Photoshoots are hard work, both for the models and the photographer. Other members of the creative team, such as the make-up artist or the stylist, will always be on duty as well. If you are working on your own across a range of clients throughout the day, it is even tougher to stay energized. If you want to give your best and create the best possible work, then you do need to have that energy to keep you going. This is not an easy task – in fact, it’s much easier said than done. But it is possible to get your energy levels up if you act carefully. Without further ado, here are 5 ways to stay energized during a long photoshoot.
Refuel your body
Make sure that you are not only giving your body the fuel to stay full of energy, but that you are doing it in the right way. If this is a one-off situation in which you will need to work hard and then will have some time to recover afterwards, then coffee and energy drinks might be a good choice. You will be able to sleep off the exhaustion that comes with these drinks the next day and will not suffer too much.
If, on the other hand, you are shooting all day on a regular basis, then you need to think about more sustainable options. You can prepare snacks and drinks for yourself that you can consume here and there throughout the day, whenever you get a few seconds spare in which to do so. Bananas or peanut butter are great choices – these are full of energy and will give you a quick boost.
If you want to prepare things beforehand and have enough time to make something more complicated, consider energy bites or balls. There are many recipes floating around online which will provide you with a great option for this sort of food. Whether they contain dates, seeds, fruit, or other types of ingredients, the aim of these recipes is to provide you with a small bite that gives you a big energy boost. You can keep these on set and quickly grab one whenever you need that little boost.
Remember to stay hydrated above all: fresh, clean, and cold water can do wonders for your energy levels even if you do not have anything to eat all day long.
Take a break
If you can spare the time to sit down, take a breath, and save your energy, then do it – every time. There could be a few times during the photoshoot when you can relax, even if only for a moment or two. When the make-up artist is dealing with the model, for example, or when the model is getting changed. If you have a set change or a lighting change to deal with then this can take away some of your free time, but the important thing is seeing the opportunities and taking them.
Never pass up a chance to sit down as the physical energy expended by your body will take the biggest toll. If you can rest your muscles and consume a little less fuel, then it will help a lot in the long run. It’s important to take into account both physical and mental fatigue. It’s also wise to put the camera down every time you get a chance. Don’t underestimate the strain placed on your neck, shoulders, elbows, and wrists when you have the camera with you at all times.
Listen to music
Music is totally welcome on a photoshoot set. It really helps to create a mood and can also help to ensure that everyone is feeling cheerful. There can be no awkward silences when the music helps to fill them in. But not only that – music can also help you to stay motivated and energized.
The best course of action is to set up a playlist ahead of time. Make sure that it either covers a long range of hours, or that you wouldn’t mind hearing the songs over and over again. Choose songs that fit the mood of the shoot, and if you have an idea of what your schedule will be like you can also add in quiet and calm moments to balance out high-energy tracks. Think about songs that you might like to listen to if you were going for a run.
Another great tip is to go for movie soundtracks. There are no lyrics to distract you or interrupt conversations, and you will feel like you are in a movie yourself as you shoot. This can really boost your energy levels and give you the ability to go for longer without needing to take a break.
Be at your best
The saying goes that prevention is better than cure. That is definitely also the case when you are trying to ensure that you don’t get tired during a photoshoot. What’s the best way to ensure that you have a lot of energy? Get a lot of sleep beforehand.
It seems obvious, but many of us can overlook it. Get at least eight to ten hours of sleep the night before the photoshoot so that you feel well rested. If you have a lot of things to organize in the morning before you can begin, then make sure that you take the time to sort out of as much of it as you can the day before. This will allow you to hit the ground running and won’t exhaust you before you even begin.
Take the load off
If you share the workload, it will be so much easier to get through the day without being exhausted. So how do you do that? If you can’t get anyone to help you out, then ask others from the set to pitch in. A make-up artist can be drafted in to hold a reflector, or a stylist can change the settings on the back of your lights if you instruct them on how to do it.
The biggest help of all is to get an assistant. Ideally, you want someone who knows at least a little bit about photography. That way they will be able to help you out with all aspects of the shoot. Even if they are just bringing you a much-needed coffee while you keep shooting, they will be a great help.
If you are not ready to hire someone officially yet, there are other options. A friend or family member could help out if they are free, in exchange for treating them to a meal in the evening. You could also speak to local schools and colleges about bringing in someone from a photography course to do work experience. You can also take on an intern or unpaid assistant who is really looking for active experience to help them with their studies or further their career.
The important thing is to get another pair of hands on deck – so you do not have to take care of everything yourself!
So there you have it, 5 ways to stay energized during a photoshoot. Did we miss anything? Tell us your best tips and tricks in the comments below or in our Facebook group, Summerana Photography Society.