"But I know you took WAY more than 20 pictures. Where are the rest??"
Let's face it. As a client, you want to make sure you are receiving the best of the best images. I get it. Believe me. Every once in a while, I get this question asked and wanted to give you a definitive example of why you don't get every image I shoot during a session. No matter how beautiful the subjects, sometimes, a shot doesn't go as planned. It could be something on my end. Maybe I wasn't thinking and completely underexposed the shot. OR, maybe I overexposed it. What about composition? Maybe I wasn't careful and completely chopped off your fingers (often referred to as "limb chop" in the photography world). Heck, maybe I didn't notice the huge branch coming out from your head, making you look like an alien.
But you're saying, "No, no, Areke, I'm sure that shot wasn't a mistake on your end..." HA. Funny. But maybe I really did do a good job getting it right in camera. Could it be an unflattering angle on you? I try to catch it during the session, but maybe you're slouching and it isn't so hot. Or, maybe your face isn't at an angle and it adds a few pounds to your face, even though it's not there in real life. Better yet, maybe you put your weight on your front leg (ladies) instead of your back leg, creating a bulkier bottom half. Now do you see where I'm coming from? I'm showing you the BEST of the 100 or more shots that I took and I'm not holding any of the good ones back. Please believe me.
And with permission from Stella and Hilary, a real life example.
Sweet moment but not so flattering shot of Hilary along with the highlights in Stella's fur being blown. I followed the rule of thirds however mom and daughter are on the left side of the frame. No bueno.
Hilary and Stella are on the right side of the frame which is ascetically more pleasing. Mom looks beautiful and Stella's solemn face add to this precious moment.