Why I Believe Photography Is About Trust

I’ve had people step in front of my camera and immediately apologize.

“Sorry, I’m not very photogenic.”

“I never know what to do with my hands.”

“I always look awkward in pictures.”

And I get it. We live in a world where cameras are everywhere, yet most people don’t feel truly seen in front of one. That’s why, for me, photography has never been just about technical skill or gear. It’s about something deeper.

It’s about trust.

Before I ever press the shutter, I focus on connection. I want the person in front of me to feel like they can exhale — like they don’t need to perform, pose, or pretend. I want them to feel safe enough to forget how they’re “supposed” to look and just be themselves.

That’s why I never rush a shoot.

Because once that sense of ease is built — once trust enters the room — something shifts. There’s a softness in the shoulders, a spark in the eyes, and a kind of natural rhythm that starts to flow. That’s when the real magic happens.

For me, the camera becomes secondary. What matters is the space between me and the person I’m photographing — a space built on respect, kindness, and presence. That’s where creativity unfolds. That’s where stories are told without words.

And that’s why I believe photography will always be about more than images.

It’s about trust.

And that trust is everything.