Professional photographers are talented experts at capturing the subtle nuances of a complex narrative, so we know there’s always a story behind the photograph.
I’ve written extensively on this topic before (for example, see: Words Can Be Worth A Thousand Pictures In Marketing Your Photography), but this is the first time I’ve collected actual stories, thoughts, and inspirations from photographers who do this every day for a living.
It doesn’t matter which genre of photography you specialize in — weddings, commercial, portraits, advertising, fine art, pets, you name it — you never capture an image without intent or purpose.
Something about the subject inspired you to press the shutter at the precise moment you chose to, and with the settings needed to bring out the best features. This is one part of the story behind the photograph, but there are also other elements that exist outside the frame and, specifically, in the mind of the photographer.
To get a glimpse into these rarely-seen areas, I asked professional photographers to submit one of their favorite images together with the story behind it.
What inspired them at the time, what was the context of the image, and what is it about the photograph that they and their clients love so much?
In fact, I decided to make this an ongoing project to see uncover as many of these powerful photographic stories as possible, and to shine a light on the gifts and talents of as many dedicated professional photographers as possible.
The articles listed below each showcase a small group of professional photographers, grouped together by genre. Check them out and I’m sure you’ll find some inspiration and motivation you can apply to your own photographic work.
And, if you like their stories, you can help them to inspire even more people by sharing them on social media.
Table Of Contents
Purezza Lifestyle Product Photography By Adrian Harrison

Adrian Harrison is professional a product lifestyle photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Check out the story behind one of his favorite images for Purezza water...
Tetons And Horses By Audrey Cramer

Audrey Cramer specializes in landscape and nature photography, mostly in Utah and Idaho. Check out the story behind one of her favorite images of horses grazing with the Tetons as a backdrop...
Cape Cod National Seashore Breaches By Margot Cheel

Margot Cheel specializes in aerial photography, and is based in Cohasset, MA. Check out the story behind one of her favorite aerial images of Cape Cod...
Class Of 2020 – Resilience In Adversity By Anjeanette Photography

Anjeanette Photography specializes in high-school senior portraits, and is based in Phoeniz AZ. Check out the story behind one of her favorite senior portraits...
Jess + Jarrad By Wedding Photographer Jon Harris

Jon Harris is a wedding photographer based on the South Coast of NSW, Australia. Check out the story behind one of his local wedding photographs...
Hughes H-4 “Hercules” Flying Boat By James T. Callahan

Commercial photographic artist James T. Callahan from Hillsborough NJ shares the story of one of his favorite photographs called "Hughes H-4 Hercules Flying Boat"...
An Artist Portrait By Cynthia L. Sperko

Cynthia L. Sperko is a personal branding photographer based in Marietta PA. Check out the story behind one of her local artist portraits...
Hazing The Rookie By Michael E. Stern

Michael e. Stern is a commercial photographer based in Pasadena CA. Check out the story behind his photograph, called "Hazing The Rookie"...
Dad’s Dream By Myron Bursell

Myron Bursell is a portrait photographer based in Spokane WA. Check out the story behind his photograph, called "Dad's Dream"...
Road Tripping Sisters By Terrill Bodner

Terrill Bodner is a portrait photographer based in Prince George, BC Canada. Check out the story behind her photograph, called "Road Tripping Sisters"...
The Strength Of A Family By Ryan Bustamante

Ryan Bustamante is a portrait photographer based in Tuscon, Arizona. Check out the story behind his photograph, called "The Strength Of A Family"...
Love Is For Winter By Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith is a portrait and wedding photographer based in Weston, Missouri. Check out the story behind her photograph, called "Love Is For Winter"...