Photographers and Teachers: The Art of Adaptation
If you’ve ever met a teacher or a photographer, you know one thing to be true—we are masters of adaptation. We thrive in unpredictability, live in the moment, and create magic out of chaos. As someone who is both a photographer and a teacher in a self-contained elementary emotional support classroom, I’ve seen firsthand how these two roles are more alike than one might expect. Whether I’m managing a classroom full of energetic students or capturing the fleeting moments of a family session, the skills I rely on are surprisingly similar!
1. The Ultimate “Go with the Flow” People
No two days in my classroom are ever the same. A lesson that worked beautifully yesterday might completely miss the mark today. A student who was excited about learning math in the morning might need extra support just an hour later. The key to success? Adaptability.
The same principle applies to photography. Every session is unique—lighting conditions change, kids have moods, and unexpected moments arise. I could plan every shot in advance, but ultimately, that would be unproductive. I have to go with the flow and embrace the moment. Whether in teaching or photography, flexibility isn’t just a skill; it’s a necessity.
2. Leaving Our Personal Lives at the Door
When I walk into my classroom, my focus shifts entirely to my students. They deserve my full attention, and there’s no room for distractions. The same goes for photography—when I step behind the camera, I’m fully present for my clients. Whether I’m encouraging a shy child to smile or capturing the love between a couple, my personal worries and stresses have to take a backseat. Teaching and photography both require an all-in mentality.
Our students and clients can sense when we’re distracted. That’s why we show up every day, ready to give them our best. It’s not always easy, but it’s part of the commitment we make to the people who trust us to teach them or capture their memories.
3. Creativity is Key
As a teacher, I know that no two children learn the same way. A cookie-cutter approach to education would leave too many students struggling. I have to be creative, adjusting my lessons to engage and meet the unique needs of each child. Some kids thrive with hands-on activities, while others learn best through stories or movement.
Photography is no different. If I posed every family the same way and followed the same session flow each time, my images would start to feel stale. Instead, I tailor each session to the people in front of my lens. I adjust to their personalities, energy levels, and interactions to create something fresh and meaningful every time. There’s nothing more exciting than having a “yes!” moment during a session. The pose, the light, the genuine expressions are just so perfect, I just can't help but exclaim my excitement!
Both teaching and photography require patience, passion, and a deep love for what we do. We embrace the chaos, adapt to the moment, and create something beautiful in the process. Whether shaping young minds or capturing cherished memories, the heart of our work is the same—we show up, fully present, and ready to make a difference.
So, the next time you think of teachers and photographers as being worlds apart, think again. We are storytellers, problem solvers, and creative thinkers. And at the end of the day, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
