrier” where having more people around helps to ensure that things get done faster and therefore….more efficiently?
Sure, it can certainly feel impressive to have a team that can run around doing things on my behalf and make me look “important” during photoshoots. However, to be completely honest, I really don’t need an army to impress you during your photoshoot. I have generals that work behind the scenes and this allows me to show up in my best form to create work that you will love during your photoshoots with me, every single time.
What if I were to turn up with big and expensive lighting and camera systems as a way of justifying my costs… Sounds fancy, right?
Would that really be justified, though?
One of Many Stories
Let me explain further by sharing an experience I had a couple years ago during an extended family photoshoot.
I remember I walked in to a client’s home with a rather compact system (read: mirrorless camera system), which raised an eyebrow and a remark was made on how “little” equipment I’d arrived with.
As it turned out, my minimal system was instrumental in ensuring the experience went along smoothly. As soon as I took my camera out, the 2 year old child that was present instantly decided that she didn’t want to take any part in the photoshoot. Parents, you know too well how these things go.
So yes, the little one decided that everyone else should be in front of the camera, without her. I learnt later on that it usually takes her a while to warm up to new faces.
Of course, part of the reason why this photoshoot was arranged in the first place was to include this 2 year old girl in the photos along with everyone else plus, there were also visiting family members who were going to be around for only a limited time.
And because I was alone, my minimal kit that comes with a silent shutter (so when you click, there is no clicking sound from the camera) was not distracting at all for the little girl while she took her time to open up to me; she wasn’t aware that I had started capturing images silently! As everyone sat down together in their places, I waited for the right moment and “PEEKABOO!”, she appeared at the exact spot that I wanted her to be in! As I continued capturing the shots (silently), she remained clueless but happy and in good spirits! All 14 family members were 100% relieved that we got it done beautifully.
Later on, one of the clients shared with me that he had initial concerns with bulky gear and assistants tagging along for the big family shoot as he was worried these would really make things chaotic. Needless to say he was rather glad that I turned up alone and with minimal gear!
WHY I Shoot Alone?
I haven’t always run a “one man show” during my photoshoots. In the past, my wife would tag along as my assistant for newborn photoshoots. In those days, I remember having to ask twice for the little things I’d I need during the photoshoot and it would take me 2-3 tries before I’d eventually get what I needed. This would often end up in intended moments being lost and therefore, not captured for my clients! It has taken us years of working together to learn to be better at being able to read the other’s creative mind, especially when time is of the essence.
Sure, we’ve since trained ourselves to work really well together. But somewhere along the way, I also found myself wondering what would happen if one day my wife were to feel under the weather on the day of a photoshoot? What would I do then? Postpone the shoot?
So I changed things further, and trained myself to run the show, solo. When clients choose to trust me in capturing their memories, it is my responsibility to ensure that I make it happen accordingly as they have planned whilst being as efficient as possible.
Tomato Photo’s Success – Pre-empt, Pre-empt & Pre-empt
It is the things that we can do for our clients before they even think about that makes us where we are today.
For example, those of you who have used boutique 5 star resort services or even the famed Haidilao restaurant, you’ll find that it is their ability to “pre-empt” what you need even before it crosses your mind that makes their service stand out.
Now, this is not an easy task, but it is something we value and believe in, hence we have kept our business small, serving only a limited number of clients each month so that we can attend to each and every one to the best of our abilities.
I would argue that having more than 1 person in a photoshoot is a luxury that is more beneficial to me as a photographer but not so much for you as a client as it becomes an unnecessary, additional cost to you.
I have always preferred getting things done sooner rather than later and getting more work done for our clients at the lowest possible cost so that we can make enough to use the very best products for them while keeping the business thriving, even during the most difficult times.
I love what I do, so I would love to keep myself competitive and continue to offer the best that I can to anyone who would love to work with us.
Your Benefits:
If you have read this far, let me assure you that me being a solo photographer has many benefits for you as a client.
Here are the top 5:
1. There will be only 1 stranger for your child(ren) to warm up to.
2. Our cost stays competitive so you only pay for the results.
2. Consistency is guaranteed so you know what you get.
3. You’ll see images of your child looking directly into the camera with their natural, candid smiles.
4. No third party disruptions; there will be no one else taking up space or interrupting my creative flow especially during crucial moments. These moments are unique and happen in a flash.
So if you understand and love the idea of “Less is More”, I reckon we will work well together!
Oh… have you see more than 1 conductor in an orchestra? No? Never? there must be a good reason why…
Drop us a message and let’s see how we can work together…
