Documenting the Journey
Some sessions teach you more than others.
This one certainly did.
Fan Pier has been on my list of dream locations for a while. The skyline, the harbor, the energy of Boston—it feels like the perfect backdrop for timeless portraits. But photography has a way of reminding you that beautiful locations don't always mean easy conditions.
The midday sun was relentless.
For the first time, I found myself battling harsh light instead of creating with it. Despite planning, my camera settings weren't working with me the way I expected, and I spent the entire session learning in real time.
When I got home and began editing, I saw exactly what the sun had done.
As photographers, we're often our own toughest critics. I could have simply delivered the gallery and moved on. Instead, I reached out to my client, explained what happened, and we both agreed to do the session again—same vision, just at a better time of day.
That conversation reminded me of something important.
Growth isn't avoiding mistakes.
Growth is recognizing them, learning from them, and showing up better the next time.
That session changed the way I approach outdoor portraits. I now pay closer attention to the position of the sun, my exposure, and how light shapes a person's face before I ever press the shutter.
Every photographer has images that teach them.
This session taught me to respect the light.
And for that, I'm grateful.
To me, documenting this journey means sharing not only the beautiful moments but also the lessons that make me a better photographer.
— Racquel
Purple Hibiscus Photography 💜🌺📸
