The other day I was photographing Melissa Vogel in La Jolla and her boyfriend, Sean, was standing across the street from us while we shot. Two women walked by us and, without realizing that Sean was part of our little photo parade, said, “Influencers think they are too good for everyone. They take all of this too seriously!”

First of all, I love shooting with Melissa because a less confident person would have let this affect their shoot… but not Melissa! She’s just like, “OK… that’s cute.” Does she take this all very seriously?? YES! It’s her JOB!!! She uses these photos to motivate and educate women so they can feel confident and badass too - a cause which she is very passionate about indeed!

Second, I know watching a commercial or brand shoot from the outside looks a bit intense. But trust me, we are also hyper aware that we are in a public space and that we don’t own any rights beyond anyone else’s basic public rights. We often invite people to cross our paths before we start shooting so that we aren’t holding up any sidewalk or street traffic… please feel free to step in front of my camera! And we make sure that no one’s faces are in our backgrounds (unless they want them to be… which does happen sometimes).

I’ve worked with influencers of all sizes, and not a single one of them has come to the shoot with an attitude like they are “too good for everyone.” In fact, many of these influencers have approached their shoots with kind and generous attitudes towards smaller businesses and brands and often find ways to help them grow on social media and build their businesses too! I know Melissa walked away and never thought of those two women again, but I did. It really ruffled my feathers!

Many of my clients utilize their influence to help bring awareness to things that they are passionate about. For Meilssa, that’s self confidence, strength, and mental wellness for women, especially moms. They utilize these pictures to serve these greater purposes. Also, their photos provide valuable marketing collateral that they use to promote their own businesses - businesses that provide financial support for their families.

I’m not sharing this because I expect everyone to make way for influencers and roll out the red carpet upon our arrival. I’m sharing this because I understand that these shoots can look a little “over the top” at times, so I want to bring awareness to the fact that there is more to these shoots than meets the eye. Influencers are business owners! And these shoots serve as essential tools to help them support the things they are most passionate about. And, I can't speak for all photographers out there, but if you ever see me out there shooting with my clients, feel free to voice any concerns you might have. Because keeping the public in mind while at these shoots is one of my top priorities… well, that and taking amazing pictures like these….