Photog to Photog: 5 Tips for Reducing Your Shoot Day Stress

Pre-shoot stress has been known to descend  upon even those most seasoned and skilled of photographers. While last-minute model cancellations, 11th hour logistical changes, and the pressure of having big time clients on your set are all the nature of the business, they can still bring a on little anxiety the closer you get to your shoot. But here are 5 tips that can help keep you cool, calm, and collected as you head into your production.

1: Check & Pack Your Gear the Night Before

Even when I have a call time later in the day, there’s just something about getting my equipment in order the night before that helps me to feel extra prepared. If you haven’t used your gear in a while, take it out, turn it on, snap some test shots. If you’ve used it recently, you still should take some test shots, and clean your gear as necessary. Then, gather your camera(s) and lens(es), lighting, props, etc. in one place so all you have to do is grab and go tomorrow.

2: Wake Up Early & Ease Into Your Day

There’s something about not having to immediately get up and go that makes me feel like I have a better handle on the day ahead of me. Consider spending your extra time meditating, reading up on some photo tips that could apply to your shoot that day, or just enjoying a few quiet, chill moments before the hustle of the shoot sets in. Once you’re met with all that on-set energy, you’ll be thankful for the few moments of peace that started your day.

3: Wear Something That Makes You Feel Fierce, Creative, and Confident

Ever notice how what you wear affects your mindset and tells those around you something about you? Think about it. At the gym, your workout clothes inspire you to push harder; at a wedding, what the bride and groom wear signifies their roles; for a job interview, wearing a suit shows your potential employer you’re serious about the position. The same can be said for you at your photo shoot. On shoot day, opt to wear something that feels like you, makes you feel confident, and shows your creative personality. While you may not notice it, your client will likely pick up on the way you present yourself. And while it may not work against you if you aren’t thoughtful about your look, it could definitely work in your favor.

4: Lock in Your Transportation Ahead of Time

Sure, it takes just minutes to hop in your car or call an Uber, but getting all of that situated the night before will help your day to run smoothly. If you’re driving, make sure you’re gassed up and already have the directions to your location mapped out. If, like me, you normally take a car to your shoots, schedule it ahead of time. This is something I’ve recently started doing, but it makes all the difference! And bonus if you end up pre-scheduling your ride late at night, because it will often lock in a lower rate than when you call your ride at the time you need it.

5: Mask Up!

Unfortunately, there is still a pandemic and it has changed literally everything, including our approach to and behavior during photo shoots. I always like to err on the side of safety, so I’ll often wear 2 masks because I’ll be in closer proximity to multiple people over an extended period of time. Other precautions I have in place are asking my clients and team members to take their temperatures the day of the shoot (or doing it myself on set), booking spaces that allow us to be socially distant whenever possible, asking everyone to mask up, except the model/client when they are being photographed, and bringing an abundance of Lysol, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer.

*BONUS TIP*

Read Up on Your Clients

Clients, especially those of bigger brands, like to feel special, so you showing some additional knowledge about them and their company will not only impress them, but could even make them feel more confident in you and your skills. So do a little googling and jot down a few notes, just in case the opportunity presents itself for you to dazzle ‘em with your knowledge. That could earn you some extra brownie points during your shoot, and maybe even inspire some impromptu shots.

Hopefully these tips will help you to feel like the BOSS photographer that you during your shoots. Think I missed something? Let me know! Email me at nyki@nykielle.com.