Podcast Episode 6 - Are You a Photographer or a Mirror? How to Reflect the Best in People

Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast.

I'm your host, Matthew Jordan Smith. This is the place where we turn your lens into a source of confidence, healing, steady clients, and steady income.

I'm so glad you are here. Today's episode may be one of the most personal ones yet. It's called, are You a Photographer or a Mirror? How to Reflect the Best in People.

I want to invite you to sit with this, not just as a photographer, but as an artist, a human being, someone who holds the power to transform how people see themselves.

 Let's begin today. The truth you already know, but maybe you haven't put it into words. \ Most people don't actually like having their photos taken. They come in already bracing for the worst, already holding shame, already carrying stories like I hate how I look in pictures.

I know you've heard that. I've heard it so many times. Or maybe they're saying, please don't make me smile too big. I hate my teeth. Or I'm not photogenic. I've never been. If you are a photographer, you've heard all of these things, and I'm sure more than once.

Now what they're really saying beneath all of this

is this. I've never seen a version of myself I could love. They don't need another photo. They need a mirror.

Now, what does that mean? Being someone's mirror doesn't mean flattery. It doesn't mean perfection or performance. It means being deeply present. It means seeing through the self-criticism that so many people have. And looking into the truth that's still there, looking for their strength, their softness, their radiance, really looking into their soul.

When someone steps in front of your camera, you're not just capturing their image, you're holding space for them to see themselves differently. That's really what they want. To say, look, this is who you are, even if no one told you, even if you forgot.

This is what makes people cry when they see their images. This is also what makes them come back.

And this my friend, is what makes them refer you with words. Like

She didn't just take my photograph. She reminded me who I am. Um,

Now? How do you reflect the best in people?

Here's how to get started

before you shoot. Before you even lift your camera, ask yourself what's beautiful about this person that they may not know?

Hold that thought like it's your camera. Let it shape your tone, your direction, your presence during your photo shoot,

and keep that thought in your mind.

What's beautiful about this person that they may not know that they don't see about themselves? Then speak what you see. Don't just say, oh, you look great. Say the way your eyes soften when you talk about your daughter. I see you love her.

Or there's a strength in your posture right now.

Hold that that's real. You see, when your words reflect truth, the truth that you see that they may not see themselves, your lens doesn't have to do all the work. The person begins to shift right in front of you.

And you shift too, you start photographing their energy and not just their face.

Try this out on your next shoot. Ask real questions while you're doing the photo shoot.

Something like, tell me about something you are proud of, or

what's one part of you that you're learning to love

or something like this? What's something you wish people saw in you? You'll be surprised by the answers. As a matter of fact, their face will change with the answer. Their body will soften,

and in that moment when you take that picture. It is not just a picture. You're capturing their truth and yours too.

If you've never done this before, yes, it may feel uncomfortable. But here's the business part of all this. When someone feels seen, they remember it. They return, they tell their friends, not just she takes great pictures, but she showed me a version of myself I didn't know was there.

You shift in people's mind. You're not just a a service provider. You become a chapter in their healing,

a witness to their becoming.

Have you ever read that book by Viola Davis Finding me?

This is how you help people find themselves.

This is how you become booked with without begging.

This is how your name spreads in rooms. You are not even in. This is how your work becomes alive.

Now, I know this is not for everybody, but maybe it's for you. If you've ever felt like you were meant for something deeper with your photography than this is for you. If you're tired of chasing trends or being just another option, this is for you.

If you know your photo sessions have the power to shift people,

but you weren't sure how to access that fully, this is made just for you. This is your path. You are not just a photographer. You are the mirror, the reflection,

and you're someone who reflects the best in people, not through flattery, but through truth.

And when you do that consistently, intentionally, and with love. People feel it. Your business is going to grow in a way that feels right.

I know I've given you a lot today,

but this is the question I'll leave with you today.

What version of your client are you reflecting? Are you reflecting their fears or their fire, their insecurities or their essence? Let your next photo session be your mirror. When that shows them how radiant they really are.

 Now if this episode moved you, helped you reframe the way you think about photography, or gave you a new sense of purpose, do me a favor, leave a five star review. It helps more photographers find this kind of support. Subscribe, so you never miss a new episode and come connect with me on Instagram at Matthew Jordan Smith.

I had love to hear how you felt about this episode.

I want to leave you with this today. When you become a mirror, a true kind, powerful mirror, you don't just build a business, you change lives. And really, that's what you were always meant for. And to be truthful, that's what we're all meant for.

 Until next week. Bye for now. Always dream big.

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXY

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