Yesterday I had a family photo session down on the Embarcadero. The session started at 4pm. Even though I know the area very well, (it’s actually right down the street from where I live) I wanted to show up early and look around. I was there at 3:30 on the button!
There’s a few reasons I like to show up early. If you live in San Francisco, or any city for that matter, you will know that parking is not always the easiest to find. Yes, I just said I live down the street from where we were shooting at last night. But, I have props! I have my photo equipment, a suitcase full of blankets, toys, treats for the kids, props for adults, a ladder just in case. So, clearly I’m not able to walk far! I show up early to make sure I can find parking that is close. If I need to stock a parking lot until someone leaves, I can because I have time!
Another reason I show up early is to look around. Again, even though I live down the street and have passed this location a million and one times, you never know when something might be going on like road work, street festivals or any other events that might close off the area you’re shooting at!
Yes, I learned the hard way! I had a session last year and we were meeting at the Exploratorium. Everyone shoots at the Exploratorium! EVERYONE! When I’m there, I usually see at least two other photographers there too. In fact, I had a session there the week before and it was perfect! I didn’t show up early for that shoot (only enough time to park). I met the family in the parking lot and we walked in together. As we were walking up I noticed that there were no cars parked along side the building, which is unheard of! We continued walking and turned the corner only to find a fence around the whole front of the building! Ouch!!
Lucky for me there are plenty of other places to turn to around that area. I had just finished telling the family that the Exploratorium was “so cool” and such a great place to shoot! Then, I had to think fast and find a different location. It ended up working out just fine. But, I learned back then to show up early just in case you need to call your clients and make a quick change in plans!
The last reason I also show up early is to scope out good spots so I will have something in mind once the family show up. I have had sessions in that area before. But, there was just one kid, or even two kids. This was a family of four! A few of the places I had used before would not have worked for this session. Plus, I like to try and get a different perspective even though I have been there before.
There you have it! Those are my reasons and I’m stickin’ to it! Once I’m there, parked, have made sure my area is open to use, and have scoped out a few new locations, I might even to a few pictures for myself.
I did last night! Here are a few…
Check out this handsome little man! I will be adding a sneak peek sooner than later of him and his family so check back soon!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope everyone has a great weekend!
San Francisco Family » Marcie Lynn Photography – San Francisco Bay Area Photographer - […] you read my blog post on being early? If not, check it out here! This was the wonderful family I met up with that […]