161: How To Pivot While Shooting + Take Better Photos When Nothing Is Going As Planned

Have you ever shown up to a photoshoot already picturing exactly what shots you’re going to take… How the light is going to hit your subject’s face and illuminate their eyes… How the silhouette of the tree branches is going to frame the sky… How you’re going to get the perfect backdrop of that stunning beach… Only for the shots to not work out and nothing goes as planned? 😰

*Cue panic* 🚨

I’ve been here too RECENTLY.

But if I’ve learned anything in my 13 years of being a photographer, it’s that the best photos happen when you don’t force them. I do my best work when I drop all expectations, focus on creating a bond with my clients, and look for the beauty that’s right in front of me, in that moment. 🌸 They don’t come when I focus too hard on chasing an idea I had in my head (sorry, ego!).

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a recent experience that taught me the importance of being present at shoots. I’m going to share some practical tips for tapping into creative flow and getting out of panic mode during the unexpected.

Tune in to discover:

✨ How I deal with butterflies before a photo session (I still get them!) and what I tell myself to calm my nerves 🦋

✨ Why showing up overly prepared to photoshoots can actually kill your creativity (and what you can do instead)

✨ How to creatively pivot on the spot when nothing is going as planned 

✨ How dropping expectations can dissolve your anxiety and panic 

✨ Why it’s so easy to miss what’s right in front of you, and strategies for tapping into the present moment

✨ A sneak-peek at my signature improvisational, intuitive photography style that always produces interesting results 

✨ How to add novelty and excitement to shoots when you’re constantly shooting at the same location

✨ What gives a photo have that “how-did-they-do-that” quality 

✨ Why having genuine conversations with your clients results in better photos

RESOURCES + LINKS

Instagram Posts Sara Mentioned:

1. https://www.instagram.com/p/C95Y2NYPuSx/?img_index=1

2. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8cbpq3OOlF/?img_index=1

3. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8915CgON6C/