Lubna Five Essential Questions Going Through a Photographer’s Mind:
All professionals have their mental lists, but these are the five photographer’s essential questions.
1. Photographer’s Essential: Would This be a Good Place to Shoot?
As a photographer, I’m scouting endlessly. Whether, I’m driving my kids to school, heading for doctor’s appointments, or we’re going for an excursion out of the city, my eyes are constantly skimming and scanning the landscape. Here are a few examples of what I’m searching for:
- brick walls
- unique building facades
- wood grain
- contrasting colors, or graduated monotones
- Eye-catching art
- Landscape scenery
- Trees and bushes
- Background surroundings
When I started out, I liked to make a pseudo frame out of my fingers and hold it up to see how the composition of the picture would look. Additionally, it’s a good way to decide and experiment with perspective as well.
2. Photographer’s Essential: Did I Pack the Right Gear?
If you know the location of your shoot and your subject, you should pack your gear accordingly.
- Lens:
I use a telephoto zoom lens mostly for wildlife, the 50mm prime for my closeup portraits, and a wide angle zoom for events. If I’m in the mood for a nature hike or some street photography, I usually stick with one lens, usually the wide angle zoom since it gives me better flexibility.
- Cameras
If I’m on a client shoot, I always take two camera bodies, so I’m not wasting time interchanging lenses. A good hip harness/belt for your heavier camera body is a good idea to keep it out of the way of the other. My Nikon D750 is the main workhorse, while my starter D3300 never fails to give excellent results.
- Memory Cards
Always double check your camera’s memory slots to make sure you have cards in them. Have an extra one handy just in case. I’ve been in a situation where I forgot to put it back, but the extra one saved me! A 32 Gb is fair enough, but a 64Gb can hold quite a few pictures. I shoot in RAW and the file sizes are much bigger, but both cards are sufficient to last a few hours of shooting RAW easily.
- Battery
No matter how expensive or high tech your camera might be, it’ll be useless if it isn’t charged! If you know you are scheduled for a shoot, charge it the night before and test it the morning of. Invest in backup batteries as well. Make sure those are charged as well!
- Camera Bag
A sturdy camera bag is a must. Invest in one that can hold most of your equipment, but is easy to carry. I prefer ones that have adjustable compartments so lenses stay organized.
- Tripod
I’m not a huge fan of carrying my tripod around, especially not for portraits or street photography. However, if you plan to do some long exposure landscape or night sky shooting, a tripod is indispensable.
- Flashes, Reflectors, External lighting and Filters
This is tied to No.3 – the light.
3. Photographer’s Essential: How’s the Light?
As I scout for locations, I also look at the available lighting conditions. For indoor shoots, look for natural light locations ( windows, hallways and open doorways). Make a note of chandelier lighting, and availability of curtains that might affect the absorption of light. If you have a lighting set-up, observe where you can put it up. Availability of power outlets is also key. On the other hand, if I’m outside, this would mean looking at sunlight directionality at different times of the day (morning versus evening). Observe how the light hits your preferred backgrounds and then visualize your subject within that composition. If needed, you should have a flash and diffuser handy to get rid of extra or unnecessary shadows. Another way to get rid of the shadows is to use a handheld reflector. There are many multi-colored ones available on the market that do a good job. I like using one that is big enough to reflect on most of my subject’s face, but still easy enough to hold. Additionally, if it folds away, it makes for easy storage. Organization is key!
4. Photographer’s Essential: Who’s My Subject?
There’s no way you would conduct a newborn shoot the same way as a senior portrait, would you? Your subject’s needs are top priority. In this regard, having a pre-consultation with your client ahead of time is key. Come up with a short questionnaire that you can discuss. This would include wardrobe choice, location selections, any special requests that the client might have, but more importantly, it serves as an ice-breaker. I have had those sessions where I meet my client or part of their extended family for the very first time on a shoot, and I’ve had to invest some extra time in order to get everyone relaxed and comfortable before delving in. The last thing you need is stiff and awkward looking poses from subjects who can’t wait for the session to be over! Also, be aware of posing guidelines for male and female subjects. Come prepared with some tricks to handle toddlers, or cranky children ( or adults for that matter!) I’ve learned that sometimes going with the flow, and expecting the unexpected works out in your favor. Have a sense of humor and enjoy as best you can!
5. Photographer’s Essential: Why am I Doing This?
This might seem like a philosophical whoozie, but without getting cliché or cheesy on yourself, really understand the purpose of the shoot. Is to cover an event? If so, what kind is it? What does the client want? The most difficult thing for me has to be to distance myself and my opinions from the needs of the shoot. Of course, I still get to use my creative license, but that is within limits of the purpose of the shoot. For example, I wouldn’t be asking guests at a corporate dinner to pose like flamboyant models ….unless it’s the Oscars!
