AVOID UNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS

Image by: PeterAnthony Photography

This may simply be a matter of stating the obvious, but indulge me for a moment to do exactly that.  In order to reduce the number of hectic moments that you have, develop a routine where you always return your gear back to your camera bag, or your studio, to exactly the same spot every time.  It can be unnerving when you're on location and you begin to fumble through a camera bag or backpack looking for something, when you know you're losing time, the moment, and more importantly optimal light.  Routine and habit is important when it comes to photography; sometimes we cannot afford to spend seconds searching for something that isn't even there.  Pay attention to organizing your gear, because there's already enough unpredictability in our cluttered day.