Lessons from a Foggy Lens and a Close Call

A few years ago, I was about to photograph a headshot client—nothing unusual camera wise I didn’t think, just a standard shoot for a professional client. The lighting was good, the location was perfect, and everything was flowing smoothly… until it wasn’t.

Before I started taking photos, I noticed something off.  I looked on the lens and there was fog on it. Not just on the outside, which would have been easy to wipe off, but inside the lens. Condensation had built up, and it would be affecting the clarity of every frame.

My heart sank. I tried not to let panic show hoping it would clear. Fortunately, after a few minutes (which felt like hours), it did. I was able to finish the session and deliver high-quality headshots.  I hope the client didn’t see my sweat.

But I never forgot how close I came to not having a solution.

Looking back, I honestly don’t remember whether I had a second camera with me that day. What I do remember is how unprepared I felt in that moment. And that feeling? That’s something I never want to feel again.

Now, I always bring a backup camera. Always.

Whether I’m shooting at a corporate law office in Century City for one of my clients, a tech CEO in Venice, or on-location for any number of clients around LA, I show up with two cameras and a plan. If anything happens—a camera body fails, a lens misbehaves, a memory card glitches—I can pivot immediately. No scrambling, no apologies, no delays.

But here’s the thing: bringing a second camera is about more than just protecting myself. It’s about protecting my clients’ experience.

You’ve taken time out of your day. You’re trusting me to capture you at your best. The last thing you want is to reschedule because of something on my end. That’s why I plan for the unexpected—so your session stays stress-free and professional from start to finish.

These little behind-the-scenes decisions might not be obvious, but they make a big difference. That’s the difference between showing up with a camera and showing up as a pro.

If you’re ready to work with a photographer who comes prepared for anything, give me a call at 323-493-2552 to schedule a session for you or your team.

I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City, and I travel all across Los Angeles for corporate headshots, team portraits, and executive photography.

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