One of the most common conversations I have with clients starts with this:
“We need a quick video.” or “Can you come take a few photos for us?”
While it’s always tempting to jump straight to creating content, my experience, through decades of storytelling, has shown me something powerful:
If you don’t start with a clear story, your project will almost always fall flat.
It’s like building a house without a blueprint. Sure, you’ll end up with something — but it might not be strong enough to weather a storm, and it definitely won’t feel like “home.”
In my work, I’ve found that asking a few key questions before anything else makes all the difference:
What’s the heart behind this story?
What emotion do you want people to feel?
What action do you want them to take?
When we slow down just a little to answer those questions, the final video, photo series, or campaign isn’t just beautiful — it works. It connects. It moves people.
Story first. Always.
If you’re gearing up for a new project — whether it’s a new product launch, a fundraising campaign, or a rebranding — the best thing you can do isn’t to book the photographer or videographer right away.
It’s essential to clarify your story first.
I’d be happy to help you with that.
I specialize in guiding brands and organizations to discover their authentic stories and then helping them visually convey them in a way that resonates.
If you’re interested in discussing how I can help your brand stand out, let’s connect.
Caption: A male rose-breasted grosbeak, often called a “cut-throat” for its striking red chest, stops by my feeder during spring migration.
Sometimes the best photography subjects aren’t far away. They’re right outside your window.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on why photographing birds at a simple backyard birdfeeder feels so therapeutic. I’m not alone in this—many photographers, both hobbyists and professionals, find real peace in spending time capturing these little visitors.
Here’s why I believe photographing birds can be good for your soul:
1. It forces you to slow down.
Birds aren’t in a hurry to pose for your camera. To photograph them well, you have to sit quietly, watch, and wait.
That stillness is rare in today’s world—and it’s powerful.
It draws you out of the constant rush and noise and gently invites you to be for a while.
2. It connects you with nature.
Even if you’re sitting on your porch or peeking through a kitchen window, you’re participating in something wild and beautiful.
You start noticing how birds move, how different species interact, and even the slight changes in their songs.
It grounds you right there in the present moment.
3. It provides a creative outlet.
Photography is storytelling.
Framing the shot, adjusting your settings, reading the light—it’s all part of exercising your creative muscles.
When photographing birds, you’re not just pressing a button; you’re making decisions, crafting a story one frame at a time.
4. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Birds are unpredictable.
When you finally capture that sharp, well-lit image, it feels like you earned it.
That little sense of victory can lift your spirits in ways that are hard to explain but easy to feel.
A Gray Catbird, known for its sleek look and incredible songs, perched naturally in the backyard trees.
Should You Create Natural-Looking Perches?
You’ll see a lot of bird photographers setting up beautiful perches near their feeders—branches, flowers, mossy sticks—designed to make their shots look like they were taken deep in the wilderness rather than the backyard.
It’s a clever technique if your goal is to create gallery-worthy images or enter competitions.
A brilliant male Northern Cardinal brightens the snowy day, perched on a branch near the feeder.
But do you need to do that to enjoy photographing birds? Absolutely not.
If you photograph birds simply for the joy, the therapy, and the experience, then the feeder, the railing, the wires—they’re all part of your authentic story.
The birds don’t mind.
They’re just thankful for the seed!
As a storyteller myself, I always come back to this:
It’s not about perfect setups. It’s about meaningful moments.
If you ever want to experiment with natural-looking perches for fun or to challenge yourself, it can be a rewarding next step. But remember—you don’t need a “perfect” scene to create meaningful images. You need to show up, stay still, and enjoy the simple wonder that flies right into your life.
