Seven years, 500 shoots: what I have learned about light and people

Seven years and five hundred shoots later, these are the lessons I keep coming back to. The ones I wish someone had told me on day one.

Light first, always

Before the pose, before the outfit, before the gear, I look at the light. Good light on an ordinary spot beats bad light on a beautiful one every time.

The best frame comes right after the posed one

I take the safe shot, then I keep shooting. The laugh, the exhale, the little glance away. That is usually the keeper.

Comfort is a technique

A relaxed person photographs better than a perfect background. Most of my job is making you feel at ease, not adjusting a dial.

Choose better, edit less

Delivering forty images you love is worth more than four hundred you scroll past. Curation is a kindness.

The story beats the gear

Nobody ever asked what camera shot their favourite photo. They remember how the day felt. I shoot for that.

Gear takes the photo. Trust makes it good.