Sean Scott Photography

Introduction: First, I approach photography in general as a careful observer of human nature. I try to frame my images into some context, whether it's by using negative space or superimposing my subjects against a background, that will create an emotional response in the viewer. I also use depth of field (narrowing the range of focus) to direct the viewer's eye to a specific part of the image. I learned my trade in the days of film, before you could check the display to see if you "got it". It required confidence in your skills and an understanding of your equipment that many photographers that started shooting only after digital was introduced may not have developed. Shooting film causes you to think differently about how you photograph. You can't simply take a dozen shots and hope that you can Photoshop your way to a good image. It forces you to think about the image, and how you compose and expose it. I still shoot and process film so that I keep that approach fresh in my mind. With rare exceptions, wedding, maternity and newborn sessions are happy events. Photographing people at these joyous celebrations makes me happy in turn, but probably the best part is in the days following, as I go through the images. I get to relive all of the celebration as I comb through the photos and process them. But I think the best part is when I get to share my favorite images with the bride and groom, expectant mother or parents, and see their reaction. I remember a new mother who called me after a newborn session in the hospital to tell me that I made her husband—a Marine stationed in Afghanistan—cry when he saw the first pictures of his newborn daughter. Seeing something you did hang on a wall is one thing, but I think that may be the greatest compliment I've received for my work.