I am so nervous...but excited!!!

[mstark70]

Tomorrow is my first paid shoot! It is of a 4 1/2 month old baby girl. I am so excited to be photographing a baby girl! I got this job from a referral given by a Mom that let me practice with her baby boy. Most of you have seen those pics and if not they are on my Flickr.
You always want to do well and not mess things up but I feel more is at stake now that they are paying me for these services. They expect a certain level of professionalism and certainly quality. I know I would! I just hope all goes well. I have tons of props and ideas and most important I know with babies you have to be flexible and go with the flow. I have had two of my own so it's not like I am not familiar with little ones.
Anyhow, wish me luck and I am sure I will be posting some shots from this shoot very soon!

[AlphaBjerke]

Awesome, Michelle! Can't wait to hear how it went and see those photos! I know in theater they say "break a leg," but I don't know what they say in photography. I don't think it is "break a lens." Maybe we can come up with something and start a saying for photogs.

[mstark70]

Originally Posted by AlphaBjerke

Awesome, Michelle! Can't wait to hear how it went and see those photos! I know in theater they say "break a leg," but I don't know what they say in photography. I don't think it is "break a lens." Maybe we can come up with something and start a saying for photogs.

Thank you Eric! I think you're right "break a lens" sounds tragic, maybe something like "break a pixel"

[jakethepig]

Well, congratulations Michelle, I know why you are nervous, but I have seen a lot of your work as you know and there is no need to be nervous. I am not going to say I think you will do well because I KNOW that you will do well. I am not going to say good luck either, because it won't be luck it will be a very professional job. I can't wait to see the results. Take a big deep breath, and go for it, you know you can do it.

Jake.

[Chip]

Congrats, Michelle. I'm sure you'll do a great job, and will be a a better photographer for the experience. "Break a lens cap", maybe?

[AlphaBjerke]

NO, but that was a great idea: "LOSE A LENS CAP!" That is the perfect photog platitude instead of saying "good luck."

[private]

The best advise I can give you is BREATHE in, Breathe Out and relax...

[bethard728]

Congrats! Just looked at your flickr baby pics and you do great work!

[mstark70]

Thank you all so much for the encouraging words and kindness. That gives me a bit more confidence and I will try to remember to Breath (sometimes I forget)! I love the "lose a lens cap!" You guys are so creative and witty! I would have never thought of that!

I am back from my first "paid" shoot and I survived! I definitely learned some things to do differently next time. It was fun and the baby was a great model. Most of the time she was happy and talkative. I so wish I had brought in at least one of my light set ups at the end. In the beginning of the shoot we had some great sunlight coming in but towards the end it had shifted. Still worked out ok. I did not charge her very much at all. I still have such a learning curve ahead I am afraid to over step my ground or ability.
I found it hard at times to to get both eyes as sharp as I would have liked.
All in all I think we got some winners I will be posting a few in the SYS and they are all on my flickr if you want to take a look.
I am open to any suggestions and advice for next time. As I said I have found a few things I will try next time but if you see more let me know. I hope to grow and improve with each shoot!