Why I pull out my phone during your portrait session (and why that’s a good thing)

Yes, I use my phone during your portrait session.

No, not because I’m distracted. Or because I forgot you’re standing there in front of me.

Am I checking the number of views on my latest Instagram reel? Or replying to a text from my daughter? Again, no. That’s not how I work.

It’s part of how I stay focused, not the other way around. Here’s what’s actually going on when I pull it out mid-shoot.

No, I’m not checking texts.

When I reach for my phone during a shoot, I’m not replying to messages or scrolling social media.

I use it as a tool. A pretty essential one, actually.

I work with a shot list — and I need to see it.

I’m autistic, which means my brain thrives with structure.

During a session, I rely on a shot list to keep things on track. It’s how I stay grounded, especially when there’s a lot happening.

You see, I get carried away so easily. I start to enthusiastically takes photos, and before I know it, most of the session time has passed and I’m not even halfway my shot list.

My phone helps me check in with that list — what we’ve done, what’s still coming, and what we might want to change. It keeps me focused on you, not stuck in my head.

Sometimes I search for an alternative pose or setup.

Not everything goes as planned.

I shoot at places I’ve never been before. And maybe the space feels different than expected. Maybe the pose or composition I had in mind just isn’t working — for you, for the light, for the moment.

Rather than force it, I might take a second to look something up that does work.

It’s not lack of preparation. It’s just staying flexible — and making sure we get the most out of your session.

I often use it to show you what I mean.

Whether we’re working together in a barn, or a bedroom, explaining physical positioning isn’t always easy — especially for me. Ask my daughter, we used to end up fighting whenever I needed to explain her homework.

Instead of overcomplicating it or giving confusing verbal directions, I’ll sometimes show you a quick reference on my phone.

That way, you can see what we’re going for, make it your own, and we can move on without the awkward back-and-forth.

It helps me stay in control — so your portrait session stays relaxed.

If you’ve ever been in a situation where someone’s winging it, you can feel it. This is the opposite.

So if we work together and you see me checking my phone, just know it’s not a sign I’m distracted — it’s me staying focused, present, and committed to giving you a session that’s both structured and flexible.

I photograph with intention, not guesswork.

That phone? It helps me bring your story into focus.