These days everyone has a camera, at the very least a camera phone, which is wonderful and terrible all at the same time. It’s wonderful because the right photograph can mean a thousand words as goes the saying. It’s terribly because now everyone is a candid photographer. Anyone at any time can pull out a camera and take a photograph. This is great for parties and hanging out with friends but it’s very different than a fashion shoot or an editorial shoot. However, most people don’t realize the difference.

When I pick up a camera it’s for a purpose. I love creating something special. I’m a borderline addict when it comes to my photography. However, I’m not interested in candid photography because there are millions of people out there already doing that. Sometimes I spend weeks planning, organizing, scheduling, and scouting for a shoot. My shoots often involve not only a model, but a hair stylist, a makeup artist and a clothing/accessory designer. Sometimes I spend entire day with my crew getting everything right so that we have one perfect image.

There is nothing wrong with candid photography and I think it will play a very important role in our society as time goes on. However, I’m not a candid photographer. I am an image creator.