Photographers Turn Into Therapists: The Art of Being Truly Seen

As a photographer, you might think that your job is simply to capture beautiful images, but in reality, your role goes much deeper than that. Photographers have to possess a multitude of diverse skills that extend far beyond their technical expertise. They need to be able to read people, understand their emotions, and most importantly, provide a space for their clients to truly be seen.

In many ways, photographers are similar to therapists or counselors. They have to be able to connect with their clients on a personal level, build trust, and find a way to bring out their best qualities. These soft skills are absolutely essential, as they are what separate truly successful photographers from those who simply get by.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a photographer is working with families. Children can be notoriously difficult to work with, and it takes more than just taking great pictures to capture the perfect family portrait. Often, a photographer will need to be a dog whisperer, a child expert, and a counselor all rolled into one.

In addition to family portraits, wedding photography is another area where photographers need to possess exceptional people skills. Weddings are emotional events, and there will inevitably be moments of doubt or uncertainty. When a bride or groom starts to feel unsure about their decision, it’s the photographer’s job to provide support and create a sense of calm. This is where the therapeutic aspect of photography comes into play.

Photographers and hairstylists share a unique skill set. Both provide a deeply personal service by making their clients feel seen and beautiful. When you get your hair done, you’re not simply getting your hair cut or styled – you’re looking for a way to feel more confident and self-assured. The same is true of photography. Clients don’t just want a pretty picture – they want to feel like they’re being truly seen and appreciated for who they are.

So, what can we learn from photographers and hairstylists when it comes to building better relationships in our everyday lives? Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Don’t make a suggestion unless you genuinely have the skills necessary to help make an honest improvement.

In photography and hairstyling, clients trust you implicitly to make them look their best. The same should be true in our interactions with others. If you’re going to offer advice or criticize someone, make sure that you’re doing so from a place of expertise and genuine care.

2. Make sure the person you want to correct knows that they are genuinely seen and accepted.

Before jumping in with criticism or suggestions for improvement, make sure that the person feels truly seen and appreciated for who they are. When we feel seen and understood, we’re more likely to be receptive to constructive criticism.

3. When you’re angry at someone, or just not “feeling the love,” try and look at them the way a photographer would.

Sometimes, it’s all too easy to focus on the negatives when it comes to our relationships. Try to shift your perspective and look for the good in the other person. Just like a photographer will highlight their client’s best features, try to find the things that you truly appreciate about the other person. When you focus on the positive, it can help rekindle feelings of love and appreciation.

In summary, photographers possess an incredible set of skills that extend far beyond their technical expertise. They have to be able to connect with their clients on a deeply personal level and create a space where their clients feel seen and appreciated. When we take a page from their playbook and apply these same skills to our everyday lives, we may find ourselves building stronger, more fulfilling relationships in every aspect of our lives.