What do you do if you're a photographer facing high-pressure situations?

Planning ahead is key! always have a plan B. and most important set a realistic schedule so you dont run in to those issues. If you do run out of time and only have 5 min to get things done. Understanding what you need to deliver is essential and focus on the main deliverables. having an in-depth understanding of how to use a 1 light 1 lens setup is very important so you dont need to fiddle with camera and gear. or make use of natural light. the point is you need to be on top of planning and your gear so you can work very fast and still deliver good results.

Preparation is key when it comes to high-pressure photography situations. Understanding the expectations of the assignment is crucial for successfully completing a photo shoot under stressful conditions. Once you know your photo shoot location, it can also be helpful to research the venue and try to prepare for obstacles you might encounter there, like potential lighting challenges or distance from the designated photography area to the subject(s) being photographed, etc. This will ensure that you pack the right gear for your needs (flashes, lenses, etc.) Knowing how to shoot manually is also very helpful, especially when seconds count or you're in poorly lit environment (both are common challenges on news photography assignments).

Make sure you and the client are very clear on the expected outcome. Communication is key. Mood boards and style guides are a great aid to make sure you and the client are on the same page. Having a clear understanding of what is expected prior to shoot day will allow you to mentally prepare and stay focused when under the pump.

Also, pack backup in case something goes wrong. Planning is essential especially when completing an assignment at an external location!

Staying calm is number one when practicing a creative job. Empty your cup, and there is room for new inspiration. I go for spontaneity, and creativity flows automatically. When I put too much attention on what I'm going to do beforehand, it never works out for me. Of course, you should make sure you have the technique well-prepped.

Expect to move your body, your gear, and your mindset. Especially important in high-profile event photography, this premise also applies to most location and studio sessions. As technical experts, photographers will often stay focused on their equipment and immediate subject; after all, we spend our time looking through a small viewfinder. In-the-moment troubleshooting is not limited to what is in your hands or what is occurring with the subject or scene. Move your feet, stepping closer or further away from what you are photographing. Get on your toes or stoop down. Shuffle left, shuffle right and prepare to be uncomfortable. I recently stood knee deep in a snow drift in order to deal with my surroundings and secure the shot.

You were chosen for your expertise and technical knowledge, the production team is relying on your lead and in many cases you need to set the pace, keep things on schedule and delegate to others on set. Trust yourself, show up with confidence and navigate through any unexpected hiccups with a collaborative attitude.

if you have a high pressure project going on lasting for days, try to review your work each night. little things like some camera adjustments or changing some of your equipment can help you the most in lowering the pressure . think about the difficult parts of your day and try to find a way that makes it easier if you want to do it again. remember that spending so much energy or time on a task doesn't make it good or high quality. sufficiency is about being simple. make everything simple and note very carefully: as a photographer, you may want to shorten the projects time by ignoring the details on set thinking you will fix it in retouching and post. never ever try to do something like that!!! just don't make a hell at the top of another.

In high-pressure situations, a photographer should first and foremost breathe deeply and remain calm; a steady hand and a clear mind capture the best shots. Prioritize communication with clients or collaborators to manage expectations and adjust plans as necessary, showing adaptability without sacrificing professionalism.