The Wrench Didn’t Take the Photo: The Cost Behind the Camera
Let’s talk about something that lives rent-free in the head of almost every professional photographer: the moment someone finds out what you charge and their eyebrows do the thing.
Tutorials + Education
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Who Owns Your Face? The Real Cost of AI Headshots
Let’s start with what the ads don’t tell you.
You upload a handful of selfies. You pay somewhere between $20 and $100. You get back a grid of images — good lighting, clean background, crisp edges, professional-looking. You look like a LinkedIn post. You look like a headshot.
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Confidence Doesn’t Always Stop the Mask From Going Up
Someone walks into a session feeling pretty good. Their hair is styled. They’re dress to the nines. They’re standing tall, smiling, ready. Then I lift the camera…
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You’re Not Boring – But Your Brand Photos Might Be
I’m bored. I’m seeing the same photos everywhere — same studios, same poses, same “authentic” laptop laughter. So I sat down with my sketchbook, did a free write, and painted over everything that didn’t matter. What was left clarified how I think about brand photography. Here’s what I learned about stars, constellations, and why playing it safe is the enemy of being seen.
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You Don’t Need a New Phone. You Just Need to Learn to See.
Your phone doesn’t take the photos. YOU do. Learn the one skill that will change your photos immediately, no upgrade required.
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Two Quarters: A Tale of Brand Investment
I was maybe six or seven years old when my dad came home after losing his job.
I don’t remember most of the details. I remember my mom telling me he needed a little time to himself. I remember the next morning, watching him mow the lawn. And I remember standing there looking at the two quarters in my hand — my allowance — feeling like I should contribute so our family wouldn’t go hungry.
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6 Easy Fixes to Make Your Brand Look More Professional
Professionalism isn’t about being buttoned-up and boring. It’s about looking like you and being consistent throughout your messaging. Sometimes the smallest things are quietly undermining all the effort you’re putting into building your brand.
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AI Headshots – Are they worth it?
They may seem like a cheaper, quicker route at first. However, they likely will cost your brand a lot more in the long run. Find out why.
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How Do You Find the Right Brand Photographer for You?
Let’s skip the fluff: there are a lot of talented photographers in Chicago. On the surface, many of us look like we offer the same thing. So how do you actually tell the difference, and find the one who’s right for you?
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AI Is Only as Good as the Human Using It
AI shouldn’t be so easy that you stop thinking. It’s not magic. I didn’t type a question and walk away while something brilliant happened in my absence to create this post, which was written with Claude as my assistant. In fact, we brainstormed the structure and then wrote 5 different drafts in between the idea to posting this.
AI should feel more like a collaboration with someone who is very fast and very well-read, but lacks the experience of being a human. AI has been training for a short time on extensive computer models. I’ve been training as a human with thoughts, feelings, and learned experiences since I was born in 1981. You have too.
