Judging Characters through Photoshoots

Introduction

One of the most interesting aspects of photography is that it allows me to judge people. While I haven't perfected this skill yet, I'm improving steadily.

Photography is more than capturing moments; it's a window into human behaviour and character. As a seasoned photographer with years of experience in portrait, event and interior photography, I've had the unique opportunity to observe a vast spectrum of human interactions and personalities.

Through countless trials and errors, I've honed my skills and developed an intuitive sense for reading people. My journey has taken me through a myriad of experiences, each shoot offering a new perspective and deeper understanding of the individuals in front of my lens. From corporate events and weddings to intimate family gatherings and personal portraits, every encounter has provided valuable insights into the diverse tapestry of human nature.

I'm at a point where I can gauge the obvious problematic people, but sometimes my soft heart tells me to give them the benefit of the doubt—and that's when problems arise. Despite this, I've done quite well in filtering potential clients, resulting in a low percentage of problematic encounters among my honourable clients.

What Motivates Me to Prejudge People?

To begin with, I was forced to do it after encountering people who weren't too kind. Of course, I'm a curious people who really want to find out more about people I have or will be interacting with.

Photography may seem simple, but the requirements can be very complex. I've spent thousands of hours on my humble website, sharing information about myself, my working style and my ground rules. Unfortunately, some people refuse to do simple read-ups because they take things for granted and act as if the entire world revolves around them.

During my days of volunteering photography to help aspiring models improve their portfolios and avoid being taken advantage of by other photographers, many gave me problems before, during or even after the free professional photoshoots. The most ridiculous thing some of them did was to demand that I remove photos from my website or make amendments, denying the fact that they had agreed to the rules clearly stated on my website.

I've summarised my photography packages well and provided detailed write-ups on various pages to educate non-photographers. However, I've encountered a few people who portrayed themselves as "fans" who had thoroughly explored my website and admired my work, only to later reveal they didn't even know my photography rates (which are clearly stated at the top of the packages). I've met my fair share of problematic or nasty people seeking my photography services, many of whom I indirectly turned down. Yet, I did work with a few who eventually gave me significant problems because I had made promises too soon.

Since my rules are clear and I am upright with a clear conscience, there's little logical ground for problematic people to argue. Therefore, those who confront me usually try to twist stories, deny their agreements and create their own sets of Singapore's laws—essentially, they are mostly narcissists who are unsound.

Dealing with these people drains my limited time and energy, preventing me from helping potential clients who truly deserve my services. Hence, it motivates me to learn to prejudge people.

I may not always be right, but I have managed to reduce many troubles for sure.

Judging Friends and Being Judged Through Photoshoots

I love making friends, and over the years, I've discovered that having a portrait shoot is not only a fun activity but also an insightful way to learn about people and their mindsets. It's a two-way street—while I get to judge my friends, they also get a chance to judge me. This mutual evaluation is crucial, especially in an industry where photographers with ill intentions might exploit the guise of photoshoots to take advantage of girls. By being sincere and transparent during these sessions, my friends gain a deeper understanding of my personality and intentions.

Photoshoots have also been a tool for me to gauge the authenticity of my friendships. Some of my female friends didn't particularly enjoy being in front of the camera, yet they still volunteered to be my models, helping me build a portfolio to attract potential clients. This willingness to step out of their comfort zone and support my passion speaks volumes about their character and the strength of our friendship.

However, not all experiences have been positive. Some friends, despite promising to have a shoot together, never take it seriously and end up wasting my time. These instances are disappointing but also enlightening, as they help me identify who my genuine friends are.

I assess my friends based on their cooperation and willingness to compromise on ideas during the shoot. Their level of engagement and flexibility often reflects how supportive and considerate they are in our friendship. For instance, friends who actively participate, share creative ideas and adapt to different suggestions tend to be more genuine and reliable.

Overall, being a photographer allows me to see different facets of my friends' personalities. It's fascinating how a simple activity like a photoshoot can reveal so much about someone's true nature and the depth of our relationship.

How Do I Judge People?

