Your primary gear fails during an important shoot. How will you capture the perfect shot without it?

I'd rely on quick thinking and adaptability. I'd use my backup gear or even my phone to capture the moment. I'd shift my perspective, try creative angles, and use natural light creatively. Sometimes, constraints spark the most innovative shots.

As a photographer, I always carry secondary gear, including a second camera, extra batteries, and SD cards, to avoid potential problems during important shoots. This approach builds my confidence and enhances my ability to handle unexpected situations creatively, ensuring I always deliver high-quality results regardless of the circumstances.

Always have a backup camera, even if it's a lower-end model or a smartphone with a good camera. Think of it like carrying a spare tire – it’s not glamorous, but it’ll get you where you need to go. Familiarize yourself with the manual settings available on your backup device to compensate for the lack of professional features. Understanding exposure, ISO, and aperture can help you make the most of any camera in a pinch.

Everyone has that one old camera that you know how to use even if you were blindfolded. That's usually a camera you used for years before getting to upgrade your gear. Always have that camera as a back up camera with you. Nobody is prepared for the first time this happens to them. Having a camera you’re thoroughly familiar with can significantly reduce your stress if your primary gear fails. At the end of the day is not the gear but how you use it.

Rather than panicking about lost lighting setups, get creative with available light sources. Use natural light, reflective surfaces, or even unconventional sources like phone flashlights. Improvised lighting can add unique and dynamic elements to your photos, often resulting in unexpectedly stunning results.

Good lighting is crucial for great photography. If your primary light source fails, look for natural light or use alternative light sources like lamps or even a flashlight. When all else fails, raid your kitchen – a white shirt or a curtain can work wonders as diffusers, and foil or a white board can make great reflectors. Being creative with light can result in unique and compelling images. Plus, you’ll have a great story about how a flashlight and some tin foil saved you bacon.

Quando não temos equipamentos próprios para a iluminação ou os que temos falham, é possível usar a iluminação do próprio cenário ou local da gravação para compor uma luz mais adequada às fotos e vídeos. Usar abajures, fazer difusores usando papel branco ou mesmo lençóis é uma boa saída nesses casos. Sempre podemos considerar a luz natural, mudando um pouco o cenário para ficar mais próximo de janelas e fontes de luz natural. Também podemos usar superfícies brancas como rebatedores e fazer uma luz de preenchimento.

Try to take advantage of objects at hand to redirect and soften the light or take advantage of available natural light. The golden hour is usually ideal for photographs.

Comecei a trabalhar com Audiovisual na "guerrilha". Sem equipamento "ideal" mas com vontade de fazer e muito estudo por trás, seja por curso pago ou videos da internet. Um ponto que me ajudou muito foi saber organizar o que precisava aprende para fazer tal coisa em tal trabalho. Na internet tem vídeo sobre tudo, mas desorganizado, diferente de um curso que a gente compra que vem módulo por módulo. Então um bom jeito de aprender que me ajudou foi estudar mediante aos trabalhos que aparecia, mas lógico com um conhecimento prévio sobre.

Instead of focusing solely on composition, take this opportunity to tell a stronger story with your images. Engage deeply with the subject and the environment to create a narrative that captivates the viewer, making the technical limitations secondary to the emotional impact of the photo

When you're limited by gear, composition becomes even more important. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to enhance your photos aesthetically. Pay attention to the background and position your subject to avoid distractions. Sometimes, changing your perspective or getting closer to the subject can make a significant difference in the impact of your image.

Quando não temos uma luz suficiente para modelar o nosso sujeito na foto podemos usar ainda mais as diferenças de profundidade dos planos na composição da foto. Crie diferentes planos na profundidade da sua foto com os objetos do cenário e usando lentes tele para enaltecer os planos.

Look for an interesting focal point and think about the rule of thirds. Play with focus and blurring some elements in the foreground. Sometimes an interesting composition can make up for a lack of advanced equipment.

