05/04/2026
I couldn’t have said this any better!
Please know that I am still scheduling sessions, I just don’t advertise much anymore, and it’s really because of these things.
I’m overwhelmed daily with the amount of fake AI ads. I am overwhelmed with the amount of free or low priced mini session ads I am seeing repetitively on the same pages. All of them aren’t quality photography, some not even using their own images, because too many people believe they can just pick up a camera or cell phone and consider themselves professional. I encourage you to read this and know what photography quality you are actually receiving when going into a session.
This is a very scary and uncertain time for photographers. . . and honestly, nobody is talking about it enough.
So I will🤷🏻♀️
The photography industry has changed more in the last few years than it has in the last decade.
It is beyond saturated. Anyone can buy a camera, download a preset, and suddenly they’re a “professional.” And I’m sorry, but that word has been watered down so much it barely means anything anymore!
Because being a professional isn’t owning a camera.
It’s years of experience. It’s understanding light in any condition.It’s knowing how to pose real people who feel awkward. It’s consistency. It’s problem solving. It’s delivering every single time.
And AI enters the chat🤦🏻♀️
And THIS is where it gets scary. . .
The ad below looks completely normal, right?
Beautiful seniors. Clean editing. Aesthetic layout.
Looks like any other photographer showing off their work.
Except. . .
NONE of it is real!!!!!
Not the people
Not the session
Not the work
It’s 100% AI-generated. . . and being used currently on another photographers page to market her photography services as if it’s real client work.
Let that sink in.
This isn’t just “creative marketing.”
This is false advertising.
And if you’re booking a photographer based on images that were never even taken. . . Well that should concern you.
And here’s the even scarier part. . .
If you don’t know what to look for, you probably wouldn’t even question it. So please, for your own sake, START VETTING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS!!!!
Here’s what you should be doing before you book anyone:
-Ask to see FULL galleries (not just the best 5 photos)
-Look for consistency across multiple sessions
-Check for real clients, tags, and interactions
-Ask questions about their process and experience
-Make sure what you’re seeing is ACTUALLY their work
Because here’s the truth. . .
A lot of people can create 3–5 really good photos.
That does NOT mean they can deliver a full gallery.
Consistency is everything.
Also, start paying attention to the details.
AI images will often look “too perfect.”
Skin can look overly smooth or plastic.
Hands or fingers can look off.
Hair can blend weird into the background.
Jewelry or small details won’t fully make sense.
If something feels off. . .trust that.
Because AI can now create entire “sessions” of you that never happened.
I’ve seen it, sadly with my own clients.
And because of that, I will be adding an AI clause into my contract moving forward.
Now I’m going to be really real for a second. . .
This past year has been one of the hardest I’ve ever seen in this industry.
Bookings are down across the board for everyone!
People are hiring based on price alone, but based of quality or experience.
And photographers who are charging $50 are setting expectations that aren’t sustainable for anyone long term.
And I get it. . .truly! The economy is tough right now. But there’s also a cost to choosing cheap or fake.
These are moments you don’t get back. Don’t trust them to something that isn’t even real.
I’ve even had moments where I’ve sat back and thought, “Can I even compete with this anymore?”
I’ve thought about going back to school. I’ve questioned everything I’ve built. And that’s hard to admit. Because this isn’t just a job to me. This is something I’ve poured YEARS into.
So I’m going to say this louder for the people in the back: When you hire a photographer like me, you are not just buying photos.
You are investing in:
-real experience
-real people
-real moments
-real memories that actually happened
Not something a computer made up.
I will always show real sessions, real clients, and real work. What you see from me is exactly what you’re going to get.
And the photographers who truly care, who pour everything into their work, who show up for their clients every single time. . .
we’re still here.
And we’re still worth it 🤍
If you’re planning to book a photographer this year, PLEASE don’t wait until the last minute.
Reach out. Start the conversation. Get on their calendar. Small businesses don’t survive on last minute decisions. They survive on people who plan ahead and choose to support them.
If you have questions about booking, pricing, or even what to look for, you can always message me. I’d rather you ask than end up disappointed. Also I offer payment plans and afterpay.
Support the businesses you love BEFORE they’re gone. If things keep going in this direction, a lot of small photography businesses won’t make it and honestly, it’s already starting to happen.
If you’ve been thinking about booking this year, this is your sign 🫶🏼 reach out to me! We will get you set up!
