Today my goal is to give you a photography tip that has been helpful to me….humbly hoping that you might be able to use it also. I considered chatting about clean compositions, shooting with leading lines, or not cropping at awkard places. But I kept coming back to something that you will not find in Photography 101. But it is as important as understanding light and shooting in manual and it very useful when photographing clients.

It is a business and life skill that applies to ALL of us…photographer or not.

Like all skills…it is one that can be developed. For us introverts, it requires some intentionality and a choice to embrace it. Like all skills, if it makes us feel uncomfortable and we dislike discomfort; we can think of ten thousand reasons why it is not necessary. Why I don’t need it, why I am ‘above’ such things, and why it really is kind of silly.

So today…..I challenge you…let’s embrace the fine art of chit-chat.

Chit-chat by definition is not important or significant conversation…most times we refer to chit-chat with sarcasm and a bit of disdain. If you will allow me, let me put another spin on it. First of all there is one requirement. Genuineness. We all hate forced conversations and awkward exchanges. Valuable chit-chat has to be based on genuine interest in the other person. An authentic desire to see, hear, and understand. It is not self-focused, inconsiderate, or disrespectful. It has no expectations other than a brief warmhearted connection. Genuine chit-chat creates trust and good will. It communicates respect and affirmation. Chit chat works it’s magic when the other person walks always with a smile, head held a bit higher, and mood lightened….all because of a few minute exchange.  Considering we do life and business with our feelings…maybe more than we care to admit….chit-chat has some punch.

We like to gift our consulting clients, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Bill Carnegie. He hits the people skill thing on the head. It’s a classic…one that we all can learn from. If you would like to learn more about composition, light, photography biz skills…get in touch! We have several openings for photography consulting/coaching coming up this winter.

The topics within chit-chat may not be significant but the results can be. I am thinking….chit chat…it has it’s place and it is a pretty incredible business skill. Yeah?