You know what shouldn’t be a secret? Like most of my clients I am ALWAYS a bit nervous before a shoot too.
Most photographers probably wouldn’t openly admit this because they are afraid it might make them look unprofessional. I don’t think so. As a photographer I want you to open up in front of my camera even if it makes you feel vulnerable. It’s only fair if you expect the same from me!
I am nervous before a shoot. One reason is, that most of the time I get to meet people on a shoot I have never met before and of course: I hope that they like me (or at least are nice to me). That might be a bit silly, but isn’t that understandable?
Also, the lighting conditions are never completely the same (I don’t work in a dark studio) and my clients and surroundings are never the same either. That’s three variables that present a completely different scenario each time I pick up my camera. It requires me to adapt to a new situation all the time and I often have to work in less than ideal conditions – which for me are of course no excuse to not do a great job.
My camera equipment, but more so my past experience and knowledge are my technical tools to control the technical aspects of a shoot. My photographic instinct, visual eye or imagination are what could be summed up as “creativity” and that is what presents the real challenge: Nobody can plan creativity. It is unpredictable. Although, from past experience I know I can always source it during a shoot – but I can’t just pack it in my bag and bring it with me like my camera and lenses.
Not being at least a little bit nervous before a shoot would probably be a whole other big problem to deal with. I hope it will never happen.
Model: Alison
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