photographer jitters - what do you do to unwind?

Kat

Kat

Suspended / Banned
Messages
12
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi, I'm new here to the forum. I was wondering what other wedding photographers do to calm themselves before the big day. This is my third wedding, but I'm as nervous now as I was for the first. The 2 before this one were garden weddings, (which, once my nerves had calmed, I enjoyed photographing immensely),this will be my first church wedding. I think there-in lies the root of my panic. I've got 9 days to find a way to get some R&R, I haven't had a solid nights sleep in two weeks! :shake: I think I have everything in order, or at least hope so. I have the following list placed on my fridge as I did with the other two weddings. If I missed anything, please do tell? So, what do you do to relax-to shut down your brain after all of the lose ends have been wrapped up? I'll take anything please??:help:

This is my "My final to do’s list":Final meeting with Bride & Groom - check, list of “must have shots” – check, list of portrait shots – check, informal pose ideas for Bride, Groom & Wedding Party (time permitting) – check, alternate arrangements pending weather – check, located the Church & reception venue – check, calculated travel time between brides home, Church & reception location – check, appointment made to meet with minister for his/her guidelines – check. To do day before: examine all camera & backup equipment, format memory cards, charge batteries etc., touch base with my assistant/gopher, lay out clothes & comfortable shoes, gas up my truck, check weather report,…..remember to breath & hopefully get a good night sleep.
 
Kat said:
I was wondering what other wedding photographers do to calm themselves before the big day.
Click to expand...

Go out and take a few photos!! :D :lol:
 
I tried that. I went on a long hike, got back uploaded my photos & sat there staring at my screen thinking....what if the wedding photos don't turn out.:thinking::shrug: I know-I know :cuckoo: lol
 
Normally I have a dream about a bit of kit failing. I remember one where my 24-105 literally fell apart in my hands as I was taking a shot and trying (but failing) to hold all the pieces together. Come the day I'm always relaxed and calm so I think the dreams are my way of getting it out of my system beforehand. I do prepare shooting lists and a rough schedule but that normally gets ripped up 15 mins into the day when the plans are changed, someone's late, etc.
 
Oh I've had my nightmares. Last night to name one, dropping camera one, dropping camera backup...I'm driving myself nuts here I know. Everyone just keeps saying breathe it is going to be just fine. I agree with you on preparing notes, they do tend to go out the window the day of. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one that panics to a degree before the day.
 
I'm doing my second this weekend and it's complicated by being in Jersey, hence it's an aircraft trip away. That means baggage allowances!

So I'm taking a 5D rather than the 1Ds as it's a lot lighter. The selection of lenses is still scary and I'm limited to the one flash. I'm preying nothing goes wrong with the 5D as I don't have room (weight) for a backup. The 5D normally IS my backup! Still, my other half is taking his fuji bridge camera and I'll steal that if I have to!

To relax I'm working my usual 60 hour week :) I don't have time to panic or worry, other than making sure the cards and batteries are all taken care of and a meeting with Bride and Groom tomorrow (they are friends so it's rather informal getting the shot list) The location had to be "scouted" via the internet so it's a little bit "seat of the pants"

Once I'm there it will all be fine so long as I abstain from the champage until I'm done and don't break any bones this time. (I broke a bone in my foot at a family wedding thanks to 4 inch heels)

So long as you take care of everything you can take care of then there is little to panic about. I try to visualise some of the stunning shots I've seen and remember to look for similar opportunities (not that I'm any good at it but I'll keep looking!)
 
Now that's a thought. I'll focus on some of the fun/stunning shots I've seen on the internet. After the formals are taken care of, if time allows I think I'll just have some fun with the couple. Now that is a thought, Ali. I will put everything stressful out of mind because I believe I've dotted all of my i's & crossed all of my t's. Having done that, it's time to have a little fun.

That's terrible about your foot!
 
Hi Kat :wave:

Welcome to this friendly forum! I only joined last month and have found the forum a great resource........and it's full of great people too!

Leading up to the big day I do the same as you and make sure all my kit is in good working order etc. I then try not to think about it too much otherwise you could end up getting too worked up about it.......as I suspect you are???

On the big day try and enjoy it yourself......if you get a good B&G then I'm sure you will. If you're relaxed then that'll help the B&G relax too.........as they'll be as, if not more, nervous than you! I also prepare a list of 'must have shots', however flexibilty on the day is important.

For your 'final to do list' make sure you take food and drink with you on the day itself......unless the B&G are going to feed and water you, as you need to ensure your energy levels are topped up. It's surprising how mentally and physically demanding the day can be! I take bananas, chocolate bars and energy drinks to give me that much needed energy boost. :)

I've done quite a few weddings now, and I still get a bit nervous before hand.......which is actually good in my opinion as it stops you becoming complacent and makes you perform at your best.

Finally Kat..........the night before - put another list on the inside of your front door or on the steering wheel of your car with the following words written on it........"Check the fridge!!!" - you don't want to leave your list behind now do you! ;)

:thumbs: Good luck for the big day!

(I hope it doesn't rain on Saturday........that's when I've got my next wedding! :thumbs:)
 
Thanks, I luv your suggestion on creating a second list...actually I've been thinking of placing a whole bunch of sticky notes all over me. :lol: Thanks for reminding me, I forgot to put food on my list!

Good luck on Saturday, I hope the weather is in your favor!
 
This might not be the best advice, but me being half Polish.....

VODKA! :beer:
 
Cute, I think I like the heart notes best, seems to be more fitting for the occasion. Do you think anyone will notice? :lol: Thanks, a little laughter & I feel better already.

My fingers are crossed for you on the weather, but I'm sure everything will be fine. We've had a terrible summer with rain here as well. We've broken a record, hopefully the rain will hold off for me as well.
 
Kat said:
Thanks, I luv your suggestion on creating a second list...actually I've been thinking of placing a whole bunch of sticky notes all over me. :lol:
Click to expand...

If you do Kat take a self portrait and post it on here! :naughty:

:lol:
 
Will do!;) All my best on Saturday.

As for the Vodka suggestion, I never drink anything the day of. It would be nice, calming..but a no-no. But I do have a sniffer of brandy at the end of the day. My little celebration.
 
haha! i know, good luck with the photographs!

my cousin, as a rule (at his brothers wedding) decided to not drink untill he knew for sure that he took all the important photos, and good ones. still that ment that he didn't drink untill the end of the party!
 
I hope the weather's good for you too Kat! Have a good one. :thumbs:
 
And to you. :thumbs: I feel more relaxed already. Thanks everyone!
 
Now if it were not for the digital age I would have another reason to panic. Lost film, butchered photos, oh the horror! But I have my back up plan...photos stored on memory cards, stored on computer, stored on dvd/cd. But what if one of those memory cards became corrupt? Hey I was starting to feel better....
 
Yep and a little :cuckoo: But I do know it is silly of me, when the day comes I'm sure it will all be fine. I just have to keep telling myself that. Hey, I've got a great idea! I think I'll head up to my cottage for the week, no people, no computers, no phone... just me & the bears. :thumbs:;)
 
No teddy, no grizzly, just brown bears, a few coons, couple of gophers, deer, just the regular forest critter. ;)
 
At times, yes. When they behave themselves & I have my runners on so I can run faster.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top