Is being a photographer an easy job?

People often assume being a photographer is as simple as pointing the camera and pressing the shutter. And while capturing the moment is definitely part of what we do, there’s so much more that goes into it, both before and after the session. Photography is a blend of art, skill, planning and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes work. So, let’s break it down.

Telling a story through images

Photography isn’t just about making things look pretty, it’s about telling a story. Whether we’re photographing a dog bounding through a field, a horse and rider sharing a quiet moment or a family cuddled together at sunset, the goal is to capture emotion, connection and meaning.

To do that, photographers need to understand how to use light, angles, composition and timing to create images that really speak to people. We also need to know when to step back and catch candid moments as they happen, and when to step in and give a little direction to bring a vision to life.

Planning and prep work (before the camera comes out)

What most people don’t see is how much goes into a session before the first photo is taken. There’s a lot of planning involved, like chatting with clients about what they’re after, choosing the perfect location, working around weather and lighting and making sure all the gear is charged, cleaned and ready to go.

We might also be researching new spots, planning shot ideas or figuring out how to make a shy dog or energetic horse feel comfortable in front of the camera. Every session is different, and a big part of the job is being ready for anything.

The editing game (aka where the magic happens)

Once the session is done, our job isn’t over. In fact, for many photographers, this is where the real time investment begins. Sorting through hundreds of images, selecting the best ones and editing them carefully, it’s a big job.

Editing isn’t about changing how things look, but more about enhancing what’s already there. Fixing the lighting, adjusting colours, removing distractions and making sure everything looks clean and polished takes a lot of time and a good eye for detail. It’s not a quick click of a filter, it’s a thoughtful process done image by image.

Running the show (behind the business)

If a photographer is self-employed or running their own studio, the photo side is just one part of the job. The rest of the time? We’re answering emails, updating websites, booking appointments, ordering products, creating content for social media, handling finances and keeping the business running smoothly.

There’s a saying in the photography world: “20% of the job is taking photos, and 80% is everything else.” It’s true! Being a photographer means wearing a lot of hats, and some of them are far from glamorous such as spreadsheets and late-night admin tasks.

So, What do photographers really do?

In short: a lot. Yes, we take photos. But we also plan, direct, edit, manage, create and hustle. Every image you see has hours of work behind it, from the first idea to the final product.

So next time you see a photographer at work, remember there’s more going on than just clicking a button. You’re looking at someone who’s spent time mastering their craft, learning how to bring out the best in people (and pets!) and working hard to turn fleeting moments into lasting memories.

At the end of the day, photography is about more than just beautiful pictures, it’s about connection, trust and preserving the moments that matter most. Whether it’s the bond you share with your dog, the quiet strength of your horse or the joy of simply being together, my goal is to capture those feelings in every image.

So if you're ever curious about what goes into a session or wondering why photographers do what they do, just know there's a whole lot of heart behind every click of the camera.

Thanks for reading, and, if you're ready to create something meaningful with your four-legged best friend, I’d love to hear from you!