Podcast Episode 10 - Designing a Photo Experience That Makes People Cry (In a Good Way)
Welcome to the Photography Breakthrough Podcast.
Where we turn your photography into more than just a photo shoot. We turn it into an experience that people never forget.
Hi, I'm photographer Matthew Jordan Smith, and today's episode might sound dramatic at first, but I promise it's the heart of everything I teach.
Today we're talking about how to design a photo experience that makes people cry. And yes, I mean that in the best, most beautiful way. You see when your clients become emotional, either during the photo shoot or after your session, something powerful has happened. They've seen a version of themselves that's finally true, and that moment is the one they never stop talking about.
Let's get into it.
This episode is really so important. I think emotion is probably the most important, most powerful marketing tool that you have. Now, here's the truth. Your clients won't remember the camera you use. They won't remember the lighting setup you used. They won't remember your aperture settings or your presets.
They don't care about that stuff. They'll remember how they felt in your presence. What it felt like to be around you, what it felt like for you to photograph them.
And they'll remember the moment they saw their image and said, that's me. I had no idea I could look like that. When a client cries, becomes emotional, it's not just about the photo, it's about recognition. It's about coming home to themselves,
and that is the kind of emotional moments that create loyalty, referrals and life long clients. I can't say this enough. I've been shooting for 38 years and I shot all over the world. I began my career in New York. Moved to LA for a while, and now the last nine years I've been living in Japan. This works everywhere.
Now. What makes people become emotional? And I mean that in a good way. Let's break it down.
Clients open up and become emotional when they feel fully seen without judgment,
when they're met with compassion and presence, not performance.
They become emotional when they realize their story, their softness, their strength is beautiful,
and they feel safe enough to let go of the mask. Yes. Most people walk around with a mask every day hiding who they truly are.
But if you do your job right, the mask comes off. This is about energy. You're not just photographing a body, you are witnessing a soul right in front of your eyes, right in front of your lens.
And the more present you are, the more visible they feel. This my friend, is what makes your work unforgettable. I
this kind of photo session, it doesn't just happen by accident. It is something you have to design.
Ask deeper questions, go beyond what are you wearing?
Here's an example of a great question. Is there anything you've been through that you want to honor today? Now, this question may bring out a lot. Maybe your client has overcome cancer or coming out of a divorce.
These types of questions open emotional doors.
As you're talking, slow down. Look them in the eyes and speak gently.
Show them with your tone. And with your body language that you care. It's not just about taking pictures.
Reflect what you see. Become their mirror. When you reflect their truth without trying to fix or flatter, it hits directly. It lands deep.
Now you don't want to rush any of this. Like Michael Jackson said, let it simmer.
And if they cry, let them hold space. Offer a tissue.
Say something like, I see you.
That's what this was always about.
Don't apologize for their emotion. Let it breathe
because that moment. Is the one they're going to carry forever.
Now, why does this change your business in a good way? You don't have to work harder, you don't have to shout louder.
You just have to go deeper. When your sessions move people emotionally, everything changes. They begin to refer you to all their friends, all their colleagues. You see, you've created trust. They need you because you're not just another photographer. You are the one who saw them. I photographed Aretha Franklin for the last 13 years of her career.
Why did she hire me the second time and third time and fourth time
she felt seen? She felt that she could trust me. And yes, she referred me to all her friends. That's the kind of business that grows. That's the kind of work that lasts.
This is the 10th episode.
And to celebrate, I'm putting my latest book, Aretha Cool On Sale.
You can find it on Amazon.
But I first wanna share something special.
There were many times, as I photographed Aretha, where people became emotional in the shoot. And I'm not just talking about Aretha herself, but everybody in the room.
These moments are special and no one forgets them.
I was doing a shoot with Aretha once. We were in New York City and I'm playing her music whenever I shot her in the studio. I always played her music. I always played my favorite Aretha Franklin songs. Well anyway, we're doing the shoot and one of my favorite songs comes on now I'm doing a tight portrait of her, so I'm like four feet in front of her, and as this song plays, she begins to hum along as I'm shooting.
And before I know it, I'm humming along with her. I didn't mean to, but it just came out. She starts singing right there. She's four feet in front of me. I get goosebumps all over as I'm shooting and as I'm shooting, I begin to sing along. I just felt it. I was caught up in the emotion of the moment, but out of the blue, she stops code and she looks at me and she says, Jordan, baby, don't sing.
Now, this was an embarrassing emotional moment for me because the entire room burst out laughing. I mean, all her bodyguards, the hair, the makeup, the stylist, even my assistance and yes, Aretha herself, they're all laughing. We're all caught up in the moment. I'm still shooting, by the way. And ah, that was an emotional.
Funny moment that I and everybody in the room will never, ever forget. If you want to see those pictures and so much more of those 13 years of us working together, get your copy now on Amazon. If you wanna see those special moments, go to Amazon right now and order your copy of Aretha.
Cool. It's the last 13 years of her life in pictures, including her last official photo shoot. To celebrate today being the 10th episode, the book is on sale.
So you see emotions can run the gamut from being extremely happy.
To even the photographer being embarrassed. All of this is powerful and sacred,
if you agree with any of this, do me a favor. Leave a five star review
on today's podcast. It helps get this message across to more photographers like you.
Also make sure you subscribe so you never miss a weekly episode.
And then jump on over to Instagram and make sure you follow me at Matthew Jordan Smith. I'd love to hear
how you're bringing all this information to your photo shoots.
Remember, this isn't just about taking pictures. It's about giving people back to themselves. Thank you for listening. I'm Matthew Jordan Smith.
Always dream big. Bye for now.
WEBSITE’S
Matthew’s latest book: Aretha Cool – On Sale at Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1GC6JXY
Matthew Jordan Smith Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/matthewjordansmith
