Native Monk from Singapore
Being a photographer means learning to believe in the adage that spawned Murphy’s Law. On shoots we quickly learn that “anything that can go wrong, probably will.” As a result, we arrive early, double and triple check our bags of equipment and endlessly obsess to sure that each and every last frame of film is exposed to perfection. All of it works to lay a foundation for our agendas which is to say, it helps us make better pictures.
But how does one remember to be so prepared? It’s not always easy but here are a 5 things I’ve learned to do before and during shoots that can help any practitioner stay one step ahead of their problems:
My friend "Ted"
1.) Scout, scout, scout. If you’ve been hired to shoot someone off-site and in unfamiliar waters, then get out there and make sure you check out the location. Visit it at different times of the day. Understand how the light from the surroundings effects the mood of your desired spot. Know the rules of where you’re shooting and if necessary, seek the permission to be there. No one likes a nosey photographer who is kicked off private grounds for not securing the proper clearance. In most cases this isn’t a problem but never assume. KNOW.
2.) Weigh it down! Using strobes and lighting stands on a windy day? Fine but before you do, make sure you’ve brought something heavy and flexible to wrap the base of your stands. When was the last time you dreamed about replacing expensive lights (it’s even more costly if you’re a Pro-Foto user) because you failed to secure the equipment? One strong gust of wind could set you back a thousand dollars or more. Remember to respect nature but above all, respect your equipment. It’s your livelihood.
3.) But I’ve only got 2 hands. Fine, then hire an assistant. Assistants are there to serve whatever purpose you can invent… and trust me, in this career there are plenty of purposes. Find someone you value, trust and respect. Then put them to work for you. An assistant is there to help you execute a job in a smoother fashion. They may be hauling equipment around, arranging lights, or taking care of technical details like file management and hardware issues. It doesn’t matter, just don’t go it alone if you can’t handle managing the amount of tasks specific to your shoot. Remember, assistants aren’t slaves. They’re people. Always treat them well and do what you must to make it worth they time they generously give to you.
4.) Outlet disasters. Are you shooting something that might require a little more firepower? Bring battery packs but wherever you are, make sure you have a back up and by this I mean, make sure there are electrical outlets. I can’t tell you how many modest locations I been to that were short on wall sockets. If you’re going to shoot anywhere, always be sure there are resources there to accommodate the needs of your equipment.
5.) Patience is a virtue. Your subjects each share personalities that need different levels of attention. Whatever your feelings about a shoot, always remember to treat an unpredictable subject with the utmost respect. Doing this can win you future jobs and the admiration of just about anyone: talent managers, editors, publishers and advertising agencies. Don’t be the guy in the room with an ego. Learn to collaborate and react to feedback constructively and finally, leverage that to make stronger work. This is perhaps the most important thing of all.
Prosthesis clinic in Haiti
Through it all, remember that you are your biggest obstacle. Think of yourself as a conductor who controls a pit crew of musicians. The conductor knows how and where to accentuate sound to create harmony, tension and distress. But the best conductors know that whatever their skill, they simply won’t succeed unless they can work together with those around them to deliver the best sound. If you can apply this attitude to photography, not only will you deliver stronger work, you’ll learn to avoid careless mistakes. You’ll be a better artist for it. Now get out there and prepare!
– PM
