Most of the time, I give the impression that I'm calm, cool, collected…and know exactly what I want, when I want it. But if you were to get a peek inside my mind, it may look like a bunch of exposed wires sitting next to a rambunctious 4-year-old playing with bucket of water. Mostly my brain is nervous and over-thinking every scenario.

As I've matured in my craft, I've found ways to be more confident in my approach while photographing my subjects. For example, whenever a bride was slated get into her wedding dress in a dark room, I used to freak out…and then open every window shade. While dark rooms won't ever go away, I've honed my skills to confidently shoot in those environments, but I've also honed my skills in asking clients for their opinion. Yes, I ask my brides if they'd like to dress in a dark room or allow me to find an alternative.

Before I chat with my brides, I find an alternative location, prep it, then ask for them to weigh in. Here's a photo of me (captured by my assistant, Kendra) while I cleaned an outdoor area where the bride could dress (I grabbed a towel from the bathroom and wiped/swept the entire surface).

Krissi was slated to dress in a petite and dark room, but when I asked if she'd like to dress outdoors in great light, she happily agreed.

Here's a photo Krissi's bridesmaid, Ashley Concolino, captured of how things unfolded from the room she was supposed to dress in (I told you it was dark!)

More than anything, it's important for shy/nervous photographers to calm the doubt in our minds. We know what's best for photos, the least we can do it offer it to our clients. What I've learned is that my brides are looking to me for a professional opinion…they trust me and are willing to at least listen to what I suggest.

I recently asked Christin to have her sister and mom help dress on the patio of the wedding venue. The bridal suite was dark, cluttered, and lit only with tungsten lighting, so I proposed to go outdoors. She agreed to dress outdoors, after she slipped into the dress indoors (and they finished the details in gorgeous natural light).

Colleen simply looked at me and said, Jasmine, whatever you suggest is fine with me! I cleared the patio of distractions (this required moving furniture) and she enjoyed a perfect morning dressing with her bridesmaids.

These experiences made me more confident as I approach my brides and even if they opt to dress indoors, I can rest assured knowing I at least gave them the option.

Happy Tuesday!