Newbie - First photo shoot

[eharty]

Hi peeps,

I have been taking pics as a hobby for a while now but have my first shoot (paying) scheduled in a couple of days. I am really nervous and scared that it will be a total mess.

Any suggestions on what I can do to make it a sucess? It will be an outside shoot and any advise will be appreciated.

Thanks

[Jonbar18]

First tip: be more specific.
It's hard to help if we don't know what you need help with.

[Doug Sundseth]

What kind of photo shoot -- Model, product, architecture, portrait, something else?

Regardless of that, find out what your customer wants and prepare a shot list that will satisfy his needs. Then add some stuff that's more personal/innovative if you have the time.

Consider how you will light the shot (if necessary), pose the shot, what background you will have and how to control it.

Visit the location ahead of time, at the same time of day you will be shooting, and take some test shots.

[Biomech]

In my experience bricking your pants is a good thing. I get like that then when it comes to the shoot, it's never as bad as you thought it would be

[eharty]

It's going to be a shoot of a model. i was thinking to do it outside as i will have more options with my background. i also asked her to wear neutral colors (blue jeans / white shirt). i am finding peace in the fact that if the pics really suck i can just give her a full refund.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by eharty

It's going to be a shoot of a model. i was thinking to do it outside as i will have more options with my background. i also asked her to wear neutral colors (blue jeans / white shirt). i am finding peace in the fact that if the pics really suck i can just give her a full refund.

You might want to consider doing sessions for free to practice and build up your portfolio, and not to start charging till you are comfortable with all aspects of shooting and know you can deliver a quality product. Once money changes hands, it's up to you to do a professional job.

Do you really want to be known as "they guy who sucks but he'll give you your money back"? That's going to be a hard reputation to get rid of as you improve.