As a seasoned photographer, I've developed a keen sense for judging my clients, which helps me ensure smoother collaborations and more enjoyable experiences. Here's some of the ways I use to gauge the people I work with:

Through Their Words Language Choice: The specific words and phrases clients use can reveal their personality and intentions. The polite, respectful language indicates professionalism and courtesy.
Consistency: I pay attention to whether clients keep their promises and follow through on what they say. Inconsistencies can be a red flag—after all, if someone says he will bring coffee and shows up with tea, what else might he switch on me?
How They React to My Words Openness: I observe how open clients are to feedback and suggestions. Positive reactions show flexibility and a willingness to collaborate.
Defensiveness: Defensive reactions might indicate insecurity or difficulty in accepting constructive criticism. If they're more defensive than a football team, it might be a sign of trouble.
Body Language Posture: A confident and open posture suggests honesty and comfort, while a closed-off or slouched posture can indicate discomfort or lack of confidence.
Gestures: Excessive fidgeting or lack of eye contact might suggest nervousness or dishonesty. Unless they're practising their mime routine, it's worth noting.
Facial Eye Contact: Good eye contact typically signifies confidence and sincerity. Avoiding eye contact might suggest dishonesty or discomfort. If their eyes are darting around like they're in a spy movie, I get a bit suspicious.
Expressions: Genuine emotions are often reflected in the eyes. For example, genuine smiles reach the eyes, creating "crow's feet."
Kind Things They Do Acts of Kindness: Small, considerate actions, like offering water or snacks during a shoot, can indicate thoughtfulness and a good-natured personality. Chocolates are always a plus.
Supportiveness: Willingness to go above and beyond, such as helping with setup or expressing genuine interest in the process, shows they value the collaboration. If they offer to carry my equipment without running off with it, they're golden.
Punctuality and Reliability Timeliness: Clients arriving on time for meetings and shoots indicate respect for my time and professionalism. Early birds get the best light!
Reliability: Consistently following through on commitments shows they are dependable and trustworthy. If they're as reliable as my camera, we're in business.
Communication Style Clarity: Clear and straightforward communication often indicates transparency and honesty. Mysterious answers are great for magicians, but not so much for clients.
Frequency: Regular and proactive communication shows they are engaged and committed to the project. Too many texts at 3 AM, though, might be a different story.
Attitude and Energy Positivity: A positive attitude can make shoots more enjoyable and productive. I look for enthusiasm and a can-do spirit. If they can smile through a sudden rain shower, we're good.
Negativity: Complaining or pessimism can drain energy and signal potential difficulties. I appreciate constructive feedback, but if they start complaining about the weather, I might suggest an indoor shoot.
Problem-Solving Skills Creativity: How clients handle unexpected issues or challenges can reveal their creativity and resilience. If they can turn a wardrobe malfunction into a fashion statement, they're a keeper.
Calmness: Staying calm under pressure indicates strong problem-solving skills and emotional stability. Panicking over a wrinkled backdrop? Maybe not.
Respect for Boundaries Professionalism: Respecting my rules and guidelines shows they understand and appreciate professional boundaries.
Personal Space: How they handle physical and conversational space can indicate their respect for personal boundaries. If they're closer than my zoom lens can handle, it's a bit much.
Genuine Interest in My Work Research: Clients who have taken the time to learn about my work and style are likely more serious and respectful. It shows they are committed to the process.
Engagement: Asking thoughtful questions about my process and showing genuine interest in my portfolio reflects a deep appreciation for my craft. If they can quote my blog posts, we're off to a great start.
Website Information Reading Provided Information: I've included extensive information on my website, including packages, guides, and FAQs. Clients who ask obvious questions that are already answered on my site are likely the impatient kind who don't bother to read, which may lead to communication problems in the future.
Preparedness: On the other hand, clients who are certain in hiring me because they have spent a lot of time and effort to learn about my work tend to have smoother interactions and fewer misunderstandings. They are usually well-prepared and respect my time and expertise.
Adaptability and Flexibility Openness to Change: Willingness to adapt to different ideas and directions during a shoot suggests flexibility and collaboration. If they can pivot quicker than a ballerina, I'm impressed.
Handling Feedback: How they respond to constructive criticism can indicate their ability to grow and improve.

