Are You Being Intentional Behind the Camera?

I've been in the photography game for over 20 years, capturing more than 100 weddings and photographing over 200 high school seniors. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes—both in business and behind the camera.

One day, during a portfolio review with a mentor, I received feedback that changed everything: be more intentional.

At first, I was taken aback. I thought I already was! But after reflecting, I realized I wasn’t nearly as intentional as I could be. The moment I changed my approach, my work took a significant leap forward.

Being intentional means slowing down and making conscious decisions while shooting.

Instead of overshooting a setting or scene, refine your approach—adjust composition, lighting, and subject direction before taking multiple shots.

If the pose, background, or energy isn’t right, pivot instead of forcing it.

As a virtual studio manager, I cull images for photographers, and one key difference between seasoned pros and beginners is how many shots they take of a single pose.

New photographers often take 20+ frames of the same setup. Instead, get it right in fewer clicks by making adjustments on the spot.

Practical Steps to Shooting with Intention:

• Pause Before Clicking – Ask yourself: is this composition working? Is the light right? Is there anything distracting?

• Engage with Your Subject – Direct clients clearly and confidently.

• Be Aware of Backgrounds – Check for distractions, odd objects, or awkward head placements. Is there anything coming out of my client's head?

• Use a Tripod for Stability – Especially for family portraits, where control over the scene is crucial.

Early in my career, I was afraid to ask clients how they planned to display their photos. I feared too many questions would make them second-guess the need for a shoot. But when I started designing sessions with the final product in mind, everything changed.

The Problem With Online Galleries:

An online gallery isn’t the final product—it’s a middle step.

If clients never print their images, they don’t fully experience your work.

Instead, shift your mindset toward tangible deliverables like albums, framed portraits, or custom wall art.

Practical Tips for Selling Physical Products:

• Ask Clients About Their Needs – Do they want a large framed print? A gallery wall? An heirloom album?

• Shoot for the Product – Frame shots with wall art or album spread in mind.

• Limit Digital Files – Offer them as an add-on, not the main product.

1. Increase Client Satisfaction & Sales

Clients appreciate guidance and expertise. When you’re intentional, they notice.

soon as I started directing with confidence and providing tangible products, my sales increased from $400 average orders to nearly $2000, with wedding clients investing around $8000 in coverage with an heirloom album.

2. Stand Out in a Saturated Market

The photography industry is crowded, but a luxury experience—including physical prints and intentional imagery—sets you apart. Clients remember thoughtful service and quality over quantity.

3. Save Time in Editing & Culling

Overshooting means extra hours wasted sorting through redundant images. When you shoot with purpose, culling becomes effortless, and post-production is streamlined.

Use a Tripod for Family Portraits - Large Group/Wedding Scenarios

A tripod helps you slow down, compose with precision, and ensure small details (like stray sunglasses or awkward hands) are corrected before the shot.

Plus, you can move people in and out of the shot faster because the camera is already in place.

This is great for post-ceremony photos to arrange with multiple groups.

Use a Handheld Light Meter

While modern cameras have great in-body meters, using a handheld light meter forces you to be precise, leading to better lighting, reduced editing time, and more consistent results.

Give More Direction

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, create it. Guide subjects into flattering poses and orchestrate natural interactions.

Abandon Shots That Don’t Work

If something isn’t coming together—whether it’s the location, lighting, or pose—don’t keep clicking. Move on and refine your approach.

Cull Images With Intention

Delivering too many similar images overwhelms clients. Instead, curate the best selection—one image per pose or expression. More choices don’t always mean better experiences.

Some photography niches—like branding, commercial, and social media content—require digital files as the final product. But for consumer photography (weddings, portraits, seniors), tangible prints should be the priority.

Regardless of your deliverable, charge industry-standard rates for digital images. Avoid giving away full galleries at unsustainable prices.

Once I committed to being intentional behind the camera, my work transformed. My portfolio became stronger, my clients appreciated the experience, and my sales skyrocketed.

If you’re tired of shoot-and-burn galleries and want to transition to in-person sales, check out my e-book: The Art of Selling: Mastering In-Person Sales.

Need help refining your culling process or sales strategy? Book a 1:1 call with me, and let’s take your photography business to the next level!