Ive been hired to shoot a first birthday party next weekend (my first paid gig) and to top it off, the kids father is a pro photographer (umm...yeah, no pressure what so ever right?!!?!?) So, as you can imagine, to put it blunty, Im crapping myself.
I have a decent idea of how Im going to shoot, but am having such a hard time getting past the self doubt. What if I completely stuff up the shots? What if they don't like them? What if Im in way over my head here?!
How do you guys all overcome that little voice in your head that says "you cant do it"?? Any advice (and tips on shooting a frist birthday) are greatly appreciated :)
I definitely feel your anxiety! It's hard enough it being your first paid gig, but on top of it for another photographer. I would say that because you got hired, you must have impressed them somehow already, or they wouldn't have hired you. So remember that, because that's half the battle! I'm guessing most of the shots will be candids? Kind of hard to mess that up, just go in relaxed, and willing to have fun, and experiment. The joys of digital is you can shoot a ton and find what works. Make sure to have extra memory cards and batteries with you, just in case. Maybe talk with the parents and see if there are specific shots that they want, so you can make sure to get those.
Sounds normal. I played soccer on a co-ed team for years, lots of years and I got those nervous feelings every time the game started. Once I started playing I totally forgot about it and had a great time. If anything those feelings make you aware of how what you do impacts others. Just do your best. You were asked to do it by them. They saw something in your photos or you. Just go and have a great time.
I agree with Heidi, I think that if he's a pro photographer and they've seen your work and then decided to hire you, then that's really something!! I think they will be happy with your shots :)
I can understand though... I didn't get much sleep before my first paid shoot because I had no idea what to expect, how easy/hard it would be, whether my client was going to be mean or nice... but it turned out just fine and she wants me back this week to shoot some more! :D
The main thing - it pays to find out from the get-go what they're after. That way, you don't waste your time taking photos of things they don't want! But apart from that, I say relax and have fun with it :) Remind yourself that you have a talent in photography, that people love what you do (enough to pay you for it!), and that it'll be a rewarding experience. :)
I agree with heidi on all said...I would suggest to ask the one who hired you...what is the most important shots they want taken...is there alot of people coming...is it all kids...relatives they don't get to see that often, a group shot of everyone, and/or...make a list of photos you'd want at your birthday party...etc. Most of all enjoy and trust your eye, it will show in your photos. Have Fun!
I'm so excited for you! Your first paid gig!!!!! Because I'm in no position to give you any advice, I'll just say this...I look forward to your photos every. single. day! They are so unique and lovely, and you definitely have your own style that they must have been impressed with. He hired you because of your work, so just be your and do what feels right; and you'll do great!!
Remember that the pro-photographer was once a rookie/newbie photographer...he got to pro by sticking with it and I am willing to bet he still gets the nervous feelings you describe as well...its human nature...just believe in yourself and work your usual mojo
have fun with it!! the least that could happen is that you have fun candids for your portfolio. be artistic, go for details. get the bday kid in there several times. get the bday kid and friends. what would you want from a photog for your kids bday? ....not likely that you'd want professional wedding caliber photos. they're kids! the dad hiring you says a lot, so take the compliment, take a 50mm prime, take a speedlight, and have a blast!
You take beautiful pictures! Just relax and do what you do and you'll be great. Im with everyone else though, they hired you for a reason. Maybe the father wants to be your first client, they guy that gives you your big break. ;)
lots of great advice guys..thank you :) ....and of course, it's all stuff I know...just not stuff that I seem to be able to get to sink into my thick skull!
@sdpace argg..that raises my other 2 dilema's which Id probably need to start whole other topics for.....50 prime or 24-70!?....I'll take them both of course but this is where a second body would come in handy!...and as for the speedlite, well he and I unfortuntely do not have the best of relationships yet. He scares me and I make him look bad. I was hoping a couple of fast lenses and good natural light might be enough to get me through the day.
