Why It’s Impossible to Take a “Quick” Photo

I hear it all the time on set and even in the pre-production planning of my photoshoots, “oh, just take a quick photo!” “it will be an easy photo to get real quick!”. While I appreciate that confidence in my shooting skills, “grabbing a quick photo” is FAR from reality when working with me.

Take our time!

I’m an artist. We are creating art together. Let’s not rush it.

In today’s world of instant gratification and social media, it’s easy to assume that a professional photo can be snapped in just a few seconds. After all, we all carry around high-quality cameras in our pockets, so how hard can it be to get the perfect shot, right? Well —it's not as simple as it seems. As a professional photographer, there is so much more that goes into creating a beautifully curated and on-brand image than just pressing a button.

A professional photoshoot is an intricate, multi-layered process that requires precision, creativity, and careful coordination. The idea of just “taking a quick photo” doesn’t reflect the depth of work behind my custom-crafted images.

1. The Art of Detail Management

Behind every one of my photos is a carefully managed web of details that contribute to the final result. Think of wardrobe, hair, makeup, and jewelry—they all must be on point. Every outfit has to curated to complement the you, your body type, and the vibe of the story we are telling. The lighting has to be designed and implemented and the hair and makeup have to be on point (half the time on my shoots is just hair management - taming flyaways and zhuzuing hair!).

Each of these elements must be styled, and perfected … and it all takes time. When someone asks for a quick photo, they forget that every one of these details is essential in creating that custom and high-quality polished photo you invested your time, energy and rescourses into creating with me!

2. Lighting – The Unsung Hero

When you’re snapping a selfie on your phone, you might pay attention to the angle or whos in the photo with you. But lighting? That’s a whole different ballgame and an element most people forget about! As a professional photographer, I am constantly adjusting lighting to create the perfect mood and enhance your features. This can mean bouncing light off reflectors, diffusing overhead sunlight, using constant light lantern softboxes, or tweaking the exposure until the light is just right. It’s a lot boo boo.

Lighting is as much an art as it is a science, and it takes time to set up and perfect. It’s about sculpting light around you and creating a classic feel that elevates the entire image. A “quick shot” doesn’t do justice to the hours spent mastering light placement and modifying it in real-time.

3. Posing & Directing: Bringing the Vision to Life

Once the scene is set, it’s time to direct you into the best, body positive pose. Posing may look effortless in the final photo, but it takes leadership, skill and direction to guide you into a pose that that looks both natural and flattering and energzing. This is where the photographer’s expertise truly comes into play.

Every body and every face is different and requires a unique approach. And that’s before factoring in the emotions, the expressions, and the subtle changes that happen with each frame. So yeah, if you want a “quick photo” you will most likey sacrifice quality posing in order to achieve it. Every direction, every shift of the body or tilt of the head, has meaning and purpose—this isn’t just a “click” moment.

4. The Creative Whirlwind in My Head

Now keep in mind, while all of this is happening in the physical space of the shoot, there’s also a whirlwind of creativity happening in my head. As an artist, I’m constantly thinking about how to push boundaries, how to elevate the shot, and how to stay true to the vision of the project. This takes a shit ton mental energy and focus to impliment.

The technical side of photography is important, but so is the creative vision that underpins the entire process. Whether I’m envisioning how a certain pose will work with the lighting, or tweaking the composition to create visual harmony, it’s an intricate dance that happens between creativity and execution. There’s no way to rush this kind of mental work—it's the heart of what makes an image truly unique and striking.

5. Energy & Vibes Management

If you’ve worked on a photoshoot with me or just watched on social media, you know my photoshoots are infused with a TON of energy! My photoshoots are a full blown experience, and like any creative process, energy matters!! Keeping the energy high, positive, and flowing is crucial to getting the best possible results. This means managing not only my own energy, but also your energy and confidence, the team, and the environment. Keeping everyone motivated and engaged, especially during long hours of shooting, requires constant attention.

Vibes matter in photography. The way you feel during a shoot can dramatically affect the final image we create together. When I help you feel confident and energized, the more likely I am able to deliver powerful, genuine and real photos I'm known for!

6. YOUR PHOTOS ARE Art … so they take time.

So when someone makes a statement like “oh, this will be a really quick photo”, they may not realize that what they’re asking for is a finished product that is the result of hours—sometimes days—of preparation, collaboration, and execution. From planning the shoot, the on set direction and energy, and even down to retouching the final image, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that contributes to the creation of a single, beautifully crafted photograph.

It’s not just about getting the shot—it’s about creating something that will connect with your community, that will captivate, that will stand the test of time. Every image is a culmination of technique, vision, energy, and artistry. And that can’t be rushed.

So next time you want to say to a professional photographer “oh, this will be really quick” remember all of the artistry involved. Photography is not just about clicking a button—it’s about capturing a vision, telling a story, managing countless details, and creating something extraordinary. Each element, from lighting and wardrobe to the direction of the model and the creative energy flowing through the shoot, plays a role in crafting the perfect image.

So, while it might look easy, there’s an ocean of work beneath the surface of every professional photograph. It’s a meticulous, passionate process, and that’s what makes a single image worth so much more than just a “quick snap.”