Day in the life of a photographer

When I tell people what I do for a living, those who have no prior experience with photography invariably remark on what a fun life I must lead. People who have never worked in the industry tend to think that a photographer's life is similar to how it is usually represented in movies: they show up to a shoot, press a few buttons on a set that is ready and waiting for them, and then they go out drinking with the models.

The truth is, of course, considerably more fascinating and less glamorous than that! Let's have a look at an illustration of one of my normal shoot days from when I worked as a corporate and portrait photographer. I might have used a bit, but

A few weeks prior to the shoot
A client phones or emails to ask how much it will cost to take professional headshots. They routinely try an increasing number of ridiculous arguments for why they are unable to pay more than the price of a coffee because they work for a large firm.

Whilst offering the customary quote for a reasonable cost, read or listen. Before scheduling the session for a few weeks, wait till the customer realises how reasonable the cost is.

A week before the shoot day

Clients send emails outlining what they are looking for. They need numerous headshots of various clients taken against the same background. But the word “funky” is what they refer to. Saying something like, “We’re searching for some extremely funky and edgy headshots, that demonstrate what a “happening” firm we are.” (I may have slightly paraphrased here. life of a photographer here becomes more adventures.

I used to get quite enthusiastic when customers indicated they wanted something new and would come up with tonnes of various ideas when I first started shooting in the corporate environment. What I’ve discovered over the years is that the term “funky” is typically code for choosing a grey background rather than a white one and possibly even pushing the envelope by taking some photos sans a tie. Study this. In the long run, it will save you a tone of time.

Shoot day in (life of a photographer)
I got up early to get through London's rush hour traffic with my assistance, a car full of equipment, a giant thermos of industrial grade coffee, and.

Park the car, then go to the client's office. Another piece of advise is to make sure you coordinate parking with the client if you're filming in a congested area. Nothing is worse than arriving somewhere and having to pay a high parking fee or park far away and then bring your equipment there.

The front desk personnel claims to be unaware of the photo session, which leads to the normal confusion. Finally, the client is located. The headshots have their own space. It is unusually larger than a cupboard. Quick illumination