Finding the Right Mentality for a Photography Job: A Philosophy of Service

A quick note

I apologize for publishing this week's edition of the "Depth of Field" late. Unavoidable travel delays resulted in my missing a flight...and I realized that next time I should just schedule my article to publish at a set time! This week's article is the 8th in first of my 10 editions aimed at guiding a photographer on how to build their side hustle.

And back to the grind...

As a photographer, every job you take on is more than just an opportunity to showcase your technical skills; it's a moment to serve your client’s vision. No matter how skilled or artistic you are, your success will often depend on how well you align yourself with the purpose behind the shoot and the needs of those you’re photographing. This isn’t just about getting the perfect shot, it’s about approaching photography with the right mindset—a mindset rooted in service.

The philosophies of the world offer rich guidance on how to approach this. From Eastern traditions of selflessness and mindfulness to Western ideas of purpose and excellence, we can learn much about what it means to adopt a mentality that is other-centered.

Zen Buddhism: Mindfulness and Attention to the Present

In Zen Buddhism, mindfulness plays a central role. The practice encourages us to be fully present, to remove distractions, and to focus entirely on what is right in front of us. As a photographer, embracing mindfulness means paying close attention to your client's needs, the environment, and the smallest details of the moment you're capturing. This means being alert to how light interacts with the subject, how emotion shines through a candid expression, or how a composition feels true to the scene.

By staying mindful, you position yourself to respond to what the client values, rather than imposing your own vision. You allow the moment to unfold naturally, letting your client’s story dictate the way you photograph, rather than imposing your agenda.

Stoicism: Duty and Purpose

Stoic philosophy emphasizes duty, purpose, and service to others. The Stoics believed that the highest calling was to fulfill one's role with excellence and integrity. For a photographer, this translates into recognizing that every job is an opportunity to serve someone else’s purpose. You’re not just showing up with a camera to snap a few shots; you’re fulfilling a duty to translate someone’s vision into reality.

Ask yourself: What does the client really need from this shoot? Are they seeking to immortalize a special occasion, market a product, or tell a story? Once you have this answer, every choice you make—from the equipment you use to the way you engage with the subjects—should flow from the desire to serve that goal with excellence.

Christian Philosophy: Humility and Selfless Service

In Christian philosophy, the concept of service is central, often embodied in the idea of servant leadership. Rooted in humility and love for others, this philosophy encourages individuals to prioritize the needs of those they serve above their own desires. For a photographer, this means approaching each job with a humble heart, focusing on how your skills can uplift and benefit the client rather than seeking personal recognition. As taught in Christian scripture, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). This mindset leads you to put the client’s vision first, guiding every decision you make, from how you compose your shots to how you engage with the people in front of your camera. Your role becomes one of service, using your talents to honor the client’s story and contribute to their happiness.

Practical Tips for a Service-Oriented Approach

Once you’ve adopted this philosophy of service, everything else—your equipment choices, lighting setups, and even posing styles—should flow naturally. Here are some practical ways to embody this mindset in your next job:

• Understand the Client’s Vision: Before the shoot, spend time talking with the client to understand their goals. What emotions are they trying to evoke? How do they want to be represented? This will guide your decisions on everything from the mood of the photos to the equipment you choose.
• Choose the Right Tools for the Job: Not every shoot calls for the latest or most advanced gear. Choose equipment based on what will best serve the client’s vision, not based on what’s trendy or convenient. If a lightweight setup makes your subject more comfortable and the shoot more fluid, go with that over a bulky high-end kit.
• Lighting for the Client’s Story: Lighting can dramatically affect the mood of a photo. Choose lighting setups that enhance the emotions or themes your client wants to highlight. If it’s a soft, intimate portrait, use diffused, natural light. For more dramatic or commercial shots, harsher, more controlled lighting might be appropriate. Again, the key is to focus on the client's needs.
• Directing and Posing with Empathy: When photographing people, the way you communicate and pose them matters just as much as the technical setup. Be empathetic and make them feel comfortable. Whether you're capturing formal portraits or spontaneous street scenes, understanding how your subject feels will help you bring out the best in them.

Conclusion

In photography, as in life, adopting a mindset of service is transformative. It turns your role from a mere technician into that of a storyteller and a collaborator, someone who is deeply attuned to the needs and desires of the client. By drawing on philosophical wisdom, you can create a space where the client’s vision comes first, and your artistry flourishes in response to that.

Approach every job with mindfulness, purpose, and a genuine desire to serve, and you will find that the quality of your work—and your reputation—will grow exponentially.

Weekly Exercise: Adopting a client-centered mentality for a photography shoot

As photographers, we often focus on the technicalities—lighting, composition, and timing—before a shoot. But what if the most important preparation happens before we even pick up our camera? Adopting a client-centered mindset, one that emphasizes being of service, can profoundly transform not only the experience but also the results.

The key lies in shifting your focus from yourself to your subject. How can you contribute to their comfort, their story, and their vision? This exercise is designed to help you develop that mentality.

Exercise: The Client's Lens

1. Reflection Before Action Before your next shoot, sit quietly for five minutes and reflect on your client’s needs. Imagine stepping into their shoes. What are their expectations? How might they be feeling—nervous, excited, or uncertain? How can you help them relax and trust the process?
2. Craft an Intention Create an intention for the session, focused not on what you want to achieve technically, but on how you can best serve your client. For example: "I want to make them feel at ease," or "I will help them express their authentic self." Write this intention down.
3. Active Listening When you arrive at the shoot, engage in a short conversation with your client before snapping the first photo. Ask them what they hope to get out of the session. This will not only give you insight into their vision but also reinforce that the session is a collaboration.
4. Embrace Flexibility Be open to adjusting your approach. Sometimes, the best shots happen when you allow your client’s energy to lead. Let go of rigid plans and respond to the moment as it unfolds.
5. Post-Shoot Reflection After the shoot, take a moment to reflect: How did your intention influence the session? Did the client seem more relaxed or engaged? What did you learn from focusing on being of service?

Why It Matters

Adopting a "being of service" mindset isn’t just about making your clients feel valued; it also changes the energy you bring to the shoot. You’ll notice that when your focus shifts to their experience, the technical elements often fall into place more naturally. Plus, this approach builds stronger, lasting relationships, which are key to growing a photography business.

Next time, instead of thinking, What shots do I need to get? try asking, How can I make this a meaningful experience for my client? You'll be surprised by how much of a difference this small shift makes.

Weekly Book Review

I have been very focused on developing my sense of "service to others through photography" that I have read a number of books that explore this concept through the eyes of other people dedicated to different pursuits. Here are 3 books I enjoyed.

1. "The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley – This genre-bending novel touches on themes of humanity, love, and potential. While it’s more of a time-travel spy thriller, it also delves into the purpose of life and how individuals can serve others across time
2. "Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar – This debut novel follows a young Iranian-American man wrestling with the question of how to live a meaningful life, especially in light of his past struggles with addiction and his pursuit of creative expression. It reflects on how service to others and personal growth can define one’s purpose(
3. "Entitlement" by Rumaan Alam – This novel explores the intricacies of power dynamics and inequality, centering on a character who serves an elderly billionaire. It raises questions about service, self-interest, and finding a meaningful path in life(

These books offer diverse narratives, but they all explore themes around the value of service and leading a purposeful life and they may all be purchased on Amazon.

Depth of Field Newsletter – Providing inspiration and tips for developing your photography business through philosophical introspection.