Preparing Yourself for a Shoot

[redeyeshev]

In have an upcoming portrait shoot (this will be my 3rd) and as usual I am nervous. Well, maybe not nervous, but on edge.

My last portrait shoot went well, but the model turned up, got dressed and my mind drew a blank as to poses (she was inexperienced and was tricky to direct) but the shots came out very well and I was pleased.

However, for this next shoot (with a different model) I want to push myself even further and make really effecitve use of the time. I have a book of poses that I'd like to try and have purchased some fabric for some different background looks so in that way I feel I'm more prepared.

So... I am interested to hear how you all mentally prepare for shoots, whether you seem to have a thousand things going around your heads or whether you just relax and go with the flow?

 

[Jimmy_Lemon]

Hi, and welcome to the forums.

Sounds fun and I think most people would have some nerves. Is this a commercial shoot or just for the experience and the shots? If it just a fun shoot then, although I am not speaking from much experience, I would try and relax (I know it isnt as easy as it sounds) but I am guessing the more relaxed you are the more laid back the model may feel, I am guessing that models can pick up on those sort of vibes and are probably quite nervous themselves.

It sounds like you have it well planned with your poses and props/fabric It sounds fun and I hope you are able to post some shots up on here.

Remember though it should be fun you know roughly what you want and how to get it, so just kick back, you know you can get the shots you want from your previous shoots

 

[redeyeshev]

Thanks,

This is a practice shoot to build my portfolio and the girl is giving her time for some 12"x8"s.

As with lots of things I do - the actual event is fine - it's just the anxiety beforehand and I was wondering if anyone else had the same sort of thing. I was interested to hear peoples stories, perhaps some have rituals that they follow before shoots? It would be interesting to hear people's psycological approach to their photography.