Photography can be a pretty exciting job, especially when things don’t go as planned! Just a few days ago, I had one of those wild experiences while heading out for a photoshoot in Oostkamp, Belgium. And yes, it was a day filled with last-minute surprises, frantic phone calls, and battery-saving strategies that kept me on my toes. If you’re curious about what it’s really like to offer photography services in Belgium, buckle up -this story has it all.
When Monday Turns into Tuesday… Or So I Thought
So, here’s how the story starts. I had just wrapped up shooting the Antwerp Marathon, and I was taking a well-deserved break on Monday. My next job was supposed to be a simple food photoshoot in Oostkamp on Tuesday. I was mentally gearing up for it while also giving myself a chance to unwind and recharge.
Then, right in the middle of my chill Monday, my phone buzzes. It’s my client, and they’re not just calling to say “hi.” Nope, they’re calling to tell me they’re waiting for me… on Monday! Panic mode: activated. I double-checked my calendar, and yep, the shoot was indeed scheduled for Tuesday. But the client was sure Monday was the “better day” and insisted I come right away.
A Quick Trip to Oostkamp
Thankfully, Oostkamp isn’t far from where I live, so I grabbed my gear and hit the road. It’s a quick 15-minute drive, and if you’re curious about how it looked, you can catch almost the entire drive on my YouTube channel under the “Driving” playlist (yes, I’m that person who records my drives for fun). Even without a dashcam, I make do with my smartphone, and I really enjoy these drives and filming them – there’s something relaxing about the open road, even when I’m rushing!
Battery Drama: The Gamble of the Day
Since I wasn’t planning on working until Tuesday, I hadn’t bothered to charge my camera batteries. So, there I was, walking into a professional photoshoot with a battery that had only 30% charge. To make matters even more suspenseful, I had another battery, but it was only charged to a measly 3%. I was gambling, but I figured, “How bad could it be? It’s a simple shoot.”
But life has a way of keeping things interesting. The client wanted 30% more photos than originally planned! My heart skipped a beat as I realized I’d need to get creative to stretch out that battery life. I quickly switched to the “Prioritize Viewfinder” mode, which isn’t ideal for food photography but was the best option to save power.
Surviving on a Sliver of Battery
As I clicked away, carefully composing each shot, my battery seemed to hang on with sheer determination. I managed to capture all but one of the planned shots before the battery finally gave out. But remember that 3% battery I’d thrown in the charger at the last second? That tiny bit of power saved me in the end, allowing me to snap the final shot before everything powered down. Phew! Crisis averted… sort of.
The Reality of Shooting in Tight Spaces
Now, let’s talk about the actual shoot. You know how some spaces just don’t vibe with the creative flow? This was one of those places. The room was cramped, with barely enough space to move, let alone set up proper lighting. To make things trickier, people were bustling around, chatting, and making noise. There were workers hammering away in the backyard, and the smells from the nearby kitchen weren’t exactly nice (at least for vegetarian me).
On top of all that, the natural light was completely out of reach. Sure, I could move tables and chairs around, but even then, the light wasn’t ideal, and the angles were awkward. But when you’re offering fast and reliable photography services in Belgium, you have to make it work, even if the conditions are less than perfect.
Pushing Through and Making It Work
With limited battery, a crowded setup, and less-than-perfect lighting, I had to rely on every trick in the book to make the photos look professional. Food photography is all about capturing textures, colors, and details that make people say, “Yum!” Despite the challenges, I did my best to bring that level of quality to each shot.
I reminded myself that, in the end, photography is about adapting to whatever situation you’re in. Not every shoot will be in a fancy, perfectly lit studio, and not every client will remember their own schedule! But finding ways to push through and make each photo count is what makes photography exciting.
Photography Services in Belgium: More Than Just a Job
Providing photography services in Belgium (or anywhere else) means navigating all kinds of situations. From beautiful cityscapes to cozy indoor shoots, each job brings something different. There are days when everything goes smoothly, and then there are days like this one, where every little thing is an adventure in its own right. But that’s the thrill of being a photographer – finding creative solutions and making every shot look its best, no matter the odds.
Tips for Handling Last-Minute Photo Challenges
If you’re a photographer, you’ll know that shoots don’t always go as planned. Here are a few things I’ve learned from experiences like this one:
- Keep Backup Batteries Charged: Even if you think you won’t need them, always have fully charged batteries on hand. Or bring the charger with you. I learned this the hard way!
- Use Battery-Saving Modes: If you’re low on power, switch to modes like “Prioritize Viewfinder” to save battery. It’s not ideal, but it can help you get those last few shots.
- Stay Flexible: In tight spaces or tricky lighting situations, be prepared to get creative with angles and compositions.
- Keep Calm: Panicking won’t help! Take a deep breath, adapt, and make the most of the situation.
Photography Services in Belgium
So, would I call this photoshoot my finest work? Probably not! But it was a day filled with lessons, laughs, and a bit of stress – all part of the package when working as a photographer. Every shoot is a chance to grow, adapt, and find joy in the process.
Whether you’re capturing a cozy café, a bustling market, or a client’s special request, photography is about capturing the beauty of each moment, even when that moment involves low batteries, last-minute changes, and a little bit of chaos.
Thanks for joining me on this wild ride through Oostkamp!