By observing these behaviours and cues, I can better judge the character and reliability of the people I work with, ensuring that I focus on clients who genuinely appreciate my work and are enjoyable to collaborate with.

Clients as Friends

Given my limited time and energy, and the significant effort required for each photoshoot, I can only take on a limited number of projects at any given time. Therefore, I cherish each photography project and treat every client as a friend, wholeheartedly helping them achieve their vision while showcasing the carefully crafted work on my website.

I prefer working with clients who can become friends, adding more meaning to the shoots. If a client isn't worthy of being my friend, I'd rather skip working with him or her, regardless of how much I might need the money. After all, life's too short to spend time with those who don't appreciate you.

Most clients benefit tremendously from working with me, often receiving more than what they paid for. You might be stunned, but there have been numerous times when I gave clients twice what they paid for in their packages—examples can be shared in private to avoid potential abuse. Fortunately, most clients appreciate my efforts, at least through their words, as my extra effort is obvious to them. The nicer ones tip me or write a good review—or both.

However, not all clients are appreciative. Sometimes, people can be as unpredictable as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. One client, who initially treated me like a god in photography, later changed his mind about his privacy. He threatened to remove his fantastically taken photos from my website, citing his fetish for full control. Despite previously being friends with me on Facebook and proposing to meet up after the shoot, he suddenly screamed over the phone that I wasn't his friend. It hurt me deeply, leaving a lingering trauma that makes me cautious with new potential clients.

Two Different Groups of People I Work with

I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. When I first ventured into portrait photography, lacking the funds to hire professional models, I began my journey by working with friends and aspiring models. These early collaborations were a mixed bag; while some led to great friendships and memorable experiences, many were fraught with challenges. Free things are often less appreciated and I found that a significant percentage of aspiring models unintentionally caused problems.

However, as my photography equipment started to show wear and tear, I realised I needed to support my passion by freelancing. I worked stubbornly like an artist, not initially planning to make good money, but simply to afford better equipment. This naive approach often led to people taking advantage of me.

Even when I got a little more appreciated by more potential clients, I saw the need to repay the society by volunteering my photography services to help aspiring models to get a head start into their modelling lives. This was because I knew volunteer models had helped me greatly in the past when I was new. Therefore, despite being very busy, I still continued to volunteer to assist them, until an ungrateful narcissistic appeared. I realised I had done enough for the society. Moreover, I already had too little time to handle clients. Then, I decided I had done enough to repay the society. Now, I'm fully concentrating on helping clients who are worthy of my help.

Aspiring Models

Working with aspiring models has also been a rollercoaster ride.

Models to Friends

Some of the models became great friends with me. Staying as friends, I've also had the pleasure of witnessing some of my models evolve over the years—from being single to happily married.

Punctuality and Professionalism: Many aspiring models are very punctual and professional. They arrive on time, prepared and ready to work, which sets a positive tone for the shoot.
Enthusiasm and Passion: Their enthusiasm and passion for modelling can be infectious, bringing extra energy and creativity to the shoot.
Eagerness to Learn: They are often eager to learn and open to feedback, which makes the collaboration more productive and enjoyable.
Creativity and Ideas: Some models bring fresh ideas and creative concepts to the table, adding unique elements to the photoshoot.
Positive Attitude: Many aspiring models maintain a positive attitude throughout the shoot, even in challenging situations, which helps create a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Flexibility and Adaptability: They are flexible and adaptable, willing to try different styles, outfits and settings to achieve the best results.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Some aspiring models see the shoots as a team effort and work well with the photographer and other team members.
Building Relationships: They make efforts to build professional relationships, staying in touch and supporting the photographer's work through referrals or social media shoutouts.
Helping with Promotions: They actively help promote the photoshoot and the photographer's work by sharing photos on their social media platforms and recommending the photographer to others.

Bad Models

However, some models displayed a lack of appreciation, poor communication and unprofessionalism. Common issues included:

Slow Replies: Waiting days or even weeks for a response.
Non-cooperation: Ignoring directions or refusing to try different poses.
Tardiness: Arriving late to shoots, disrupting the schedule.
Post-shoot Demands: Requesting extensive edits or removal of photos after the shoot.

