How Do I Avoid Running Out of Storage Space Mid-Shoot?

Jul 4

Few things feel more gut-wrenching than seeing “Card Full” or “Disk Almost Full” flash across your screen—especially when you’re in the middle of capturing a perfect moment. Whether you’re shooting a wedding, a brand session, or a fast-paced family mini, running out of space can wreck your rhythm and kill your confidence.

The good news? It’s avoidable—with the right habits, backups, and mindset.

1. Start With Empty Cards (Not Just Formatted Ones)

A lot of photographers make the mistake of assuming “formatted” means “safe.” But unless you’ve backed up those images in at least two places, don’t erase anything.

Instead:

Transfer all your files before the shoot.
Confirm that the files transferred correctly (check thumbnails, open a few).
Use fresh or completely empty cards—no halfway full carryovers.

Safe workflow = confident workflow.

2. Pack More Cards Than You Think You’ll Need

Cards are small. Losing moments is not.

You’ll never regret having too many:

Bring double what you expect to shoot.
Carry a mix of capacities (e.g. 64GB + 128GB) in case your shoot’s pace changes.
Label your cards clearly (used/unused) so you don’t fumble in a panic.

Pro tip: Get a dedicated card wallet, not a Ziploc.

3. Monitor Space Throughout the Shoot

Set a mental (or literal) checkpoint mid-shoot to check your card or drive. If you're shooting video or RAW, space disappears fast—especially with continuous shooting.

What to check:

Remaining minutes of record time
Available frames (based on your file size/settings)
Whether you’ve accidentally been recording unnecessarily (it happens)

Being proactive here keeps you from freezing later.

4. Use Dual-Slot Cameras Wisely

If your camera supports dual card slots, use it to your advantage:

Backup Mode: Record the same file to both cards in case one fails.
Overflow Mode: When one card fills, your camera switches to the second.
RAW + JPEG Mode: Save RAWs to one card, JPEGs to the other to preserve space.

It’s worth learning how your camera handles this—and testing it before relying on it.

5. External Drives? Plan Ahead.

For longer shoots or trips:

Bring a portable SSD or external drive (formatted and ready to go).
Use a laptop to offload between sessions or during downtime.
Always label the folders with clear names and dates so you don’t mix things up later.

You don’t need to edit in the moment—but you do need to keep moving forward with space.

6. Stay Calm, Even If You Hit the Limit

Worst case? You do run out. Stay calm.

Options:

Review and delete test shots, accidental clicks, or duplicates (if you’re sure).
Switch to a backup device—your phone in ProRAW or a second camera.
Adjust your approach: Shoot intentionally, wait for stronger moments, focus on composition.

Clients remember how you handle stress more than they’ll notice a few missed frames.

The Bottom Line

Running out of space mid-shoot is preventable—but only if you respect the digital side of your craft. Organization, backups, and preparation aren’t side notes—they’re part of being a professional.

Your photos are worth making space for. Literally.