Mindset Matters: Why Preparing for Your Photo Shoot is More than an Outfit
I love photography because it allows me to bring out the best results in each person. It’s magical to me when they see wonderful they truly are.
Yet, despite my best efforts to coach clients into a positive mindset to get natural expressions, a session has been derailed by an insecure mindset or a rogue email or text message.
A photoshoot is just as much about the mind as the body, and I want to help you prepare your mind for a good outcome.
#1 Understand We’re Teammates
If I had a dime for every person who said, “I hate getting my photos taken” or “I don’t photograph well,” I’d be retired before 50. Although I recognize that not every client has had great experiences with other photographers, I will argue that these declarative statements shut down a perfectly good shoot before it starts.
My dear client, don’t you know we’re teammates?
The pressure is equally on me to perform as your photographer. However, despite the proper outfit and hair, a poor mindset will derail a shoot before you step on set. You’re mentally ascribing energy to a bad performance before you shine in the spotlight.
Your photography session is a team performance, so let’s think like athletes and shift our minds into a positive space.
#2 Combat Worst-Case Scenario Thinking
When we enter a new, unknown situation, our primal brains scream at us to return to safety. Because there’s no saber-toothed tiger in my studio, I assure you that worst-case-scenario thinking will only create a poor mindset.
Here’s an exercise I use when I’m spiraling:
What is my core belief of what will happen in this scenario?
What’s the worst-case, epic proportion, apocalyptic scenario you expect from your shoot? What’s the chance (assign a %) that your expected terrible outcome will happen? (It won’t be 100%, I can promise you.)
What’s the best-case, most fantastic result, a can’t-believe-your-luck scenario that could happen with your shoot? What’s the chance (assign a %) it will happen?
Based on your answers above, what’s the most realistic outcome you expect?
#3 Eliminate Distractions Before Your PHOTOSHOOT
I mean it. Checking emails, text messages, news, and social media immediately before a shoot is an invitation for a mind-scramble. I once had a client who was ready to go, happy, and smiling. He received a nastygram email from a client just minutes before stepping on set, and it led to a distracted photo session.
Because we have a strict start/stop time and you need to be in the healthiest mindset possible, we STRONGLY recommend not checking your phone outside GPS navigation at least 30 minutes before your session.
I’ve even had clients check their phones on set during a session. Hard boundary, friends: don’t do it.
#4 Use a Mindset Transformation Tool to Calm Your Nervous System
What if you could order the way your session should go, the way you’d order takeout? A few days or a few hours before your session, consider doing an Order Form to the Universe.
I’ve done this before big meetings or situations where I knew my nervous system would hijack an otherwise successful outcome I had in mind. I can tell you it’s one of the simplest 5- to 10-minute exercises with a long-term payoff.
#5 Prepare Well
I’ll let you in on a secret: We know when a client has not prepared well for their photography session. There’s a frantic, frenetic energy that extends the session unnecessarily, and it can result in overtime fees.
With that in mind, reading the preparation information beforehand is non-negotiable (like, in your contract). Ultimately, we created support materials (including resources for hiring professional hair/makeup and wardrobe stylists) to ensure a great experience and take as much pressure off you as possible.
More importantly, feeling like you have all the details in place (including directions!) before arriving will make you more confident and less stressed.
Have questions about your session? Feel free to contact us!
