I was listening to a podcast conversation between Simon Sinek and restaurateur Will Guidara recently. They were talking about hospitality—not just in restaurants, but in how we treat people.
It stayed with me.
We’re now in a moment where AI is becoming part of almost everything we do. It’s helpful. It saves time. It can even make us more efficient in ways that weren’t possible before.
But it also brings a quiet risk—things can start to feel a bit anonymous.
That’s where the idea of hospitality matters more than ever.
Not in a grand sense, but in small, thoughtful ways.
The truth is, hospitality has always been part of portrait and headshot photography.
At its core, this work has never just been about the image. It’s about connection, comfort, and helping the person in front of the camera feel confident and regarded.
In my work as a photographer, I’ve come to see that the session and the end result are only part of what people remember. What stays with them is how they felt. And often, that feeling begins before the session is even booked.
Anita and I have learned that the first connection matters.
If someone is reaching out as an individual, we like to have a short phone call. Nothing formal—just a chance to hear their voice, answer a few questions, and help them feel a bit more at ease.
For corporate sessions, we try to visit the shooting location whenever possible. That time together—walking the space, meeting some of the team—gives us a better understanding of what’s needed. But just as importantly, it creates a sense of familiarity before the camera and equipment ever come out.
These are simple steps. They take a bit more time. But they change the experience—for both the client and for us. AI can definitely help us prepare better. It supports how we write, plan, and stay organized. And I’m super grateful for that. But it can’t replace that first human exchange. It can’t pick up on tone, hesitation, or the small details that help build trust. That part is still ours.
So for me, it’s not about choosing between AI and the human experience. It’s about being clear on their roles.
AI supports the process. We protect the experience! And sometimes, protecting the experience starts with something as simple as a phone call—or a walk through a space together.
Because that’s where the work really begins.
Final Thought
People may not remember every detail of a session—but they will remember how they were treated.
That’s where the work really matters!
Cheers, Dwayne Brown