Pre Shoot

[rhoffart]

Ok, my question of the day … what type of pre-shoot routine do you go through, do you use a checklist? Is there anything pre-printed –or- did you create your own. I’m sure most of ya’ll that been shooting for a while just grab your gear and go … but as a newbie I found out through practice there was something I forgot about or left at home. I tried making one in excel but not sure if I left something off … my first attempt at a checklist
Thanks for any feedback

[adirty1]

Prior planning makes perfect pictures. The four P's of photography. It really depends on the shoot. If it's a wedding or portrait I pretty much have everything ready to go. I normally go over the shoot in my head and make a list and a drawing for commercial work and even some portraits. A simple drawing of how I want the lights and where the model and camera will be. Then I can make my list from that. I always keep the usually items in my bag. Big spring clips and small ones, gaffers tape (black), Sharpie, large trash bag(rain) extra bags if using power packs, clothes pins for pinning back clothes on the model. Just because it's their clothes does not mean they fit right. blotting make up paper that you can get from the drug store. works great to reduce the shine on some one and wont take off make up.

Other than that it's thought out before the shoot and drawn out then laid out to pack up before I leave. I always bring a cooler of drinks for a client when shooting on location and some healthy and unhealthy treats.

Normally my equipment needs change from shoot to shoot. Just depends on the look I am going for as to what gear I need. Drawing it out seems to really help me know exactly what I need and how I am going to do something. And knowing the location helps a lot too. Some wedding locations I know I need a tripod or mono pod because you cant use flash during the wedding.

[rhoffart]

thanks Adam, I like the drinks and snacks idea

[adirty1]

sure thing. letting your client have a drink or something to eat can really make them feel much more relaxed. things are not so rushed just because some one is thirsty and wants to leave.