Because of the needs of an associate recently, I feel it's important to list some items here, that I don't think a studio photographer should ever have just one of. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, but it should cover the major items that could end your shoot early.
- Batteries
- If you have any battery powered devices, remember to have at least one extra set of batteries for each of these devices. Don't forget that you need extra batteries for your camera, flash, wireless senders and or receivers, winders, meters, etc..
- Keep in mind that not all batteries are created equally and many can be dead when you take them out of the package. So check your batteries before you head for the job.
- Flash Meter
- If you drop your flash meter and destroy it while you're on a job, will you be able to finish the shoot?
- If you're shooting digital or using Polaroids for testing you may be able to survive without your flash meter, but it may take a little more time for setup.
- Sync Cords
- Whatever type of system your using for strobes, you almost always have need for at least one sync cord, even if it's just for your flash meter. Your local mass merchant is not likely to have sync cords available, so be sure you have at least one backup that fits your particular system.
- Keep in mind that you may need short sync cords to go from your flash meter to your wireless sender or from your wireless receivers to your strobes.
- Flash Tubes / Replacement bulbs
- Most strobe systems use flash tubes that are specific to that system. You should have a backup for each size and type of lamp you're using.
- Don't forget that modeling lamps can also be important during your shoot and you should be able to replace them in case of accidents.
- Strobe Heads
- Whether you're using monolights are power pack systems, you should have extra heads to replace any head that is important for your shoot. Accidents do happen and your shoot could end quickly if you don't have backup.
- Sometime you may be able to supplement your strobes with screw-in slaves. This can provide you with a low-cost backup strobe also.
- Power Packs
- If you're using a power pack based strobe system, you've got to be prepared for the day when your power pack dies.
- Even if your power pack doesn't die, you should be able to replace it during a high intensity shoot if it gets hot. A hot power pack could blow fuses or circuit breakers and cause long delays in your shoot.
- Fuses
- Most strobe systems use fuses on heads and/or power packs. Make sure you've got some available.
- Check all equipment for fuses and be sure you have replacements for each.
- Extension Cords
- Depending on where you shoot, you can never have too many extension cords.
- Make sure your electrical extensions are heavy enough to not get hot under the load they are supporting.
- This also applies to extensions for your strobe heads on power pack systems.
- Soft Boxes & Umbrellas
- Even during transit things can get damaged (or lost). You may not carry extra soft boxes, but you should at least have umbrellas to be used in the place of a damaged or missing soft boxes.
- Light Stands
- Carry at least one extra light stand that is big enough to support your largest light head. The possibility of damage to one stand should not be a reason to terminate your shoot.
- Counterweights
- The most common way for a strobe head, bulb, soft box, umbrella, or light stand to get damaged is by being knocked over. Use weight bags or clamp-on weights to stabilize and protect your equipment.
- Camera Body & Lenses
- You're not going to take many pictures if your only camera body or lens becomes damaged.
- Film and/or Memory Media
- Even film and memory media cards can have failures. Don't go out to the job with just enough film or just one memory card.
- Hot Shoe Adapter
- If you're using an adapter to connect your camera to a strobe system, be sure you've got a backup.
- You may want to carry an infrared sender and slave trigger as a backup system. It's a little slower, but will keep you shooting.
©2006 - J R Cowell
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