CATEGORY:
Tips
MAY,07,2025

How to Transition Your Look from Day to Night

Ever wonder what a typical day looks like for a professional photographer? Spoiler: it’s not all sunsets and shutter clicks. In this post, I’m pulling back the curtain to show you what really happens behind the scenes—from early morning prep to the final edits at night. Whether you're a fellow creative, a curious client, or someone considering photography as a career, here’s a candid look at the journey behind the lens.

Morning: Prepping for the Day

My day usually starts around 7:30 AM with coffee and a quick check of my schedule and client messages. I double-check my gear—batteries charged, SD cards formatted, lenses cleaned, and backups ready. If it’s a shoot day, I’ll also confirm locations and weather conditions, and sometimes call the client for a quick check-in. Pro Tip: Always over-prepare. Bring backups of everything—you never know when a memory card or light stand might fail!

Midday: The Shoot

Whether it's a wedding, branding shoot, or family portrait, each session is different—but they all require focus, flexibility, and connection. I make it a point to create a comfortable environment for clients, guiding them with poses but leaving room for spontaneity and authenticity.

Gear in Use

  • Canon R6
  • 50mm f/1.2 lens for portraits
  • 24–70mm for wide versatility
  • Reflectors and natural light modifiers

Afternoon: File Management & Backup

After the shoot, it's straight to importing and backing up files. I use a dual SSD setup—one for working files, one for backups—and cloud sync to make sure nothing gets lost. File organization is key: I label folders by client name, date, and shoot type. Evenings are often spent editing. I start with basic culling in Lightroom, then apply my custom presets before fine-tuning in Photoshop if needed. I’ll usually send a few sneak peeks to clients within 24 hours—they love that!

Wrap-Up Thoughts

Photography is as much about connection and trust as it is about composition and lighting. It’s a job that challenges me creatively every day, but it also fills me with purpose. I hope this gave you a real look at the life behind the lens!