I wrote a post last week on Faded & Blurred regarding our need for validation and why we shouldn’t let it rule our lives. There were a few comments made about how we still need other people’s approval and why else would we post our photos if we didn’t want to see the comments made about them. I think there is a dichotomy when it comes to needing validation. In that article I made a point of saying validation should not be our primary purpose for taking pictures (or creating any type of art for that matter). On the other hand, I think most of us, on some level, need to have others appreciate us. It does feel good when someone says, “Good job” or “Your hair looks really nice today” or “I LOVE that shot you took”. Those comments can make your day or, depending on who says it, even your week.
I (as a photographer) forget at times how important this affirmation is. We have tremendous power in our hands when we hold a camera. What we say to and how we interact with the people we are photographing can make or break our images. I think it needs to be more than just the typical, “You look beautiful” or “Nice”. Our silence can speak volumes to our subjects as well. Imagine waking up and feeling really down about yourself. You have to go to work where a photographer is waiting to shoot all of the employees for a brochure. You hate getting your picture taken. You know it is going to turn out horrible, especially feeling the way you do that day. The photographer calls you over and tells you to sit down. He moves you the way he wants and then starts to shoot without saying much at all except to give you direction. You are uncomfortable and just want to leave. When the brochures come out your gut instinct was right. You look horrible and now it’s out there for the world to see.
Now imagine the photographer actually engaging you in conversation. He or she looks you in the eye, tells you your outfit looks great on you, that your eyes really light up. Or simply tells you the photos will be great because you look great. Your confidence goes up and you start to relax and smile. You can joke with each other and pretty soon you forget that you are being photographed. When the brochure comes out you love the photos, knowing they capture who you really are.
It is so important as photographers to understand this need all of us have for affirmation. I tend to be a “silent” photographer. I’m working at it, but since I am a fairly quiet person to begin with it is difficult to learn. I do understand how uncomfortable it is in front of the camera, however, and as long as I keep that thought in mind when I am shooting I find it easier to talk. We need to see our models/subjects… really see them. Engage them in conversation. Find out how their day is, what their life is like. We have a chance to make a difference in someone’s life. It may not seem like it when all we have is a camera, but a camera is sometimes all it takes. Showing someone that they mean something, that they are important. It can be life-changing.
**Gratuitous shot so you can all gush over how great I am. 
What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.
~ Confucius