Uma coisa que ouvi no início da minha caminhada no Cinema foi "o que der pra fazer de prático, faça. Deixe o menos possível para resolver na pós." Então saber os fundamentos de iluminação, o básico essencial de câmera (ISO, Obturador, diafragma), são o início pra conseguir resolver o possível em set, seja ele interno ou externo.

Lembre-se que devemos fazer o máximo no momento da captação, mas depois ainda temos a possibilidade de usar softwares como lightroom, photoshop e outros para corrigir a iluminação das nossas fotos. Hoje é possível utilizar IA para selecionar os planos, objetos, céu, etc, para ajustar especificamente cada elemento na composição.

I'm a big proponent for getting things right in camera when you can, but sometimes you need to rely on post production. This situation would qualify. Post-processing software can be a powerful tool to enhance images taken with less capable gear. Adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance to bring out the best in your photos. Cropping can also help improve composition post-shoot. Again, while it's essential not to rely solely on editing, it can certainly elevate a good shot to a great one, especially when dealing with equipment limitations.

Como já falado, resolver tudo que der e conseguir durante a pré e produção é essencial para conseguir um produto de alta qualidade

Understand the limiting forces of post production and when you’re shooting, understand what you can use to bring in what you need to make that shop perfect

If you're shooting portraits or subjects that can take direction, use this opportunity to engage more with them. Directing your subject to find the best angles and expressions can significantly improve your images. Communication can also help ease any tension caused by the unexpected gear change, ensuring that your subject remains relaxed and natural. And hey, if you’re both laughing about the situation, those smiles will be all the more genuine.

Instead of just engaging your subject to make up for technical issues, use the situation to create a collaborative and dynamic shooting experience. Involve your subject in the creative process, which can lead to spontaneous and genuine moments that enhance the final image.

Really good communication and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere helps the photos look better and the shoot go more smoothly. If you can, talk to the model, make you both feel comfortable and get to work!

Entender os fundamentos da fotografia e arte te ajudam a criar, imaginar e externar ótimos enquadramentos sempre dialogando com o assunto que você quer passar. Isso traz uma perspectiva pra conseguir retratar o que quiser mesmo não tendo uma direção de arte prévia, por exemplo.

One thing I’ve found helpful is connecting with your subject, that gives your subject so much trust in you and he/she goes with your flow and accept anything at that point.

Muy importante mantener la calma y tener pensamientos claros para resolver un problema. Tener siempre un plan de contingencia y ayuda extra con algún colega, amigo o amistad relacionado con el tema.

Composition is a key factor here, your client mustn’t know you are panicking if not it’s over. So just be composed and improvise as soon as possible and composition helps you coordinate, trust me composition isn’t far from a solution in that situation.

I strongly agree with using your smartphone as a backup! I own a mirrorless camera as a main gear and love to use it for exceptional results. But most of the time I pick up the latest iPhone to shoot casual content and even product photos - then leverage AI and Adobe tools right on the phone if my Macbook is away from me. Knowing how to maximize what you have on hand is crucial in the creative field. It’s important not to stick to being excellent in “just one” gear, rather master all the tools that you have around you at the moment and see them as your helping hand, then be highly skillful when it comes to software/s you use for a successful post process.

The best camera you have is the one that’s in your hand at that particular moment all you’ve got is a phone and make it work. It’s a perfect time to use post production.

Consider the importance of staying calm and composed. Your attitude can influence the entire shoot, so maintain a positive and problem-solving mindset. This not only helps you think clearly and creatively but also reassures your clients and subjects, ensuring the session continues smoothly despite technical setbacks.

Considere também contar com a ajuda de outros profissionais, amigos, que possam emprestar um equipamento em casos em que o seu falha ou quebra durante o ensaio fotográfico. Manter uma rede de network é essencial para ficar atualizado, trocar experiências e contar com a ajuda de outros profissionais.

It’s very rare for a photographer to only have a single camera. Everyone, well almost everyone, have a iPhone or similar. Try and put the camera in manual mode and go old school. Change batteries, open up and clean.