Pack a first aid kit.

Pretty simple, pretty straight forward. You never know!

Most drug stores and big box stores have pre-made kits you can pick up for a couple bucks! Otherwise, hit the dollar store and grab some stuff, throw it in a bag, and keep it in your trunk.

Save your maps for offline use.

How to get to the location, getting home, nearest Wawa, nearest Starbucks, whatever! Just get those maps saved. This way, when you’re out in the middle of nowhere with no service, you don’t have to worry about getting out of there.

Verify that they’re saved by turning on airplane mode and pulling one up!

Bring a friend.

This one is the best option, I think. Extra eyes, extra hands, and someone to watch your back while your eyes are in your camera. Sometimes I bring my hubs to things and he just sits in the car and waits! Not often, but if I’m feeling iffy about a location I ask. It’s also just more FUN!

If you’re in the VA Beach area, hit me up if you need a scouting/session partner. I’m really good at being intimidating and also supportive, I promise.

Keep your camera attached to you.

Don’t have a strap? Get one. Keep that thing attached to you!

Meet in public places.

If you’re doing an in-person consultation, meet at a coffee shop or public space you’re comfortable with!

For sessions, try not to go anywhere super isolated for the first time meeting your client/s. They’ll appreciate it, too!

Dress comfortably.

If you don’t feel like you can move in your clothes, you’re going to be uncomfy and not feel as confident!

I almost always wear my Doc Martens to sessions, weddings, and scouting. I feel confident in them because I can go ANYWHERE with them, and they’re cool looking, let’s be real.

If I’m not wearing my Docs, I’m in athletic wear. Sneakers, leggings, comfy tshirt. Full range of motion, let’s gooo!

Tell someone where you’re going.

Tell a friend or family member BEFORE you go. Give them the address, time, and any other info you think they should have.

Check in when you get to the location, when you leave, and when you arrive home safely. If you want, talk to someone on the phone while you’re scouting! Obviously not during a session.

Walk with your shoulders back, and head up.

This is a POWER move. And it works, trust me. When I lived in sort of sketchy places I learned to look like I belonged. No one messes with you when you look like you own the place.

RBF? Of course. Work it, use it, walk with confidence. This makes a world of difference in your vibe and also is just a good thing to do all the time! Strut the metaphorical runway.

Do NOT post on socials in real time.

This one is HARD not to do. But seriously, trust me. Take your boomerangs, cute videos, pictures, etc. Take them just like you normally would. But instead of posting immediately, SAVE them to post later.

This keeps people from being creepy and stalking your location! It also keeps you more connected with your clients during the session.

Learn some self-defense.

Now this is not a super necessary thing for some people. But, if you’re a femme or smaller-statured photographer, I recommend it.

There are tons of self-defense classes out there (I recommend training in person), videos on YouTube, and tools (pepper spray, whistles, etc.). Learn them, and I promise you’ll feel more confident!

Trust your gut.

If you’re starting to feel paranoid or “off” about something, listen to those instincts.

Never feel bad about rescheduling, relocating, or full on canceling a session if you feel unsafe. It may be the location, it could be the client. Keep yourself safe!!