Don't Be a Ghost (Why You Need to Speak Up)
The other day I was told that someone’s friend wants to do a photoshoot for my look book.
But they haven’t contacted me.
I get it. Reaching out to a photographer can feel intimidating. Maybe you think you aren't “good” enough. Maybe you think I’m too busy. Maybe you’re worried about the cost.
Here is the truth: The look book sessions I have been promoting are 100% complimentary. I take photos for my portfolio, you get the photos free of charge.
A shot of Amir from one of my Community Photo Shoots I offer monthly as a complimentary headshot session.
But here is the reality: I can’t photograph a ghost.
I have an open-door policy, but I need you to walk through it.
The "Needle in a Haystack" Problem
Chances are I will not get “lucky” and get a great shot of you. Scenes like this are big and vague. Once that group gets close I have to make a split second decision as to who I am photographing.
Every weekend, I get DMs after a race that say: "Hey! Did you get any photos of me today?"
I look at the results. There were 2,500 runners. I don’t know your bib number. I don’t know what jersey you were wearing. And unless we talked beforehand, I didn’t know to look for you.
I want to capture everyone. I love seeing the work you guys put in. But in a sea of thousands of athletes, if I don't know you're there, I'm going to miss the shot.
How to Get on the Radar
If you want the "Russell Moore Look"—whether that’s a cinematic senior session, a creative concept, or just race coverage—you have to speak up.
Don't wait for an invitation. If you want to shoot, send the DM. Fill out the contact form.
Tell me before the race. If you are running a big meet, let me know. "Hey, I'm in the Varsity race, wearing a red headband." That gives you a fighting chance of getting found.
Let's talk budget. Yes, this is a business. High-end photography costs money because gear and time are expensive. But I also have "Pay-What-You-Can" slots and creative projects (like the Look Book) constantly popping up. If you never ask, the answer is always no.
I am always looking for new faces and new energy. But I’m not a mind reader.
Don't be a ghost. Say hello. Let's make something cool.
Stop Ghosting.
Whether it's a Look Book session or race coverage, the first step is saying hello.
