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it’s time to flip the script on Anxiety.

October 09, 2024  •  Leave a Comment

Challenges are part of life’s journey, it’s time to flip the script on Anxiety.

Zoe Greenhalf The Mischief MovementZoe Greenhalf host of The Mischief Movement Podcast

Take a look at these photos and guess which photoshoot caused me the most stress.

The Mischief Movement PodcastInsider Watch Challenge Blog with Zoe Greenhalf host of The Mischief Movement Podcast

Motorcycle photography with Storm StewartMotorcycle photography with Storm Stewart and her Honda Dax motorcycle "Adam".

Photoshoot with NutraleiInsider Watch Challenge photoshoot with Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist Nutralei

Well actually, none of these people acted like divas but I’m sure Zoe, Storm and Lei won’t mind me using them as an example of why I suffer from photographers anxiety.

Let’s start with Zoe, who is the host of the amazing Mischief Movement Podcast, which could change your life. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Zoe over the last couple of years, and I loved spending time with her when we met up in Cambridge where we spent the day walking, chatting and eating. Now I’m going to be honest, as much as I love talking and spending time with her, I felt nervous when we met up for our ‘relaxed’ photoshoot this year in London, but why, especially as I was excited to see Zoe again and create content for her.

Insider Watch Challenge with Zoe from Zoe The Mischief Movement PodcastDo you suffer from anxiety before a photoshoot? How do you control Photographer's anxiety? London Lifestyle PhotoshootCreating content for Zoe Greenhalf, host of The Mischief Movement Podcast

Zoe Greenhalf, host of The Mischief Movement PodcastHow can such a lovely person and fun photoshoot cause me so much anxiety Insider Watch ChallengeWearing your watch on the inside of your wrist and show your support for the Insider Watch Challenge

Above: Zoe Greenhalf, host of The Mischief Movement Podcast.

There are times when we put too much pressure on ourselves to do well, and for me this was one of those times. As a photographer, there’s such a thing as Photographers Anxiety, and I suffer from it.

Before most shoots, I always have a niggling thought of “what if”. “What if” I’ve forgotten a bit of kit, “what if” my camera, lens or lighting breaks, “what if” the light is horrible? They are all concerns which play a part in my pre-shoot photographers anxiety, but my biggest worry is “what if” I have a bad day, and I don’t deliver to the standard I want to achieve, in other words, “what if” my images just aren’t good enough!

Model Storm StewartHonda Dax lifestyle photoshoot

Model and Presenter Storm StewartLifestyle photography with Model and Presenter Storm Stewart Storm Stewart supporting the Insider Watch ChallengeStorm Stewart supporting the Insider Watch Challenge

Honda Dax ST 125Lifestyle photoshoot with model Storm Stewart. How could working with such a professional model cause anxiety?

Above: Storm Stewart, model and presenter
 

As a photographer you need to know your camera and the equipment you use inside out, so if I need to change the camera settings such as shutter speed, aperture, or ISO, then you just do it as second nature, the same with the lighting you use. Now I know all these things, but “what if” still lurks in the back of my mind.

The crazy thing is that what attracted me to being a photographer in the first place is you never know what you’re going to get, which keeps you on your toes and makes your “job” interesting. 

Wear It Flip It Share ItWear It Flip It Share It - Support those who are struggling with life's challenges by taking part in the Insider Watch Challenge

Am I faking it? Well, at times I might pretend that I have more confidence at the time than I actually do, and that’s because the person I am photographing is putting their trust in me to create a great image of them. One that captures their personality, portrays their confidence or maybe shows their vulnerability, that really depends on the brief.

Photographer AnxietyHow can photography cause anxiety? Photographers AnxietyDo you suffer from nerves or anxiety before a photoshoot?

Do you suffer from Anxiety before a photoshoot?As a photographer, do you suffer from anxiety? Pre photoshoot nervesAs a photographer, do you suffer from nerves or anxiety before a photoshoot? Here are a few tips to relax you before a shoot.

Even Fun photoshoots can cause anxietyEven Fun photoshoots can cause anxiety

Above: Anne-Lei North, Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist and owner of NutraLei
 

So if you are like me and worry about the “what ifs”, click the link in my bio to visit my blog to find out what you can do to ease your anxiety.

 

Anxiety is part and parcel of pressure, especially when we care about what we do.

Make sure you prepare as much as possible and focus on one thing at a time.

Stop overthinking everything, easier said than done, right?

Create a checklist and prepare, clean and pack your equipment ahead of time.

Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly, even if it’s going for a walk.

Don’t rush things during the shoot. Breathe, take your time and don’t panic. 

Tell yourself that nerves are normal, and learn to manage those nerves.

Build a report with the person you are photographing so you can encourage each other, remember that they will probably be feeling more anxious than you being on the other side of the lens, more about that in my next post. 

 

I’m no expert when it comes to managing anxiety, but it’s good to be open, talk about our fears, and encourage each other so that we can turn things around.

Try the Insider Watch Challenge, join the community, and tell your story or support a friend who is struggling with life's challenges. Find out more by CLICKING HERE

 

You can connect and listen to The Mischief Movement Podcast by CLICKING HERE

 

Connect on Instagram

Instagram/themischiefmovement

Instagram/stormjstewart

Instagram/nutralei

nutralei.com
 

Instagram/the.adventures.of.phil.jones
 

 

 


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