Why do I get so nervous??! (Hints & tips welcome - bird photography)

[Daysleeper40]

I have been given a photography day at Liberty's Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it BUT

I'm also REALLY nervous of being the rubbish, clueless one of the group (assuming that other people are booked on it too and I'm not a lone tog...).

Words of encouragement welcome - and any tips from those that have been to a similar experience day are even more welcome!

It's being run by a company called Captive Light Photography - anyone had any experience with them before?

 

[u8myufo]

I should not concern yourself too much about it Fi Make sure you got a tripod and then act like these guy`s
http://www.captivelight.net/librapforpd/rapfor.htm
The guy on the right has a tree stump for a leg so he is coping okay with it So long as you are confident with your kit you should be fine, have fun and enjoy it as that is what it is all about, look forward to seeing some of your pics in the bird section

 

[gramps]

Just go and have a great time, who cares what anyone else thinks?
Not like you're going to have to see any of them again even if you are clueless ... and you're not are you!

 

[Rob_W]

Exactly, why worry, just go have a good time...

If there are others there its unlikely you'll be the only 'rubbish, clueless one of
the group' (your words not mine). If you are on your own just give it your best
shot..

.

 

[Daysleeper40]

I should not concern yourself too much about it Fi Make sure you got a tripod and then act like these guy`s
http://www.captivelight.net/librapforpd/rapfor.htm
The guy on the right has a tree stump for a leg so he is coping okay with it So long as you are confident with your kit you should be fine, have fun and enjoy it as that is what it is all about, look forward to seeing some of your pics in the bird section

... thankyou for making me laugh...

but I hadn't even thought about taking a tripod. Something else to worry about

Just go and have a great time, who cares what anyone else thinks?
Not like you're going to have to see any of them again even if you are clueless ... and you're not are you!

Well that's a matter for debate...

Thankyou both - I know it doesn't matter what people think and I'm sure I'll enjoy it once I'm there. The worry is I end up feeling like a total noob and that stops me doing my best. Must think positive and not let that happen.

 

[Daysleeper40]

Exactly, why worry, just go have a good time...

If there are others there its unlikely you'll be the only 'rubbish, clueless one of
the group' (your words not mine). If you are on your own just give it your best
shot..

.

Thanks Rob - I know it's irrational worry... thats why it annoys me so much. I'm spending this evening trying to talk myself into being confident - and I will succeed damn it!

 

[Levidog]

I have been on a number of these days (though not the one you are on tomorrow) and I can understand your apprehension.

I have discovered the following which hopefully helps;

When you first meet your competitors ('cos that's how it feels doesn't it) you will see one or two that look every bit the professional, they have the largest lenses this side of Nato. They don't look so clever though, when they discover the subjects are only going to be six foot away

There will be some one who states loudly he has done this before and tries to tell everyone how to do it before the start. He's not that good, he failed to get any good shots the first time around.

There may be an older generation character who always manages to get there last but is always in the way. Watch this one he tends to get good shots.

But overall the rest will be thinking the same as you, and you'll all come away with some shots that you can be proud of. Don't forget that's what it's all about.

Just enjoy the experience, after all you paid good money for it, and in that you are as important as everyone else.