Okay, I get it. I am a Millennial, born in the 90’s. I hate talking on the phone; it gives me anxiety. I hardly ever had conversations with friends on the phone. I grew up during a time where I would simply walk to a friend’s house to see if they could play and then later on in middle school, I would chat with friends on AIM and then in high school we’d talk through text message. Naturally, when I started my business I felt the easiest way to communicate was through email.

So what is wrong with communicating through email? Why do I need to call you, video chat or meet you for coffee? You take beautiful pictures and capture my family in an authentic and natural way, isn’t my need for that enough for me to book with? Well, no actually. There is more to it than just ability to take beautiful pictures. You see, when we email, we don’t get a true sense for one another. Sure, we can exchange questions and answers, but you’re hiring me not just for the imagery, but because we have a connection that goes beyond me taking your newborn and family’s pictures. To get real, true authentic images, it is best for me to learn more about you and your family. Knowing the bond among family members beforehand, or the idiosyncrasies that make your child unique are things I should know before meeting you so I know what to look for. If I don’t know beforehand, you may not have those images of your kiddo doing that thing they always do because I don’t know to look for it. Getting to know these facts is much easier to do when communicating in real time.

You also need to be comfortable with me. If I am coming into your home and handling your newborn, you need to know you can trust me. Again, it’s more than just the imagery. If we do not have a good connection and you feel I am not the best fit for your family, it’s best to know this before hiring me.

As an example, I hired a midwife to help guide me through my pregnancy and delivery. It is an extremely intimate time in my life and I knew I needed someone I could trust and be comfortable with. It wasn’t enough that she had successfully supported other women through their journeys and they raved about her, yes it’s important to know that, but I needed to have a connection with her. It wasn’t even an option to have a pre-consultation through email, I absolutely had to meet her before hiring her. I fell in love and she supported me though my pregnancy and postpartum period. I now feel that she is a part of the family. That is the kind of relationship I seek with my clients; they become an extension of my family. In turn, I can give you those natural, authentic images you desire.

Communicating on the phone, through video or in person also gives us a better chance to go over exactly what it is you are hoping to get out of the session. Do you have a specific idea in mind of what you want to do with your images? Are you looking for a beautiful portrait to hang over your mantle? Knowing details such as this will help guide the photo session. I will know what moments to capture that will make for great wall art. When it comes to the ordering session, you already have an idea of what you want and I will be able to show you exactly what you were envisioning, or help guide you to come up with a design that you love and can be proud of.

While I can learn details to help me capture your family in the way you desire through an email, having a true connection and trust in me will yield a much better relationship and in turn, better keepsakes for your family. So please, don’t fear the phone or face-to-face conversations. Your memories are worth a step out of your comfort zone and mine!