In this – I speak only for myself, I can’t say that every photographer feels the same; however, after photographing for over two decades it is how I work best.

Let the artist create.

As an artist – inspiration is a beautiful thing.  When you schedule a portrait session – tossing out ideas that you like or maybe sending a photo that you adore is a great direction to give a photographer so that we know the style that you like. Brainstorm with your photographer about themes and the things you love best about your child, you as a couple, your wedding so that we get your energy and what makes you excited and happy.   But I have to say – my best images and best sessions have been when the client then comes in and says… do what you do best.  Personally it opens my mind faster, and allows me to create images that I love and in the end – the result is typically the showcase images you see on the walls or in the albums, or submitted into professional photographic competitions.  While a real professional photographer can re-create nearly anything he or she sees – it takes away our art and becomes nothing special to us.  I don’t like copying – I get asked a lot to do shots by another and typically nod my head and do a quick shot and then move on to images that are how I see it best.  Nobody has the same body type, no child is the exact same, and no image should be copied.  When I shoot – I read personalities, most of the time I develop shots in my head based on the subject’s natural expressions or the way they react back to me – and THAT is when you get the best images out of an artist.

So story boards are great for inspiration – but replication to an artist is tying their hands…. and wouldn’t you rather have something completely you and unique anyway?