How to always be on time in London
We always want our clients to get the maximum out of a photoshoot experience and that’s why we are willing to go the extra mile for you guys! One key aspect is the timing of your shoot. If you’re running late, that could eat into your shooting time and you don’t want that.
We try to make our clients feel relaxed before shoots and, say, if you’re running 15 mins late for a route we’ll tell you to take it easy - you don’t want to work up a sweat trying to make up a few minutes and all of a sudden arrive at your shoot breathless and stressed.
That being said, if you’re running 15 mins late to a mini, that’s half of the shooting time and the quality of your experience will be compromised, so here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen!
Plan your journey
It sounds simple but you should take the time a few days before your shoot so that you know how you’ll be getting to the meeting point from the starting point.
Use Citymapper
Citymapper and Google Maps are both excellent tools in journey planning. Regardless of which tool you prefer to use, make sure you tick the “arrive by” dropdown and set it 20-30 mins before the shoot is due to begin as it could make a huge difference.
Know your alternatives
When you plan your journey, both Citymapper and Google Maps will offer alternatives. Know what they are so if there’s a sudden disruption you can shift over without any stress (when you’re underground, you may not have an internet connection to search on the apps).
TFL website
On the day of your shoot, consider glancing over at the TFL website for the absolute latest updates on delays, disruptions and closures. Here’s the link: https://tfl.gov.uk/tube-dlr-overground/status/
Aim to arrive early
London is a famous city for its ease of transport, but delays are a fact of life. Your photographer will be aiming to be at the meeting spot about 30 minutes before your shoot for the same reason. Feel free to aim your arrival early and join us for a coffee! A nice chat will only make you feel more comfortable.
Leave gaps
If you have several legs of your journey, allow a gap between them. For example, you probably will catch the first train after your bus ride to the station. But what happens if you don’t make that first train? Is the next one coming 2 mins later or 20 mins later?
Final Words
We hope this little guide will help you keep your timing for the important things in your life. Obviously, you should try not to be late, but if you are running into any issues then text your photographer. We try to be as accommodating as we can and while it’s not possible to extend your shoot, we can only help if we have the full and latest information.