Pre-shoot apprehension is a common feeling among photographers, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out. Here are some guidelines to help you tackle those pre-shoot jitters and approach your sessions with confidence:

1. Preparation is Key: Thoroughly plan for the shoot by scouting locations, checking equipment, and having a shot list. Feeling prepared boosts your confidence.
2. Know Your Gear: Familiarity with your equipment reduces uncertainties during the shoot. Practice using different settings to handle unexpected situations.
3. Research Your Subjects: If you’re shooting people, research your subjects’ personalities, preferences, and any specific poses or concepts they like. This builds rapport.
4. Visualize Success: Spend a few moments visualizing the shoot going smoothly. Positive visualization can help ease nervousness.
5. Arrive Early: Reach the location early. This gives you time to acclimate, set up, and make any last-minute adjustments.
6. Deep Breathing: Before you start shooting, take a few deep breaths. This helps calm nerves and centers your focus.
7. Engage with Your Subject: Strike up a casual conversation before the shoot begins. Building rapport helps both you and your subject feel at ease.
8. Experiment Before the Shoot: Try out poses, angles, and lighting setups before the actual shoot. Knowing what works in advance reduces uncertainty.
9. Use Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself of your skills and successes. Positive affirmations can counteract self-doubt.
10. Control the Environment: If possible, choose a comfortable and controlled environment for the shoot. This reduces external variables that can trigger apprehension.
11. Trust Your Instincts: Photography is an art. Trust your instincts and creativity to guide you through the shoot.
12. Take Breaks: If you feel overwhelmed during the shoot, take short breaks to regroup and refocus.
13. Capture Candid Moments: Candid shots can be beautiful and less intimidating. Capture in-between moments when subjects are relaxed.
14. Be Open to Spontaneity: Some of the best shots happen unexpectedly. Be open to adjusting your plans based on the moment.
15. Post-Processing Confidence: Knowing that you have post-processing tools to enhance images can reduce pressure during the shoot.
16. Positive Self-Talk: Replace self-doubt with positive self-talk. Remind yourself of previous successful shoots.
17. Review Past Work: Look at your previous work to remind yourself of your skills and growth as a photographer.
18. Focus on the Creative Process: Shift your focus from perfection to the creative process. Embrace imperfections as part of the journey.
19. Learn from Each Session: Every shoot is an opportunity to learn and improve. Embrace challenges as chances to grow.
20. Celebrate Small Wins: After each successful shoot, celebrate the small victories that contributed to its success.

Remember that apprehension is natural, and many photographers experience it. With practice, these feelings can diminish over time. Embrace the process, trust your skills, and focus on the joy of creating art through your lens.