Confirm the shoot/event schedule IN DETAIL before the event.

If the “event” is just you shooting portraits, having a loose agenda of what’s going to happen is sometimes enough. When you’re at an event to document or do portraits, get a clear schedule of events before you step foot there! Especially if there’s somewhere you need to be afterwards.

If there isn’t a schedule yet, work with your client to create one. Even if it’s loose, it’ll save you both a lot of time!

I learned this lesson about a month ago, shooting a large event with a lot of kids. I misunderstood the plan, which meant I sat around for over an hour and was late to my next appointment. Totally my fault.

Just last week, I shot the rehearsal of a friend’s play and did portraits afterward. This time, we talked through the timing, and the whole thing was a much more pleasant experience.

Know the plan before you go. In as much detail as possible.