Breaking the Lens Barrier: How Building Trust Brings Better Shots

We’ve all felt it—that awkward moment when a camera is pointed at us. The question lingers: “What do I do with my hands?” We're long past school photo day, and let’s be honest—the old trend of saying “plum” never really worked.

So how do photographers capture shots that feel real? The ones that don’t look like you’re stuck in a stiff graduation portrait?

Everyone finds their own way, their own style. But for me, the secret lies in something deeper: getting to know your subject and breaking the invisible barrier of the lens.

It’s something I’ve had to learn over time—and it’s still something I work on every shoot. Because every person is different. What makes one person feel at ease might make another lock up completely. The job is to figure that out—and fast.

Nowhere has that been more important than in the marine world, where my work has taken me in recent years. Out there, it’s cold, wet, uncomfortable—and when you're running on little sleep, the last thing anyone wants is a camera in their face. That’s when psychology becomes just as important as photography.

Take someone like Alex Thomson. He’s spent years in front of cameras and knows the drill. But even then, you don’t just turn up and start clicking away. You need to earn your place in that environment. You need to know when to shoot—and more importantly, when to get out of the way. That mutual respect is what allows for real, candid moments.

Or consider the shoot I did with Dee Caffari and James Harayda. We hadn’t met before the shoot, and I knew I needed to build rapport quickly. We were out in big weather, and no one wants to pose when they’re soaked and holding on for dear life. So, I cracked a few jokes, kept the energy up, and made it fun. If you’re having fun, that energy is infectious—and that’s when the camera starts to disappear.

One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned about this came not from people, but from dolphins.

During a project with the Turner Twins, I worked alongside my good friend and incredible photographer George Karbus—someone known for his unbelievable work with wildlife. In particular, a dolphin that seems to respond to him like a long-lost mate. No, seriously.

I watched as George tapped the boat, whooped, and whistled to the dolphins. At first, I thought he was mad. But then… the dolphins stuck around. They played. They jumped. They engaged. It was like watching someone communicate directly with the ocean. He told me to give it a go, and I’ve never forgotten the results. Now, whenever I’m out at sea and we spot dolphins, I bring that same energy—and I’ve captured some of the best dolphin shots of my life.

So what’s the takeaway?

Whether it’s an elite sailor, a big-name ambassador, a crew member, or a wild animal—if you want to break through the wall of the lens, you have to meet people (or dolphins) where they are. Build trust before you even reach for the camera. Understand what they need. That’s when the good stuff happens.

And the truth is, this lesson applies to every shoot, not just offshore.

It’s not about the gear. It’s not about the settings. It’s about connection. That’s when the storytelling begins.