’How missing five minutes of practice cost me my start’’ 

The Mistake:  

Even though we were well-trained and briefed on the event. The order, the speeches, the key moments, this was my first time working on a graduation live stream. I understood the plan, but I had not yet felt what it was like in real time.  

During rehearsal, my colleague took the camera I would be using the next  day. She was eager to try it out, and I stepped back to give her the space.  I watched, paid attention, and thought that would be enough.  

But when showtime came, things felt different. The balance, the pan, even the tripod resistance, all slightly off from what I expected.  

My first few shots were not smooth, and it took me a bit to find my rhythm. I adjusted quickly, but I knew I could have started stronger if I had taken those few minutes of hands-on practice. 

The Lesson:  

That day reminded me that theory and watching can only take you so far. For some of us, things only click once we have actually done them. I learned that even a few minutes of hands-on time makes all the difference; it’s where confidence really starts. Normally, I get into rhythm fast once I have practiced, but this time, I had not given myself that chance. 

Takeaway Tip:            

No matter how much you have been briefed or trained, always make time to test the setup yourself, touch the gear, know the event; Confidence on set does not come from knowing, it comes from doing! 

– Derrick