To mitigate these issues, I developed a detailed set of terms and conditions for aspiring models. This document serves as the first step in my evaluation process. For instance, if someone claims to have read and agreed to the terms within a few minutes, it's a red flag—they're likely not taking the process seriously and may not follow instructions. While no system is foolproof and my soft-hearted nature sometimes lands me in trouble, these measures have improved my screening process. I pride myself on maintaining a clear conscience and always giving my best, even if the other party doesn't reciprocate.

Clients

Clients, on the other hand, generally exhibit better cooperation, as they are financially invested in the process. With experience, I've developed ways to "test" my clients to ensure they are a good fit for my style. For example, I provide extensive details on my website and clients who have taken the time to read it typically understand my style and have fewer unnecessary questions.

Well, just as clients choose their photographers, photographers choose their clients.

Good Clients

Some indicators of good clients include:

Detailed Briefs: Providing comprehensive information about the shoot.
Consideration: Checking if I have any dietary restrictions and ensuring my comfort during events.
Thoughtfulness: Picking me up at the bus-stop and offering snacks or gifts.
Generosity: Offering big tips even when they've already paid for an expensive package.
Appreciation: Writing detailed reviews that acknowledge my extra efforts.

One of the most satisfying aspects of my work is collaborating with wealthy and reputable clients who don't boss around but instead lower their status and treat me as a friend. Such clients validate my belief that photography is as much about human connection as it is about technical skill.

Red Flags from Unusual Client Behaviours

Over the years, I've come to realise that some small details in client interactions can serve as warning signals. These subtle signs often indicate that the client may not be as straightforward or easy to work with as they initially seem. Here are a few such experiences that taught me valuable lessons about recognising and avoiding potentially problematic clients.

One particular client approached me for an intimate shoot, showing me a few photos as references. When I asked her simple questions about when those photos were taken, she became evasive and refused to answer. This reluctance to share basic, non-personal information was a clear signal that she wasn't ready for an intimate shoot. The barrier she put up suggested she either didn't trust me yet or was too self-conscious, making her more challenging to communicate with. In hindsight, her discomfort was a red flag that I should have heeded.

Another client spent a considerable amount of time discussing a personalised package for his dating profile. I put in a lot of effort to explain my services and tailor ideas based on his interests. Throughout our conversation, he was overly polite, nodding enthusiastically as if I were a spiritual leader who had him under a spell. Despite his initial excitement, he later postponed the shoot and then decided to opt for a much cheaper basic package. This behaviour clearly indicated that he was extremely fickle-minded and stingy, even though he appeared to lead a comfortable lifestyle. His actions were a tell-tale sign of someone who might not value the time and effort I put into my work.

In another situation, I was hired for a shoot involving a musical instrument. I assured the client that any mistakes he made while playing wouldn't be evident in the photos. Despite this, he became overly engrossed in his performance and visibly frustrated whenever he made errors. His intense and spooky vibe was unsettling, and it became clear that his perfectionism would make the shoot more difficult than necessary. This level of frustration over something that wouldn't impact the final product was a strong indicator of potential complications.

Unfortunately, I didn't heed these red flags and these clients are some of the very few who eventually gave me problems. These experiences have taught me to pay close attention to small details and trust my instincts. Recognising such red flags early can save a lot of time and energy, allowing me to focus on clients who genuinely appreciate my work and are enjoyable to collaborate with.

Conclusion

Through years of experience and countless interactions, I've developed a keen sense for judging people. While this skill isn't infallible, it has significantly reduced the number of problematic encounters in my professional life. By focusing on building genuine connections, setting clear expectations and maintaining a high standard of professionalism, I've managed to create a fulfilling and successful career in photography. Ultimately, the journey of learning to prejudge people has made me a better photographer and a more discerning individual.

You may be interested in:
- Weird requests for photographers
- Interesting facts about being a photographer
- Cheapo the photography story
- Clients from hell
- Good models, bad models

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