@colorfade I reckon 24-70 would be better indoors... 50 prime is a bit of a pain when you have to keep stepping backwards to fit everything in-frame. And the 2.8 is still enough for it to be fast in low light. (This is why I want the 24-70 and am saving up like mad to get it!)
@pocketmouse yeah I was thinking the 24-70 for most shots..maybe pull out the 50 for some detail shots and a few portraits....light shouldnt be a problem as its during the day - hopefully if its outdoors there is some decent oepn shade though otherwise I'll have harsh light to content with ..argg.....*starts hyperventilating again*
Even if you don't get along, bring the speedlight....you'll be glad you did when you decide the sun went behind a cloud and you want to get "the shot"...just cause you bring it, doesn't mean you have to use it!
I don't have much advice to give as my paid work is property not kids. Your work is beautiful and he has hired you for a reason. Have fun, you will do well!
Well, like most of them here said it- if a professional photographer has hired you- there must be something about your pictures he really likes! So when you go in there- go in to have fun, and P.S Kids look good in everyyyy picture!! , You'll definitely do well, ALL THE BEST :D :D
@beautifulthing hahaha, funny you should mention that... the idea had honestly crossed my mind :/ Can you imagine a drunken photographer smelling like a brewery walking into a kids party?!.....*images of Bad Santa spring to mind*
Ok, I think ive had enough advice now to tell that panic stricken voice in my head to just shut up. Thanks kids....mucho appreciated!!
Andrea, I have just looked at your photos - WOW !!!! You really shouldn't have anything to worry about - your photographs are amazing! Truly stunning....Just go with your heart and all will be fine - please let us know how you get on.
I love taking photos at kids parties - I always just sit at their level, and just snap away, the candid ones are always the best....and kids always gravitate to cameras, they will start looking at you when they hear the shutter....you will be SO fine !
All solid advice from above. Having four grandchildren I shoot a lot of birthday parties, so I'll throw my two cents in. Number one rule: Don't take your eyes off the birthday boy/girl. They are your main subject. The reason you are there. They are the reason mommy & daddy are paying you, so you want to make sure you don't miss ANYTHING special, funny, silly, amazing that they might do. RULE #2: If possible, case out the place the party will be held (if possible). I once had to shoot one inside a Chuckie Cheese during a raging thunderstorm. Not fun. It was cramped in there, there were two other kid parties going on at the same time, and the lighting inside sucked. Had I checked it out beforehand I would have been more prepaired. RULE # 3: Learn who the realative's and their kids are at the party and make sure you get shots of them as well. RULE # 4: Find out where they plan on opening the gifts and stake out a good spot for yourself. Sometimes standing on a table or chair will be your best bet, because let me tell you, this is going to be the toughest part to shoot! At this point the kids go into a frenzy. They are like piranha at this point. Not just the birthday kid, but a lot of them try to get into the act and you'll find a lot of your shots ruined by some hyper kid jumping in front of your subject. Blame it on the sugarfix they are on at that point.
Good luck and post your pics here later on. I'm sure we'd all love to see 'em.
Good luck - your pictures are truly awesome and I know you'll do a fantastic job. Also, I would be massively flattered that a pro photographer has asked for you to take the photos - that's brilliant : )
I think a bit of nerves is good, it means you're taking it seriously and should give you some adrenaline to perform on the day. Once you get snapping, I think you'll really get into it and love it.
I have something similar - I've been asked to take wedding photos for a friend next month. Eek! The wedding is very low-key, only 20 or so people and they just want some candid shots. But I'm still massively SCARED, because I want to do their special day justice. I don't have the 24-70mm (yet!), but am planning on hiring it. I'm going to use that along with my 50mm prime and just hope for the best...
Make sure to show us some of your best shots of the day!
Forget the 50. Unless the light is extremely low, it brings nothing to the party as far as event photography. If you have access to a fast tele, bring that instead. I use my 70-200 2.8.
