AUTHENTICITY IN PHOTOGRAPHY

Authentic photography is about capturing people as they truly are. It’s the unplanned, real moments that tell the most meaningful stories and make images that truly connect.

A man and woman standing outdoors in a rural landscape with rolling hills and fields in the background. The woman is wearing a gray sweater and white pants, looking at the man. The man is wearing a dark sweater and jeans, looking down with his hands in his pockets.

When I think about authenticity in photography, I don’t believe it means photos can’t be posed or polished. To me, authenticity is about staying true to yourself and not pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about avoiding the fake smile you’ve never done in your life, or wearing something that doesn’t feel like you. Authentic photography should reflect who someone truly is, not an idealised version of them.

Some of my favourite images have come from moments I wasn’t planning. I love snapping away during shoots, even when it’s not expected. Often, those unposed, in-between shots are the strongest because they show people as they are. Relaxed, genuine, and unaware of the camera. Those everyday moments tell stories far better than any staged perfection.

Two women sitting on white cushioned chairs, each reading a newspaper with headlines about a new collection, in a modern room with a framed picture on the wall. There is a black rotary phone on a small black table between them. Both women are dressed in business attire with white shoes, and their faces are unknown.

Many people come into a shoot feeling unsure, but it doesn’t take long for that to fade. The moment they see a preview. They realise it’s not about looking perfect, it’s about seeing themselves honestly, and that’s where the magic happens. Trust is vital between me and the people I photograph. They have to believe that I see them in their best light, and when they do, it changes everything.

Authenticity matters because it connects us as humans. These days, people crave realness more than perfection. Whether it’s business, art, or everyday life, we’re all sharing something: ideas, products, time, or knowledge. What makes those exchanges meaningful is connection. When an image feels real, people feel seen, and that’s what resonates.

Four men in golf attire standing outdoors on a cloudy day, smiling, with arms around each other, in front of lush green trees.

I believe authenticity comes from both the subject and the photographer. The subject brings their story, emotions, and way of being in the world. My role is to create space for that to unfold and to notice the small, everyday details that make it real. At the same time, authenticity is shaped by how I choose to see. What I frame, what I leave out, and the moments I decide to hold onto. It’s a collaboration where honesty on both sides creates images that feel true.

Natural light, environment, and raw emotion are also part of that story. I work with whatever light and surroundings I have, letting them shape the image rather than forcing something false. The result is a photograph grounded in a real place and a real moment.

Authentic photography is about honouring people as they are. I’d love to hear your story and capture it in a way that feels true. Whether it’s for work, family, or personal milestones, my goal is to create images that tell your story the way it deserves to be told.

Coco x

Professional woman with long dark hair, wearing a black blazer and jewelry, smiling against a light background.