Lessons Learned: The Importance of Preparation in Photography
As a young photographer, I’m constantly learning and growing in my craft. Recently, I had an experience that really drove home the importance of preparation for a shoot. While I’ve always known that planning matters, this particular shoot taught me just how crucial it is to be fully prepared—not just logistically, but mentally and creatively.
Understanding the Client’s Vision
The first lesson I took away is the value of truly understanding the client’s needs. It’s not enough to simply know the basics of what they want; it’s about digging deeper. Before this shoot, I spent extra time talking to the client, asking about their vision, the mood they wanted to convey, and the story they hoped to tell through the images. This conversation gave me a clear roadmap and ensured that I was on the same page as them, which made everything flow more smoothly on the day.
Knowing the Plan Inside Out
Having a solid plan is one thing, but knowing it inside out is another. I’ve realised that being prepared allows me to take control during the shoot. Whether it’s directing the client, adjusting the lighting, or timing the perfect moment, a well-rehearsed plan is what keeps things moving confidently. On this occasion, I walked onto the set knowing exactly how I wanted to approach each shot, which gave me the freedom to be creative without second-guessing myself.
Having the Right Kit
This one might sound obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. For this shoot, I made sure to double-check my equipment the night before. I packed everything I thought I’d need—plus a little extra—because you never know when you might need a backup battery or an additional lens. Having the right kit meant I could focus entirely on the shoot rather than worrying about whether I had what I needed.
Getting it Right in Camera
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned recently is the importance of nailing the shot in-camera. In the past, I might have told myself, “I’ll fix it in the edit,” but that mindset only leads to more work later. This time, I made sure I was happy with each shot before moving on. Checking the composition, lighting, and focus on the spot saved me so much time in post-production—and let’s face it, editing is more enjoyable when you’re just polishing great shots rather than trying to rescue them.
The Confidence to Slow Down
Another key takeaway was learning to slow down. There’s a temptation to rush through shoots, especially when you’re under pressure. But taking an extra moment to really look at what’s in your frame, tweak the settings, and connect with the subject can make a huge difference. It’s better to have a handful of exceptional shots than a folder full of mediocre ones.
Reflecting on Growth
This experience reminded me that photography is as much about preparation as it is about creativity. Each shoot teaches me something new, and this one reinforced how preparation can set the stage for a successful outcome.
If you’re an emerging photographer like me, I can’t stress enough the importance of putting in the work before you even pick up your camera. Know your client, know your plan, and know your kit—it makes all the difference. And remember, every shoot is a chance to learn and grow.
