Exposed! :: Camera Confidence - Replacing Daniel Alfredsson::
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Contents
This past hockey season I was asked to replace Daniel Alfredsson (NHL hockey superstar) in a hockey game. It was a big deal for me! I was nervous replacing the hockey hero - could I perform to expectations?
Sound absurd?! It was - especially if you've witnessed my 'mediocre-at-best' hockey skills.
This absurd reality came to me as a vivid stress dream on the eve of a significant photo assignment with many unknown elements.
In this month's Exposed! newsletter we discuss camera confidence, performance anxiety and performing under stress.
Daniel Alfredsson speaking at an event.
The assignment was not that difficult but had many unknowns that required reactive performance. I arrived, shot, filed the work and moved on to the next day's challenge. Everything went smoothly and the client was happy.
After almost twenty years of shooting I still get butterflies. Cases of 'the nerves' are common but usually the level is minimal and serves to keep me sharp. Sometimes the army of stress butterflies comes in full force causing disruption. My stress symptoms vary:
- trouble sleeping
- nervousness
- poor digestion
- fear
Stress can be a good thing. When the butterflies are minor they actually help me perform.
Stress is a built in defense mechanism - it heightens our attention when danger is perceived. It helps us prepare to overcome possible hazards or dangers.
As a photographer, my hazards or dangers are usually limited to non-performance. There are times that I HAVE to get that shot. My livelihood depends on it. Usually work related photo stresses help ensure I get the shot by being prepared for anything.
Coping strategies
To keep photo stress from looming large there are ways to keep stress manageable:
- Be prepared.
Learn to perform with appropriate skills. With new challenges I have to research and prepare. This means practice! - Have backups.
Always bring an extra camera body, lens, flash, shirt, battery, and memory card. Always have another way to do something. - Arrive early
Leave with enough time that you can, ahem, accommodate challenges like, erm, engine fires or flat tires. - Develop a network of support
Be good to people. Support others. Help when people need it. Because when the poop flies in YOUR face it's good to have somebody available to help! - Shoot lots
The more you shoot the more experience and camera confidence you develop to handle adversities. - Take care of yourself
Eat well, exercise, find positive ways to blow off steam, take time with family and friends. Breath and yoga help, too.
Homework
Read the coping systems.
Do the coping systems.
Repeat.
Pro Perspective
Below are some actual stressful job related experiences I've had:
- car engine caught fire on the way to airport for an assignment
- lens dismantled (i.e. one lens became two pieces) as a wedding couple walked towards me up the aisle
- got a flat tire on the way to covering a corporate event
- equipment damage or malfunction during assignment
- challenging clients - changing expectations, etc.
- my wife's maternity labour started 2 weeks early, only hours before I was to meet a group of clients on a photo workshop!
Years ago, I assisted Malak Karsh in the Yukon and, silly me, I locked the keys inside our rented truck. I thought he was going to be really upset! He wasn't happy but simply said "I've made every mistake in the book."
A lot of 'exciting events' have happened during assignments and work related events. I look back and can laugh, now!
It's true - mistakes and challenges will happen. Learning to prepare for the unknown is key to keeping stress manageable.
Final Frame
I'm no match for Alfredsson on the ice but with the right approach I've learned to keep the butterflies in formation to perform with a camera.
Take photos.
Believe in your camera confidence.
Have fun!
What's your best work place scramble story?
