How to Survive Your 1st Photo Shoot
As a college student, majoring in digital media, that had never touched a DSLR before last August, my first photoshoot was daunting to say the least. I know from experience that it can be hard not to feel like an imposter when you're just starting.
So here are my 3 fool proof tips for a successful, stress free, first professional shoot.
1. Practice
I don't specialize in portraiture and generally prefer landscapes, but my biggest save in a professional setting was that I had worked on portraiture assignments with friends beforehand. Enlist anyone you're comfortable with, friends, family, whoever, as models and plan a shoot. Get your gear together, go out, and figure it out. This way, you're not expecting money, and they're not expecting a formal shoot, and you'll have the space and time to trial and error.
2. Prepare
Prepare, prepare, prepare! And then prepare some more! Every bit of work you do before the shoot will set you up for success. Once you have a client, be upfront about your prices and availability, and then get into questions. Have them send you inspiration, Pinterest boards, Instagram posts, anything, and take notes of what they like, editing, lighting, poses, location, etc. Call ahead to possible locations to see their rules on photoshoots (some don't have any and some have rules for days) and then settle on a date, time and location with your client. Thorough preparation will make your shoot day run so much more smoothly.
3. Bring Back Ups
In my camera bag, at any given time, I have at least two extra batteries, an extra card, an extra lens, and a battery charger, and I should probably add more. Anything can go wrong on a shoot day, weather, gear malfunctions, outfit malfunctions, and, as bleak as it sounds, it's much better to prepare for the worst than assume the best. So when getting ready to leave on shoot day, bring anything you might possibly need and then some. Trust me, you'll sleep better knowing you have backups.
One last piece of advice. Don't let yourself lean into that imposter feeling too much. You have a camera, what else are you supposed to do with it? Have fun with your shoot, remember these tips, and you'll do great!