Advise Needed~First E-Shoot

sepplett

First I apologize if I posted this in the Wrong category. Since it's engagement shoot and engagement is precursor to wedding, this was my first guess.

Anyway.....this Sunday I have my first EVER engagement shoot with a couple I don't know. I want them (picutres, moments, caputres) to be great but my nerves are overwhelming me. The shoot is outside in a park on the beach. What I am hoping for is some advice on what NOT to forget to bring, I have the camera and my lens, my cards and my case. I will bring a foam board for reflector and someone to hold it. What else should I bring, should I bring a ladder? Should I try for external flash or will my camera fill flash be enough should I need it?

What do some of you real professionals bring to outdoor shoots when you go?

Thanks for the time!

zoomer

Camera lens batteries memory card off camera light (flash or in your case reflector).
Sense of humor and self confidence, never let em see you sweat or tell them you have no idea what your doing.

Double check all your camera settings before you get there.
Make it fun!

ADMIT Photography

sepplett wrote:

First I apologize if I posted this in the Wrong category. Since it's engagement shoot and engagement is precursor to wedding, this was my first guess.

Anyway.....this Sunday I have my first EVER engagement shoot with a couple I don't know. I want them (picutres, moments, caputres) to be great but my nerves are overwhelming me. The shoot is outside in a park on the beach. What I am hoping for is some advice on what NOT to forget to bring, I have the camera and my lens, my cards and my case. I will bring a foam board for reflector and someone to hold it. What else should I bring, should I bring a ladder? Should I try for external flash or will my camera fill flash be enough should I need it?

What do some of you real professionals bring to outdoor shoots when you go?

Thanks for the time!

First of all relax and have fun! If your nervous the couple will be nervous and it will show in the photos!

I just did my first couple e-shoots this past month. I would say bring an external flash! I used mine allot for fill flash. This is an area i need to improve on but I must say it's a must! Also bring a tripod if you have one. It works allot better for portraits compared to hand holding the camera. The ladder is up to you sense I don't know the area your going to be in.

Like I said relax, have fun, and just go with the flow and don't force things!

Can't wait to see the great photos!

sepplett

FarnsworthPhotography wrote:

First of all relax and have fun! If your nervous the couple will be nervous and it will show in the photos!

I just did my first couple e-shoots this past month. I would say bring an external flash! I used mine allot for fill flash. This is an area i need to improve on but I must say it's a must! Also bring a tripod if you have one. It works allot better for portraits compared to hand holding the camera. The ladder is up to you sense I don't know the area your going to be in.

Like I said relax, have fun, and just go with the flow and don't force things!

Can't wait to see the great photos!

Thanks for the advise. I am not really sure a ladder is necessary, it is on the beach and I would HATE to fall off or tip off the ladder! Of course that could loosen up the moment. I never though of a tripod so thanks, I will bring it!

I must relax and have fun. Any tips for that

Thanks again!

smurfy

time it at the magic hour
If you start to shoot your e-session about two hours before sunset, you should have softer, more romantic and flattering lighting. Never schedule a session during harsh lighting time, especially on a beach. It would be worth asking them to make it later if you have it scheduled for early or mid afternoon.

Check your light on your lcd and see if you need fill...if you shoot when the sun is lower on the horizon, it may be unnecesarry. But if the couple's skin tones are very dark browns, you may need it. Bring it either way.

As for relaxing, it will come with more practice, but fake the confidence till you feel it. Try to let them talk and get comfortable with you by telling you their love story, but looking at each other as they tell it...you'll capture some real emotion as they relive their story in words.

Forget the ladder and tripod, they just won't work on a beach.... Plus you shouldn't need a tripod outside in daylight, even it it's nearing sunset. Too limiting.
Hope this helps a bit...

Have fun!

Mishka

I would agree with the others--forget the ladder and the tripod. Engagement sessions should be fun and feel relaxed (even if you don't feel that way!). I would bring a flash, but I've used mine once maybe on engagement sessions. If you get the lighting right, as Smurfy said, you should be fine without it. I would even consider forgoing the assistant. I kind of like my e-sessions to feel intimate--the more people you have about, the less intimate it's going to feel, and it may be more difficult for them to relax and be themselves. Just my thoughts, though.

sepplett

Mishka and Smurfy,

Thank you so much for the advise, it is taken to heart. The shooting time they want is 10 am. I am still trying to talk them to see if they could make or would reconsider doing it a little later. Maybe I will use your words Smurfy to enhance their decision.

Either way I will work with what I have.

Thanks all!!