How to Survive Your First Photoshoot

I'm not going to lie when I say it is hectic. There will always be the insecurity that you aren't a "real photographer" and you have no idea what you are doing. I have been doing shoots for two years now and I wish I could say that doesn't happen anymore...but that would be a lie. I am always afraid that my clients won't like my photos or they don't want editing done, but you want to know a secret? My insecurities are what helps me be the best that I can. It is what drives me to look at something with a different perspective and think outside of the box. Over the past two years I have learned that you aren't always going to make everyone happy, but at the end of the day if you are proud of your work, that's all you need.

Obviously you aren't just going to snap away and pray for the best. Make sure your shutter speed and f-stop are where you want them to be. It is important to be sure that the subject has the correct exposure, but if you feel like the picture would look better if it was darker, then go for it. It is all about what you are trying to convey and how you want your audience to perceive your artwork.

It is crucial that if you are shooting a client, be sure that you make them comfortable in front of the camera. I always try and meet with my clients before a shoot so it doesn't feel like a stranger is taking their pictures. Be yourself with them and don't be afraid to try and make them laugh. I personally love when I make one of my clients laugh because then the emotion that they are showing in the picture is genuine. It is very easy to tell when a person is genuinely happy and when a smile is forced.

Be sure to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Bring napkins to blot off sweat, a fan to make hair blow in the wind, water if one of you gets dehydrated, props in case you need them, snacks, and anything else you deem necessary. Bring extra SD cards and a spare battery. I know it sounds obvious, but at my first photoshoot my camera died right in the middle of it...it was a very embarrassing day to say the least.

Overall have fun with what you are doing and believe in your capabilities. You can only get better after each camera click.