Looking professional in your work is crucial, especially when clients are making snap judgments based on your equipment and setup. Whether it’s fair or not, the way you present yourself and your gear affects how seriously you’ll be taken.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this blunt video breaks down the equipment choices that can help you look more professional on set. One key point Choucino makes is the importance of solid light stands. Cheap, flimsy stands instantly signal amateur hour. He recommends investing in C-stands or boom arms—something that looks and feels sturdy. It’s not just about function; it’s about the impression they create. When your gear looks like it belongs in a professional studio, so do you.
Another point Choucino makes is about the lights you use. He talks about the industry standards like Broncolor or Profoto, suggesting that while other brands may work just fine, they don’t carry the same professional aura. He’s honest about the fact that it’s not always about performance, but about perception. Turning up with a Profoto setup in flight cases instantly makes you look serious. It’s the kind of thing clients notice, even if they don’t fully understand the technical differences.
Certainly, you shouldn't necessarily go out and spend thousands of dollars to upgrade your equipment just for appearances, but it does highlight the importance of considering your appearance. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
For event shooters, it's not about equipment choices. It's about dressing appropriately, asking smart questions, and being assertive enough to get the shots and polite enough not to step on toes in the process. In 20+ years, no client ever has cared whether I used a giant Canon EOS-1-series or a diminutive Panasonic GX-series. People know from the way I talk and move that I'm getting the job done.