Image by ~Dezz~ via Flickr

#4 – Consider Your Safety

Preparation in regard to your safety is very important. Having items with you that can protect, mend, and avert catastrophe can be easily overlooked as excitement builds toward you photo excursion. Here is suggested list of items you might want to take with you.

ü First Aid Kit

ü Reflective Vest (for shooting along road and highways, or during hunting seasons)

ü Another Person (or consider a group of people)

ü Maps

ü Compass (a must if your out in the wild)

ü Emergency Stash of Food and Water

ü Two-way Radio

ü A Blanket

ü Spare change of clothes and shoes (as mentioned before)

ü Cell Phone

ü any other things you might think of…

Granted, this list sound like you are preparing for a week long photo adventure out in "boonies", but in reality all of these items would come in handy no matter where you might choose to shoot. The point is to be prepared. Most of these items can be kept on hand in your vehicle without having to haul them around on your back. It is suggested that you them handy just in case.

Of course, each photographic circumstance will have its own set of safety concerns, so look ahead and then prepare for the eventualities you foresee. Your safety is so important, because without it you may not be able to return with those really great masterpieces you created. Make the effort and prepare for your safety. You and your family will greatly appreciate it.

In the last days we hope we have given you some things to think about regard how to preparing for your photographic outings. The benefits of being prepared far out weighs the perceived hassle of getting it done. Be proactive in preparing your equipment, knowing the elements and terrain, and securing your safety. You will not regret it.

Until next time…

CbyM

Image by fryeme100 via Flickr

#3 – Know the Terrain

Figuring out what you might need in the way of clothing seems an odd thing to discuss as you prepare for your outing. How many times have you forgotten those extra pair of shoes when you have traipsed through the mud. Comfort is a large part of the relaxation required to see, feel, smell, and move as you shoot your subject.

The terrain and location of your chosen destination should absolutely be considered. It boils down to this; shorts and a tank top are not functional outer wear for the Antarctica and a parka is over kill for the Amazon. Prep for your shoot by selecting the shoes, clothing, and necessary as sundries that go with them, so they properly suit your needs on location.

Image by fryeme100 via Flickr

#2 – Check the Weather

Another part of preparing for your photographic outing is to check the weather. If you do this you will know what conditions to prepare for, or if the conditions will prevent you from going at all. This is probably one of the simplest things you can do to be prepped and ready.

Beyond just checking on the forecast for the day you have chosen to be out, you can acquire those items you may not have in order to photograph in the elements predict. For instance, you may need proper coverings for your camera and bag if it is going to be a rainy day. Or, you might need an umbrella to provide shade if you are shooting on a hot sunny day in the desert. That point is to know what you might be facing and think beyond what might happen.

Image via Wikipedia

#1 – Clean Up Before and After

One of the things that can help you get a head start when preparing for your next photographic outing is to clean your equipment. Do this before you go out and then again when you return from being out every time. Clean beyond just your lenses and lens caps.

Wipe your camera down with a dry cloth. Clean out your camera bag. Make sure your cords are properly wrapped and that your accessories are in their assigned place. De-clutter if your bag has collected anything before, during, or after your outing.

If your camera is due for a sensor cleaning get it in to be serviced or service it yourself if you know how. Clean your monopod and/or tripod toughly getting all the grit and grim out of the working parts. It sounds like a lot of work when it is listed here, but really it is not.

Even if it took you an hour to do all of this, wouldn’t be worth your time offsetting the ramifications of not doing it? Clean up before and after your outings, so you can enjoy your outings without the hassle and time waster of trying to clean up on site. It is absolutely worth the extra effort.

When you leave your home to go out and make photographs, how do you prepare? Are you someone who makes preparation over a few days or someone that flies out the door, because you are late. Maybe you are somewhere in between.

No matter where you reside on the "preparation scale", preparing for a photographic outing is a big deal. Why? If you are not prepared then you are just that; not prepared.

The results of being unprepared can be so abundantly negative that it can taint your attitude about photography. Granted, you will have done it to yourself, but still it is sad to see. Why do that to yourself when you can just "buckle down", take some time to think ahead, and prepare for what you are going to do.

Over the coming days we will give you some ideas about how you can be better prepared to "get out and shoot". We will suggest a couple of time saving ideas and ways that you can be better informed about the time you spend out making photographs.

The first comes tomorrow, so in the meantime why not think about some things on your own that might better prepare you for your next photo outing.