What I mean by Organic Photography

When I talk about organic photography, I’m really referring to a philosophy that guides how I approach my work as a commercial photographer for small and local businesses. Just like organic farming avoids artificial additives and allows produce to shine naturally, I believe that photography should follow a similar path. It’s about capturing the essence of a moment without adding unnecessary filters, effects, or heavy editing afterward.

photo shows a serving of crispy fried fish paired with a bowl of fresh coleslaw, served in a paper-lined basket on top of a menu.

These days, we’re bombarded with heavily altered images. Everything is so polished and perfect that it sometimes feels like we’re losing the realness in photography. But that’s not how I was taught. I come from a bit of an old-school mindset, one that was passed down to me by my grandfather. Back in his day, before the world went fully digital, photography was much more intentional. Each shot mattered because film was expensive—you couldn't just snap a hundred photos, hope for the best, and then use AI to edit it. You had to think carefully before pressing the shutter, being fully present in that moment. That's the kind of intentionality I bring to my work today.

For me, intentional photography means I don’t rush. I take the time to understand the subject, whether it’s a product, a person, or a local space, and I wait for the right moment to capture it. I don’t show up with fancy equipment, loads of light boxes, or artificial backgrounds. Instead, I prefer to work with the natural environment, the light that’s available, and the raw beauty of the subject. My goal is to minimize post-editing, keeping the photos as true to life as possible.

photo displays a generous portion of fried seafood strips, likely fish or calamari, along with seasoned French fries in a similar paper-lined basket.

I like to think of my approach as creating a connection between the subject and the viewer, one that feels genuine and unforced. In a way, it’s similar to how organic farming focuses on letting the produce speak for itself, free from chemicals and artificial processes. With organic photography, I want the authenticity of each shot to come through, capturing a moment that doesn’t rely on heavy editing or filters. It’s about letting the photo stand on its own, in its purest, most natural form.

If you're looking for photos that reflect the genuine spirit of your business, I’d love to help bring that vision to life. Reach out about capturing your story through intentional, authentic photography and book your own intentional photoshoot for your business!

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Why I Love Helping Small Businesses Shine on Google Maps

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I love my Clients: Author, Amy Bechtel Kimball