{"id":91,"date":"2014-12-28T19:34:11","date_gmt":"2014-12-28T19:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/originalfotografie.com\/?p=91"},"modified":"2015-01-04T05:15:07","modified_gmt":"2015-01-04T05:15:07","slug":"how-i-prepare-and-what-i-bring-to-a-photo-shoot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/originalfotografie.com\/?p=91","title":{"rendered":"How I prepare and what I bring to a photo shoot"},"content":{"rendered":"

In my previous blog post I discussed the reason(s)\u00a0why I became a photographer<\/a>. \u00a0In this post I will cover how I prepare for a photo shoot<\/a> and what I always bring with me. \u00a0For 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. \u00a0The answer is no. \u00a0If you care about your clients and are passionate about your work, you will always be nervous prior to a photo shoot. \u00a0Your confidence will increase, but because each shoot is different (as well as each client), you will\u00a0always be nervous. \u00a0Once your subjects start paying you for your photography services, there are expectations to deliver a certain level of quality and even quantity of \u201cgood shots\u201d. \u00a0 However, being prepared and having confidence will ensure you are ready for the unexpected.<\/p>\n

\"_MG_2813-2-Edit-Edit\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In my early days,\u00a0I made a Check List that I would go through before each client shoot. \u00a0I no longer do that, but that is something I highly recommend, for both amateur and professional.<\/p>\n

Most of my preparation occurs the day before a shoot so on the day of the shoot I can concentrate on being mentally prepared.<\/p>\n

Week prior (at least):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. I email the client a soft copy<\/a> of my contract and price sheet<\/a>. \u00a0We discuss the shoot, confirm the date\/time, location etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Day before:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. I decide on the gear I will use and pack the gear. \u00a0I currently use the Canon 6D<\/a> and I pack my must have lenses, for portraits\/events, my 24-105mm, 50mm and 85mm. \u00a0If the shoot will include outdoor images, I will also pack my 70-200mm.<\/li>\n
    2. Charge Batteries<\/a>. \u00a0This includes my camera battery (and a spare) as well as rechargeable AA\/AAA for my speedlights and remote triggers.<\/li>\n
    3. SD cards. \u00a0I always bring a 64gb SD card<\/a> (and a spare) and I format the card(s) before each use.<\/li>\n
    4. Speedlights and remote trigger(s). \u00a0I pack at least 3 speedlights, 3 portable stands w\/ diffusers (usually two soft shoot-through and one reflective).<\/li>\n
    5. iPad<\/a> and Squareup credit card reader. \u00a0My contract and payment methods are electronic, so bringing my iOS device<\/a> is a must. \u00a0I also store any images I can use for creative inspiration on my iPad.<\/li>\n
    6. Check directions\/Map. \u00a0Being late to a photo shoot is, in my opinion, the sign of a horrible\u00a0photographer. \u00a0Plan 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? \u00a0I also calculate the distant I have to travel and build in enough time to park etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The Day of:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Check directions\/Map (again). \u00a0See above.<\/li>\n
      2. Listen to music. \u00a0Before every shoot I listen to music. \u00a0It helps me relax and channel inspiration.<\/li>\n
      3. Visualize. I think about my clients and what they want to achieve in their photographic memories. \u00a0I also come up with ideas to help them achieve the best images possible.<\/li>\n
      4. Contact\u00a0client (2 hours prior). \u00a0This, in my opinion, is the professional thing to do. \u00a0It assures the client you will be there and let’s them know their shoot is important to you. \u00a0It also serves as a reminder \ud83d\ude42<\/li>\n
      5. Pack my car. \u00a0I 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’.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        And lastly, be confident, courteous, respectful, professional and have fun!<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

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