Feeling Nervous Before a Shoot? Read This
Photo by nappy
I’ve been shooting events and portraits for around a decade, so I know what it’s like when the anxiety kicks in, sometimes days and hours before a shoot. You start to question your skill set, wonder why you agreed to the job, and consider any possible excuse just to make the discomfort go away. But, of course, you show up. You do the work. In this article, I’m sharing the simple mindset and physical practices that helped me do exactly that—when the nerves came on strong.
This summer, I took a break from client work to focus on travel and personal projects. While on vacation in Batumi, Georgia, someone asked if I’d do a portrait session with them.
“Thanks for your interest, but I’m here on vacation,” I told them.
“I’ll pay you double,” they replied.
Okay… so my vacation was over.
It had been a while since I’d done a shoot, and out of nowhere, fear and self-doubt took over. Here’s how I worked through it and what can help get you through pre-shoot jitters as well.
Breath work
Photo by Kelvin Valerio
Anxiety is your body going into fight-or-flight mode. What’s happening is your sympathetic nervous system is trying to protect you, even if you’re not in real danger. And while a photoshoot isn’t remotely life-threatening, our brains can’t always tell the difference.
To calm the nerves, the dry mouth, racing heart and shallow breath, you need to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Breath work is the quickest way to do that.
Try this nasal breathing pattern 10 minutes before you arrive:
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 6, exhale for 8.
You’ll feel your body settle, start to think more clearly and show up feeling centered.
Remember: They Booked You
Photo by Nguyễn Tiến Thịnh
Hiring a photographer is both a time and financial investment. Clients don’t book you on a whim—they do it because something about your work spoke to them.
They already believe in your ability. They’re not hoping you’ll be good, but instead have already decided you are.
That simple mantra of: “I deserve to be here”, can help anchor you before you lift your camera.
Prepare Well
Photo by Ivan Samkov
Good prep takes the edge off. Know your location, think about lighting and bring the gear you’ll need. Have a rough idea of the look you’re aiming for and speak with the client in advance to align on expectations.
Sure, things change on the day. Shoots evolve. But having a plan (even a loose one) will calm your nerves and give you something to lean on.
Don’t Fear the Anxiety
When anxiety shows up, our instinct is to fight it. But that resistance often makes it worse.
Anxiety isn’t dangerous. It’s uncomfortable, but it won’t harm you. Instead of trying to force it away, try sitting with it. Let it move through your body and feel it without judgement.
This is a somatic practice, and over time, it teaches your brain that anxiety isn’t something to panic about. It becomes something you can work with, not against.
Signing Off
Most of us get into photography because it’s fun. That spark, the creativity, the collaboration, the freedom — it’s what keeps us going. Let that outweigh any fear you have about whether you’re good enough. Because photography should support mental health, not put pressure on it.
Use the practices above whenever you need them. And remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety forever, it’s to learn how to meet it with the right response.
As for the Batumi shoot? Here’s what the client said:
“The photos turned out very good. Thank you for the emotions you give me 🥰😀.”
It’s always worth it in the end.
Here are some from the shoot…
More reading: It's Totally Okay to be Content With your Photography
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