Oh, Pinterest. How I love thee, how I hate thee.

When I am struggling for a new slow cooker recipe, (because that is the ONLY way I can manage to make a meal without messing something up) it’s perfect.

When a client hands me a list of pictures they want, it’s less ideal. I know this is a touchy subject, so hang in there with me.

I, as much as anyone, appreciate a creative shot. Be it the angle, lighting, or subject, I can find inspiration for a photo anywhere. I’d be lying if I didn’t look on Pinterest for inspiration occasionally.

That being said, when a client sends me a shot list of “must have” pictures, it can really be a hindrance to other shots that they are going to want. Let me tell you a story that illustrates my point.

Recently, I had a bride that really loved the idea of, what I call, the “Ghost Dress” shot. You know what I am talking about; the one where all of the bridesmaid’s dresses are hanging up next to the brides dress. I knew this shot was important to her, and wanted to make sure I delivered.

(This is the type of shot I am referring too)

The reality was that the girls were getting ready in a hotel room, where there was nowhere to hang seven dresses. Instead of spending the limited amount of time I had allotted for detail shots of her amazing details, and of her bridesmaids helping her get ready, I spent it carefully transporting seven dresses to and from the only spot that I could get them all hung. It made for a decent shot, but nothing spectacular. Ultimately, without that shot, I could have delivered more images of a higher quality, and more significance.

This was just one instance, and a small one at that. When I get a whole list of “must-have shots” straight off a Pinterest board, it not only cuts into time that I have to give my clients the original images that they hired me for, but also does something worse. It takes my focus away from capturing the authentic moments of the day and substitutes them for posed, “copy cat” imitations.

If you are wondering what my call-to-action is: it’s this. Hire a photographer that you trust, and that you love their work. Hire a photographer who wants to get to know you, and knows what you like and dislike. Be candid with them. Trust their creativity. That trust in them will inspire them to give you gorgeous images that are personal to you.

And who knows? Maybe your pictures will end up being the latest Pinterest craze because your photographer got to show off their creativity.

Like Katlyn and CJ’s wedding for instance: They trusted me even when I told them I was taking them under a bridge for their wedding pictures!