Can Introverts Be Photographers?

If you have found this page you’ve most likely doubted whether or not you can be a photographer. This may be something that you’re feeling right now or that you have in the past. Maybe you think because
you’re not charismatic or bubbly you’re not meant to work with people. Well, let me change your mind and show you just how awesome it is to be an introverted photographer.

So as an introvert myself I have definitely pondered many times… Can introverts be photographers? I have stressed out over herding family members for family photos and getting wedding parties to cooperate. Let’s not forget that completely dreadful group photo of everyone in attendance where I actually yell at everybody. I come home mentally and physically drained after a wedding and I wonder why the heck I chose this path knowing I’m an introvert. But reading Quiet by Susan Cain has really opened my eyes to show me how grateful I should be for my introversion. There are tons of scientific studies that prove there are so many benefits to being introverted.

Here are the tested and true traits that we have:

• Introverts think deeper process longer and
  concentrate better and extroverts
• They’re more persistent meaning they
  spend more time on difficult tasks
• We dislike small talk because we think in more complicated ways we prefer
  meaningful discussion and listen intently before considering what
  to say next
• Introverts literally perceive and observe the world more
  acutely. We notice small nuances in the physical and emotional environment
  around us that others don’t notice

Now let’s talk about how these traits translate perfectly to portrait and wedding photography.

Creativity

While creativity is literally a process of thinking deeply creativity has been found to come more readily to those who spend time deliberating in solitude. If you don’t venture into this contemplative seclusion it’s harder to come up with new and innovative ideas. While this might not be a help on the spot during a photo shoot, that’s okay. You can take time to ponder ideas before your shoot and have tons of great things to pull out when you’re ready. Being artists requires a lengthy and difficult path towards mastery. On top of many many years studying photography you most likely also want to be a successful business owner. These are big goals that are often too daunting for a lot of people to even consider. But as an introvert you have
that gritty and persistent edge to help you stay on that path longer. Even Einstein and introvert himself said:

It’s not that I’m so smart it’s just that I stay with problems longer.

Connection

When it comes to being a portrait photographer you want to build a connection with our clients. We want them to feel comfortable enough to express intimate emotions in front of our camera. A study done by Avril Thorne actually showed that extroverts and introverts get along fantastically. The conclusion the arrived was and I quote Susan:

Introverts talking to extroverts chose cheerier topics, reported making conversation more easily and described conversing with extroverts like a breath of fresh air. In contrast, the extroverts felt that they could relax more with their introverted partners and were freer to confide their problems. They didn’t feel pressure to be falsely upbeat.

This goes to show that extroverts like being around us and appreciate our social style. It’s truly important to have a balance of both personalities in every area of life so that we can harness their strengths. Keep in mind that you’ll also have clients that are introverted. This gives you that additional level in which you can relate to them. You understand what they need when they’re getting stressed during a photo shoot or on their wedding day. How overwhelming would it be to be stressed out but you have this person that keeps talking at you when in reality all that you need is silence. An introverted model or bride would most likely appreciate adding a restorative niche during the photoshoot. A restorative niche is a few minutes of solitude in the bathroom or a five-minute no talk break to recenter your mind and recharge. Can you imagine how awesome it would be for you and your introverted subject? I’m sure it would help you both achieve better results than if you had just blasted through it, tiring each other out mentally and physically.

The fact that introverts notice small things in their surroundings and small changes in body language is a huge benefit for somebody who photographs people. You need to be able to notice that interesting texture, pattern, lines, subtle pocket of light or the fact that a particular pose is coming off slightly awkward. You’re more likely to notice that little change on mom’s face while her daughter is getting into her dress that may indicate an emotional moment is coming. This is a huge deal for wedding photographers as you could break that moment just by speaking or giving a direction.

Good Listeners

Having the ability to be a good listener is such a plus for us introverts. It is pretty rare that people actually listen and comprehend what the other is saying before thinking about what to say next. People really notice when you are truly listening to them and they love to be heard. This makes people know that you care about them and what they have to say. This small action builds huge trust. Again this is super helpful for a photographer because your subjects need to trust you for them to even book you.

Unfortunately, the number one tip I encountered when researching can introverts be photographers was “fake it till you make it”. This is really terrible advice. First off, you may be a good actor but there’s a real thing called behavioural leakage. It’s small conflicts in your body language that communicate you’re not as outgoing as you’re trying to project. For example, maybe you glance down at the ground during a moment where a true extrovert would have maintained direct eye contact. Since when is being a fake a good thing anyway? What happens when you make it on the basis of being someone you’re not? You will have to continue down this endless road of inauthenticity which will eventually lead to burnout and unhappiness. Keep in mind that human beings love when others are brave enough to be vulnerable and unwavering about who they truly are. People will love you for owning your flaws because there’s always someone out there who can relate to your struggle.

Social Anxiety

I also want to add that shyness and social anxiety are different from introversion. Many introverts experience the onset of social anxiety because they are made to feel defective as quiet kids. I am also a wedding
photographer that struggles with social anxiety. I was made to feel really inadequate by the educational system and I haven’t been able to shake that feeling that I’ll say something stupid in a social setting. But I promise you that if I can do it you can do it as well. What helps me before a session is 10 minutes of meditation using the Headspace app and positive self-talk.

I know what I am doing. I’m good at what I do. My clients have hired me because they love my work. I just need to slow down and look at the light. I need to allow myself the time to look at the photos and think more creatively about how I can make them better. I’m allowed to take a moment to breathe and think.

It’s also proven that if you’re feeling nervous it’s better to tell yourself that you’re excited rather than trying to calm yourself down. It takes a decent amount of time to bring yourself down from nervousness however anxiety and excitement are both high-level emotions so if you convince yourself that you’re excited you will actually perform better. It’s also a good idea to consider counseling and trying to slowly desensitize yourself to social situations.

1. Compliment your barista

2. Make small talk with your neighbor

3. Make a YouTube video

Just doing shoots helps you really build confidence in regards to your people and photography skills. Just know that no matter what obstacle stands in your way you can be a photographer as long as you always work at it and never give up.

Sadly at this moment, introverted is still a stigmatized word. An informal study by Lori Helgoe found that when you ask an introvert to describe their physical appearance they use animated words like vibrant blue eyes, exotic, angular features. However, when asked to describe a typical introvert they use unpleasant words like scrawny, bland outfits and acne-prone. There are so many ways that society has convinced us that being an introvert is wrong. This is sad because 1/3 to 1/2 of the population is introverted. Remember that the point of view that introverts are at a disadvantage is completely baseless. It’s time we stop making ourselves and each other feel a weak for being introverts. It’s not that we are antisocial and extroverts are pro-social. It’s just that we’re social in different ways.

So what do you think? Can introverts be photographers? Have I convinced you that you should celebrate your introversion? Will you go forward playing to your strengths instead of your perceived weaknesses? I hope so because you’ve got everything it takes, personality-wise, to be an amazing artist.

J.k Rowling, Steven Spielberg, Vincent van Gogh, Dr Seuss, George Orwell… if these introverts can do it, so can you!

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