How Raising Kids Makes Me A Better Photographer
First off, let me tell you it’s fun having kiddos. Crazy, but fun. Not just because I get to do lots of Dallas photography of my little ones, but they are incredibly entertaining. I sit writing this right now sitting directly across from my three-year-old actually. He is thoroughly enjoying his watermelon, as his face and the drips all over his shirt can attest. In raising children, there have been many lessons learned, and some of them have even helped me become a better photographer.
So today I figured I would share a few ways that raising children has helped me in my line of work as a Dallas commercial photographer.
It’s helped me interact better with kids -
Ok so duh. Since I have kids, I am much more capable of working with kids on my shoots. Seems like a no-brainer I know, but this is true. I can still remember one of the first times I held a baby, and it was terrifying. I was so afraid of dropping this kid and them shattering like fine china on the floor. I also remember a similar deal in changing the aforementioned three-year-olds diaper for the first time. I was so surgically precise, and it probably took me about five minutes to do. Now I can basically do it blindfolded with one hand in the middle of the night. I never was much of a kid person, but now that I have kids, I am totally comfortable interacting with them and getting them to look their best on camera.
It’s helped me interact better with adults –
That’s right, having kids helps me work with those that aren’t kids as well. There is just something about being a parent; you basically enter this special club with all of your fellow parents. They get it with all the drool and the crying, and why Jim Gaffigan’s book Dad is Fat is so hilarious. (On a side note, if you haven’t read it and have kids, it’s a must read.) Since a lot of my clients have kids, and even grandkids, it instantly gives me a way in as a Dallas commercial photographer.
I often have to work with people to help them relax and open up a bit, and talking about my kids, their kids, or raising kids in general is a great way for everyone to get to know each other.
It’s helped me serve others better –
If you’ve ever spent more than five minute- two min- well, more than 30 seconds, you will know that raising kids has a lot to do with serving someone else, or multiple someone’s selflessly. Children depend on parents for their survival, and when you are keeping someone else alive it takes an infinite number of acts of service. That’s why moms are incredible. They literally give up everything to ensure the well being of their offspring, and will do whatever it takes to help them flourish. I definitely see this in my own wife. I’ve always been client-focused as a commercial photographer in Dallas, but with having to take care of kids at all hours of the day, my focus on service is more ingrained than ever.
It’s helped me to have more fun –
Hey now; Dallas photography shoots are all about fun. It’s like one of my clients once told me – if you’re not having fun at the job you’re doing, then it’s not worth doing. I take fun very seriously on any of my shoots, as anytime you are having your picture made should be an enjoyable experience. Getting to play and experience the creativity and imagination with my kiddos has brought out my inner kid (please see the Lego sets and new fort I’m building for myself, I mean Jack), and gets me geared up for even more fun.
There are so many lessons to be learned from rearing children, and I will learn plenty more along the journey. If you have kids, enjoy the journey, and good luck!