Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

doctahjones · **nervous before a shoot? -** 09-21-2009, 10:23 PM

i'm a little nervous about a shoot in the morning. it's a TF* shoot so it's not about money or whatever.

i'm nervous about blowing the lighting, or the lighting not turning out how i want it in my head and wasting her and my time. we're going to be on a pretty tight shooting schedule so i'm not going to have more than about 5 minutes to do some test shots on each of the setups.

now in reality i've been on enough on location shoots to at least 1/2 way know what i'm doing so i shouldn't blow the lighting.

this will be my -real- first solo on location shoot...from securing the venue, getting the model, bringing my lighting equipment and having all the poses i want already laid out.

so, what do -you- do to help calm your nerves before a shoot?

Jusselin · 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctahjones

i'm a little nervous about a shoot in the morning. it's a TF* shoot so it's not about money or whatever.

i'm nervous about blowing the lighting, or the lighting not turning out how i want it in my head and wasting her and my time. we're going to be on a pretty tight shooting schedule so i'm not going to have more than about 5 minutes to do some test shots on each of the setups.

now in reality i've been on enough on location shoots to at least 1/2 way know what i'm doing so i shouldn't blow the lighting.

this will be my -real- first solo on location shoot...from securing the venue, getting the model, bringing my lighting equipment and having all the poses i want already laid out.

so, what do -you- do to help calm your nerves before a shoot?

are you married? if so i can recommend a few things via pm's

on a side note....i actually look up to you on here so it surprised me that you said you were nervous, one of the things i find that helps is just be confident you will own the day

toverman · 09-21-2009, 10:26 PM

Don't worry, there's always the chance she won't show up!

Kidding. Just relax and remain confident in your abilities.

S-Man · 09-21-2009, 10:39 PM

Go back and look at some of the stuff you've done in the past, recall what you used, and gain your confidence.
Plus, when you start seeing things turn out well on the LCD, you'll get it back quick. But yeah, I get nervous before gigs sometimes.

Cajungaltx · 09-21-2009, 10:54 PM

You'll nail it.

You know your stuff... and your worried enough to check it to make sure you know what your doing...

Usually the people that screw up (not those who have been doing it for years and can tell me the fstop needed by just looking at the light... yes, I'm envious... lol)... are the ones who say 'no problems' and wing it.

CaptainTom · 09-21-2009, 10:59 PM

K.I.S.S. keep it simple stupid.

The more complicated you make it, the more trouble you can run into.

High ISO can be worked out in Post.

doctahjones · 09-22-2009, 07:25 AM

jusselin, hah, no not married, but i do live with my gf

and wow, thanks. i didn't know anyone looked at me for anything yet.

s-man, that's a pretty good idea actually. i had already been lighting going back though all the ones i've been around so far, but it helps to actually look at them. and yeah i'm sure once i see them coming out just fine on the lcd then i'll be totally over it.

cajungaltx, yeah i'm sure i'm going to be pretty anal about making sure i'm getting the results i want and i'm not going to care who sees me chimp!

tom, yeah. i'm only planning on using 1 - 2 lights (although i'm bringing 3), and for some of the shots i might not even use a light! i know i can correct alot in post, but the more you get right in the camera is less work in post

thanks ya'll....about to leave to pick up the lens, then head to the venue.

Jusselin · 09-22-2009, 07:27 AM

sweet rock it out with your....camera out

you got this mang

bryanlindsey · 09-22-2009, 09:20 AM

Nervous before a shoot? Always. I think it shows that you care about making good photos. If I'm ever NOT nervous before a shoot, it may be time to hang it up.

About 10 minutes into the shoot you'll be in your groove, having fun and being awesome. Nervousness GONE!

texxter · 09-22-2009, 09:59 AM

I agree with Tom that the key is simplicity. If I have multiple ideas for a shoot I may start with the simplest one, the one I don't have to think about much, and nail it - this will build my self-confidence so that I can tackle the experimentation. The adrenaline is actually a good thing once you get going!

resehop · 09-22-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryanlindsey

Nervous before a shoot? Always. I think it shows that you care about making good photos. If I'm ever NOT nervous before a shoot, it may be time to hang it up.

About 10 minutes into the shoot you'll be in your groove, having fun and being awesome. Nervousness GONE!

Really? Because I am not the nervous type. I am usually over super excited about the shoot and confident that it will work out. I am more nervous about losing the files. I think it is my personality though. Probably helps that I had a high stress job in the past that was really something to be nervous about.

I am sure James you can get someone from TPF to come hold your hand. OR just put on your game face and BRING IT!

I know you will rock it.