It’s funny, because long before I heard of the official Shoot & Share movement, I was already an undiagnosed Shoot & Share photographer :) For those of you who don’t know, Shoot & Share refers to a community of photographers who share high-resolution files with their clients instead of making them pay for individual images. This philosophy really broke the mold of “how photography was done” a few years ago by freeing photographers to serve their clients and allowing clients to enjoy their photos. And, in the spirit of serving others and creating community, The Shoot & Share Contest was born!

Basically, here’s how it works: Anyone in the world can enter up to forty photos in order to win some pretty awesome prizes. Photos are placed in groups of four based on categories, and the viewer selects his or her favorite. Easy peasy! However, what makes the Shoot & Share Contest so unique is how it’s run. Similar to “The Voice”, every photo is blind: no logo or name is attached. It’s not a popularity contest or name-dropping game; rather, it’s just about the photo.

I had so much fun entering some of my own photos back in February and eagerly awaited voting time to begin. I thought it would be neat to see other photographers’ work, but never in a million years did I expect to be blown away by the talent and variety I saw! It’s crazy, but voting has been one of the best things I’ve done to identify my “style” so far; it has taught me so much about myself and what I love. This Friday, I thought I would share some of thise things I’ve learned with you! In no particular order, here we go :)

1. I’m obsessed with soft light. Almost any photo that has that gorgeous glow around the subjects is an automatic vote in my book — I need to make more sessions happen during the “golden hour” this year! It’s crazy how lighting can transform the simplest of poses into a transcendent moment. Which brings me to my next point…

2. I really don’t love over-styled poses. Don’t get me wrong, I still am a sucker for some editorial “soft smiles” and serious faces, but if the photo looks unnatural or super elaborate, my vote’s going somewhere else.

3. Strangely enough, I realized I almost never vote for a photo where both subjects are facing the camera. There is something about a groom taking in his bride or laughter directed off the camera that gets me every time! All of the family photos I’ve favorited have at least two members looking at each other — as if their relationship is captured right in that moment! I LOVE it!

4. I also have a bit of an obsession with the “rule of thirds”. As I scroll through my favorites, only ONE photo is centered. Oops?

5. I am blown away with just how much EMOTION a photograph can capture. There have been several times when a photo pops up and it just leaves me breathless.  More often than not, I know which one I will vote for before I’ve even seen them all! I’m not sure if that’s good or bad…but it definitely makes the process fun :)

6. Trends I don’t love & that almost always guarantee a no-vote: vignetting, obviously photoshopped images, odd objects photoshopped into images, and “sexy” poses for brides and/or senior girls. Umm, thanks but no thanks!

7. However, along with #6, I LOVE that there are so many of those images still, because that shows just how diverse this market is!! The #1 concern in a small business I hear again & again is over-saturation, but MAN — with so many different styles, there is a client for everyone!!

8. My favorite categories to vote for? Wedding Couple, Real Moments, Detail Shots, & Family. Other than the detail shots, I’ve noticed the theme tying all of those together is relationship — I really love seeing interactions that will last a lifetime! As far as the Detail Shots…well, a girl can’t help but love some PRETTY :)

9. Another thing I’ve noticed is the immense amount of variety included in this contest! It’s really inspired me to mix up my shots more from hear on out. I want to make sure to capture a good selection of close-up shots, mid-distance lengths, and far-away portraits too!

10. Even though I haven’t run across one of my photos yet, participating in the Shoot & Share Contest has still been such a blessing — every time I am able to vote, I walk away wanting to grab my camera and jump into a session right then and there! I can’t wait to put into practice all I’ve learned — whether it is new poses, fun framing, or just the need for variety!

What about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on voting below!

Happy Friday!

Love love love,

Sami