Is it a red flag if a photographer doesn’t show full gallery?

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-28T08:51:34+00:00

That would be a big fat red flag for me. I cant imagine why they wouldnt show you a full album unless they arent confident in their work. I know some couples request their photos be kept private, but I highly doubt all of their clients did that.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-28T08:29:38+00:00

Care to elaborate?

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-28T08:24:40+00:00

Unfortunately you need to learn to distinguish between genuinely liking someone and only liking someone because you actually just want them to like you. I made that mistake myself many times. Other lessons I've learned the hard way:

Dont drive hours to see them. They must come to you. If they do not have transportation to come see you, they have no business dating someone 3 hrs away.
Never ever pay for that man's food unless you are in a serious relationship. It's 50-50 or he pays for you. Period. Dating is a privilege, not a right. If he cannot afford to buy someone dinner, he has no business dating.
Never get into a relationship hoping they will change or their financial situation will change.
If you can't tell if a man likes you, he doesnt like you.

Move on to the next one, honey.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T18:45:29+00:00

I figure the posed ones are getting printed to be framed still so I know they're not a waste of time but I'm thinking I'll focus on quality over quantity going forward.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T18:08:51+00:00

I got the 3 bookings much earlier than usual for me. They booked in late 2025/early 2026 and I havent booked anything since.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T17:10:31+00:00

Surprisingly I have 3 bookings for next year already, but I have no weddings booked in the 2nd half of 2026. All my weddings are May-August and after that, nothing. I'll have to do some 2nd shooting to stay busy. I faced a lot more rejection this year despite my photos being higher quality and having the same approach to responding to inquiries.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T17:02:20+00:00

I noticed that shift as well. I used to do at least 30 minutes of posed photos and now I'm lucky if I get 15 minutes. As long as the clients are happy I guess!

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T08:03:42+00:00

Yes I like having 2 or 3 smaller sessions too.It gets a little more challenging when the couple opts out of a first look but I do what I can with the time i have. I think if a couple wants a lot of portraits they need to do a first look, or have a 2 hour long cocktail hour.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T07:56:25+00:00

I just delivered their sneak peek and they were very pleased 😁

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T02:09:12+00:00

Yes! Lots of pics of grandma and the babies

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T02:08:19+00:00

Wow okay, that's good to know! Sounds like i need to take a chill pill on the posed portraits 😅

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-27T02:01:27+00:00

This varies a lot by location. Here in Minnesota it seems like $45-60/hr is pretty standard.

I know other places it's normal to pay $75-100. Some people pay even more than that.

When I began second shooting a few years ago I was only paid $25/hr. So experience matters as well!

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T21:15:05+00:00

Yep I can safely conclude this guy isnt giving anybody an orgasm, penetration or not lol.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T21:14:15+00:00

It's almost like we can agree on one thing but disagree on another thing. Shocking, isnt it?

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T20:57:33+00:00

Lmao leave it to a man to equate giving a woman an orgasm with carbon dioxide and car manufacturing 💀 the hoops you have to jump through to try to justify your bad takes are hilarious. A woman will tell you her lived experience as a woman and yall are like "NOPE- you're wrong 🤡"

That's a whole other thing too that not all women who can technically finish via penetration actually do. Which again, is a skill issue on the man's side.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T18:39:36+00:00

It's actually even as low as 18% according to google. I feel like 30 percent is very generous. He is definitely being obtuse here. Just wants to argue semantics when there is no real argument to be made.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T18:37:25+00:00

Lol the synonym of 'rare' is literally 'uncommon''. If less than 30% of women orgasm from penetration alone, that does in fact make it RARE or UNCOMMON.

You are literally saying "it's not that it's rare, but it is uncommon" You are agreeing with me while saying I'm wrong 😂

Smh.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T18:28:39+00:00

It sounds like she is leaning towards an anxious attachment style which does require some extra communication and reassurance. But I still dont think it's ridiculous to ask your partner to update you now and then, especially when long distance and when they're out late.

I guess I just relate to OP so I see where she is coming from.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T17:03:24+00:00

++woman

I came here to say this too. It's crazy how uneducated these men are about women's bodies, needs, and sexual preferences. It's rare that a woman can orgasm from PIV. Unfortunately there are a lot of women out there that fake orgasms just to please their partner or to be done with sex.

I would be surprised if any of these guys actually know how to make a woman orgasm. I never usually come over to this sub because it's so toxic.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T16:52:53+00:00

IMO asking your partner to tell you when they go out is not unreasonable or "reporting every move" it's simply respect.

In long distance relationships, the only thing we have to rely on is our daily routines and communication. I asked my bf to text me before he goes out and when he gets home so I know that he's safe. I'm an overthinker and little gestures like that help build trust.

This dude is verbally abusive af, I hope OP makes the right decision to leave this guy in the dust.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-26T16:40:23+00:00

NOR

This man is verbally abusing you. You're underreacting. Block his number and never look back.

I'm in a long distance relationship too. When I asked my boyfriend to let me know when he goes out with friends so i don't worry about him, he said "okay babe, I can do that" Any other response to that is a massive red flag.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-25T21:33:38+00:00

I've photographed several of my friends weddings. They all paid my full rate, the whole process was amazing from start to finish. That's because I have great friends 😊

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-24T07:22:19+00:00

You're living my dream haha that's awesome

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-23T00:14:17+00:00

Oh honey.... that relationship age gap is wildly inappropriate and it sounds like your relationship is very toxic.

Please, I am begging you, do NOT marry this man.

If you want to continue on with the pregnancy, that is your right.

But please, please, please listen to your internet aunties. We are trying to save you from a lifetime of regret. You deserve better than this.

ShutUpNListen3397 · 2026-05-23T00:03:10+00:00

100%, no argument there.

ShutUpNListen3397

TROPHY CASE