By James Booth
Take a page from the Boy Scout Handbook and, "Be prepared!" Murphy's Law affects pretty much every aspect of our lives, and photo shoots seem to invite Murphy to come out and play. Photo shoots can be difficult enough as it is, you don't something going wrong and putting a fly in the ointment. With a little foresight and preparation, you'll get the best images possible from every photo shoot, whether you're just taking snapshots, or playing the roll of a paid professional photographer.
Preparation begins at home. Adequate preparation prior to any photo shoot is one thing that I can't stress enough. Check all of your equipment before you leave. Test it, and then check it again.
First, you'll want to make sure your camera is clean. I won't go into a long description here of how to clean a camera, because I've already done that. For more information on how to clean your camera, I'll refer you to my earlier article, "Keeping your camera clean" in the March 2005 issue of Connected Photographer Magazine at http://www.connectedphotographer.com/issues/issue200502/00001505001.html.
Next, make sure you have enough of the supplies you'll be using. If you're shooting film, make sure you have enough. However much you think you'll need, double it, and then triple it again. It's better to have too much and not need it than to run out. Besides, it's not like you can't use the extra film later.
If you're using a medium-format camera and have more than one film carrier, load them all before you leave. It'll save time when you've finished a roll and need to reload. Even better, enlist an assistant to reload them while you're shooting to ensure a continuous flow of film.
If you're using a digital camera, make sure you have extra media of whatever kind the camera takes, (i.e., CompactFlash, SD card, Memory Stick, CDR, or whatever). Again, it's better to have too much than not enough. You never know when one of those cards or CDs is going to be corrupt, and you don't want to be stuck without extras.
Speaking of corrupt cards, verify the read and write capability of the cards on the computer before the shoot. And just because you can buy cards in ridiculous capacities, like 1GB and higher, that doesn't mean you should. You may be able to put an entire shoot on one card, but what if the card corrupts or is damaged before you download the images? They're gone that's what.
You're better off using several cards of 256MB or 500MB capacity. The more cards you use, the less you'll lose. And here's a little tip when it comes to storage cards...Reformat them after every use; they'll last longer than if you just delete them.
The same goes for batteries. Make sure you put fresh batteries in your camera before you leave, and have at least one extra set of replacements. If you use an external flash, that's something else that'll need batteries, and they can eat up batteries pretty quick. Make sure you have plenty on hand, at least two sets of new batteries for each flash. If you have an AC adapter for your flash units, plug it in and connect the flash to make sure it works ahead of time.
Make sure all the contacts on your equipment are clean, that your flashes fire and cycle appropriately, and that any slave flashes are working. If you use any type of remote shutter release, such as a bulb activator or an IR remote, make sure they're functioning properly and have spare batteries. Test your light/flash meter and make sure it has fresh batteries.
An inexpensive tripod will go a long way to improving any shots that don't have to be hand held. I couldn't hold a camera steady if my life depended on it, so I rely on my tripod as a necessary extension of the camera. Check all the legs, locks, joints, connectors, swivels, and other features your tripod has to make sure it's working properly and still supports your camera.
The same goes for your light stands, reflectors, and backdrop stands. If you'll be using a backdrop, inspect it for rips, tears, stains, or any other defect that could have occurred the last time it was used. If you plan on using any specific props, get them out and put them with your gear so you won't forget them.
If you work with models, keep a small make-up kit with your gear in case they need a touch-up. Most professional models will bring their own make-up, hair care products, and several changes of clothes, but it's nice to have this stuff available for them. Besides, it can be used as props. Speaking of models, always carry blank copies of your model release in case you need one. I keep mine right in the camera bag. You'd surprised how often you don't need to get a release, but if you're ever in doubt, cover yourself and get one signed.
If you have specific shots or poses you want to take, write them down so you won't forget. In fact, it's a good idea to write down an outline of how you want the entire shoot to run. It'll make things go much smoother if you don't have to think about what to do next. Some photographers like to keep track of each shot by recording the shutter speed, film speed (or film speed equivalent if digital), lens and aperture, and flash settings. This is nice as it allows you to reproduce the shot later if you'd like. On occasion, someone may ask how you got that shot; if you record your shots you'll be able to tell them.
Photo shoots don't have to stressful or difficult. A minor amount of preparation ahead of time will ensure everything runs smooth at the location. Basically what it comes down to is, test all of your equipment ahead of time and again at the site. If you do, everything will run like clockwork and you'll be much happier with the results of the shoot. Good luck and good shooting.
James Booth is the Senior Editor for ZATZ Publishing. In addition to writing for Computing Unplugged and Connected Photographer, he's the author of Do-It-Yourself Wedding Photography. A self-taught photographer, James also dabbles in digital graphics and has learned to be a PC and Palm specialist through personal trial and error. James can be reached at jbooth@zatz.com.