5 things every michigan photographer needs
Between the weather, the bugs, and the lakes, being a ✋ MI photographer isn’t for the faint of heart. Over the past eight years, I have figured out the top five things that make my job easier (and keep my sanity in tact).
1. Chacos
My saviors! My ambition is big and I appreciate that about myself…until I’m knee deep in Lake Michigan shooting and have Converse waiting for me when I return to shore. Ew.
Ever since buying a pair of Chacos, I swear my shooting life has been bliss. They are great for any terrain and are great when going from water to land.
Plus, they last! I have never had a pair of shoes look brand new for this long.
2. La Roche Posay SPF 70 Facial Sunscreen
All my pale girls are with me on this one. Not only do I burn in any season, I also have incredibly dry, acne prone skin. The worst combination imaginable. Now top that all off with being outside in the sun for most of my shoots!
That’s where La Roche Posay SPF 70 Facial Sunscreen saved my skin and outdoor photography life. It’s moisturizing, light weight, and doesn’t break me out 🫶 my favorite part: it’s SPF 70! I can’t stand how SO many facial sunscreens are SPF 30 or below. I need that coverage.
3. Leather Gloves
Kind of sounds creepy, but stay with me. Being a MI photographer you have two seasons of shooting:
Hot, humid summer.
Snow and sleet winter.
When it’s the second option, especially family photos around the holidays, my hands get numb being out in the cold for too long. I have found a pair of leather gloves are perfect. They keep my hands warm, are flexible enough so I can adjust camera settings, and they go with every outfit.
My tip: add some hand warmers into the gloves for ultimate warmth 🔥
4. Phone Charger
No need to explain this one too much. If my phone died on a shoot, I would panic. Here’s all the things I use my phone for on a shoot:
Google Maps
Communication with my client
iPhone camera acts as a mirror for myself and my client
Weather updates (vital when shooting outside)
Inspiration photos I’ve saved for my shoot
Captures behind the scenes photos and videos for my social content
And I’m sure you could name 20+ more reasons your phone always needs to be charged for a photoshoot, but those are my top six!
5. Polaroid Camera
This might not be a necessity to you, but I love giving out a candid polaroid at my shoots. The hardest part for your client is waiting for their gallery, so I always find snapping a Polaroid picture is a fun hold over until their photos are edited and sent to them.
Plus polaroids act as such fun keepsake for these special moments. The professional photos are great, but something about an unedited shot really hits the pause button on these moments.
What would you add to the list?
I love my necessities, but what would you add? What are your photoshoot must-haves? Tell me below in the comments!
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