In my previous blog post I discussed the reason(s) why I became a photographer.  In this post I will cover how I prepare for a photo shoot and what I always bring with me.  For amateur photographers or those new to the business, I’m sure you get nervous before a shoot and wonder if that nervousness will ever end.  The answer is no.  If you care about your clients and are passionate about your work, you will always be nervous prior to a photo shoot.  Your confidence will increase, but because each shoot is different (as well as each client), you will always be nervous.  Once your subjects start paying you for your photography services, there are expectations to deliver a certain level of quality and even quantity of “good shots”.   However, being prepared and having confidence will ensure you are ready for the unexpected.

In my early days, I made a Check List that I would go through before each client shoot.  I no longer do that, but that is something I highly recommend, for both amateur and professional.

Most of my preparation occurs the day before a shoot so on the day of the shoot I can concentrate on being mentally prepared.

Week prior (at least):

1. I email the client a soft copy of my contract and price sheet.  We discuss the shoot, confirm the date/time, location etc.

The Day before:

1. I decide on the gear I will use and pack the gear.  I currently use the Canon 6D and I pack my must have lenses, for portraits/events, my 24-105mm, 50mm and 85mm.  If the shoot will include outdoor images, I will also pack my 70-200mm.
2. Charge Batteries.  This includes my camera battery (and a spare) as well as rechargeable AA/AAA for my speedlights and remote triggers.
3. SD cards.  I always bring a 64gb SD card (and a spare) and I format the card(s) before each use.
4. Speedlights and remote trigger(s).  I pack at least 3 speedlights, 3 portable stands w/ diffusers (usually two soft shoot-through and one reflective).
5. iPad and Squareup credit card reader.  My contract and payment methods are electronic, so bringing my iOS device is a must.  I also store any images I can use for creative inspiration on my iPad.
6. Check directions/Map.  Being late to a photo shoot is, in my opinion, the sign of a horrible photographer.  Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Not only is it bad for business, but imagine trying to capture a sunrise image and you miss the sunrise?  I also calculate the distant I have to travel and build in enough time to park etc.

The Day of:

1. Check directions/Map (again).  See above.
2. Listen to music.  Before every shoot I listen to music.  It helps me relax and channel inspiration.
3. Visualize. I think about my clients and what they want to achieve in their photographic memories.  I also come up with ideas to help them achieve the best images possible.
4. Contact client (2 hours prior).  This, in my opinion, is the professional thing to do.  It assures the client you will be there and let’s them know their shoot is important to you.  It also serves as a reminder 🙂
5. Pack my car.  I don’t do this the day before because thousands of dollars and photographic equipment inside a car makes it much more of an attractive ‘steal’.

And lastly, be confident, courteous, respectful, professional and have fun!

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