One of the most rewarding parts of my job isn’t just making photographs. It’s building relationships.
When you work with people over time, an unspoken trust develops. You learn their habits, expressions, and how they move through a room. They become comfortable with you, and you learn to anticipate moments before they happen.
At a recent City event, I positioned myself on one side of the podium because I wanted a very specific background that helped tell the story of the event. From that angle, however, the speaker’s hair was falling across part of her face. Not ideal when you are photographing a leader addressing a crowd, especially with media surrounding the stage. In that moment, I had to make a decision. The background helped provide context, but it wouldn’t matter if the photograph didn't clearly show the person of the story.
I trusted my instincts and hustled to the opposite side. Within moments, she naturally brushed her hair back, opening her face to the audience. Suddenly everything came together. The expression, the flags, the composition and moment.
I could have stayed put and accepted the angle. Instead, experience told me to trust my instincts.
The photograph wasn’t luck. It was preparation, familiarity, and being ready to pivot when the opportunity appeared.
Great photography isn’t just about what is happening now. It’s about recognizing what’s about to happen, knowing your subject, and being in the right place at the right time.