The 24-70 for group shots and portraits. The tele for candids.
As for the flash, Canon speed lights suck on auto. If you have time, practice in manual. Kick the head up and the power down. Start at about 1/8. A diffuser helps a lot as well.
As far as the butterflies, perfectly normal. Your portfolio shows you have the skills, as does the father's choice of using you.
I'm no pro but, I can pass on what my photography professor told our classes many, many years ago in college. "Even the pros can take a whole roll of 36 exposure film and have just one perfect shot on it. So, take lots and lots of pics but, take the time to set up your shots as perfectly as you can. Watch your background for things like objects growing out of people's heads! Take a deep breath, try to relax and start shooting!" Hope this helps some. =)
The fact that the father is a photographer...tells me that he has seen something in the way you photograph that he likes...Have they given you a list of must have shots? Don't stress yourself out...then you will second guess every shot...have FUN!!
Drugs and alcohol for sure.
Just keep saying to yourself - at least its not a wedding, at least its not a wedding. Why don't you do that thing where you say they only have to pay you what they think the shots are worth, its hard to live up to a price tag, and thats a good motivator for yourself to wow them.
Anyway your shit is tops you'll be fine. Always use fast lenses with kids, I'm sure you know, so nothing too long, I never shoot kids but thats what people say.
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I can understand though... I didn't get much sleep before my first paid shoot because I had no idea what to expect, how easy/hard it would be, whether my client was going to be mean or nice... but it turned out just fine and she wants me back this week to shoot some more! :D
The main thing - it pays to find out from the get-go what they're after. That way, you don't waste your time taking photos of things they don't want! But apart from that, I say relax and have fun with it :) Remind yourself that you have a talent in photography, that people love what you do (enough to pay you for it!), and that it'll be a rewarding experience. :)
@sdpace argg..that raises my other 2 dilema's which Id probably need to start whole other topics for.....50 prime or 24-70!?....I'll take them both of course but this is where a second body would come in handy!...and as for the speedlite, well he and I unfortuntely do not have the best of relationships yet. He scares me and I make him look bad. I was hoping a couple of fast lenses and good natural light might be enough to get me through the day.
Maybe you could rent a second body?
Ok, I think ive had enough advice now to tell that panic stricken voice in my head to just shut up. Thanks kids....mucho appreciated!!
I love taking photos at kids parties - I always just sit at their level, and just snap away, the candid ones are always the best....and kids always gravitate to cameras, they will start looking at you when they hear the shutter....you will be SO fine !
Good luck and post your pics here later on. I'm sure we'd all love to see 'em.
I think a bit of nerves is good, it means you're taking it seriously and should give you some adrenaline to perform on the day. Once you get snapping, I think you'll really get into it and love it.
I have something similar - I've been asked to take wedding photos for a friend next month. Eek! The wedding is very low-key, only 20 or so people and they just want some candid shots. But I'm still massively SCARED, because I want to do their special day justice. I don't have the 24-70mm (yet!), but am planning on hiring it. I'm going to use that along with my 50mm prime and just hope for the best...
Make sure to show us some of your best shots of the day!
The 24-70 for group shots and portraits. The tele for candids.
As for the flash, Canon speed lights suck on auto. If you have time, practice in manual. Kick the head up and the power down. Start at about 1/8. A diffuser helps a lot as well.
As far as the butterflies, perfectly normal. Your portfolio shows you have the skills, as does the father's choice of using you.
oh wait...
Drugs and alcohol for sure.
Just keep saying to yourself - at least its not a wedding, at least its not a wedding. Why don't you do that thing where you say they only have to pay you what they think the shots are worth, its hard to live up to a price tag, and thats a good motivator for yourself to wow them.
Anyway your shit is tops you'll be fine. Always use fast lenses with kids, I'm sure you know, so nothing too long, I never shoot kids but thats what people say.
Can i book you to do my kids birthday?? please!!
won't somebody please think of the adults?