Check List

The following points are simply a few suggestions towards producing your own check list for use before going out on a photo shoot, irrespective of whether it is a day out or a photographic holiday.

Please note that some of the points below mainly refer to D-SLR camera bodies, however the principle of these notes remain the same no matter whether your camera body is a film, D-SLR, or in fact a compact camera.

Before you leave home & yet very important:

1)   Check and clean all your equipment and ensure everything is functioning correctly. Blow off a few shots and check them out on your computer to guarantee all is ok. If you use a  portable storage device or laptop computer, check these out as well; don't take these items for granted. With D-SLRs this will not cost you a penny, but may save you pounds.

2)   For film users checkout your camera in advance, also checking the loading and unloading mechanism.

3)   Familiarise/refresh yourself with all the basic and regularly used functions on your equipment. Don't forget to pack your instruction booklets, especially if you would like some additional advice on your techniques. Your workshop leader may not be familiar with your specific equipment.

4)   Is your gear covered on your home or holiday insurance policy, in fact is it insured at all? Is it covered for the purpose and places you will be visiting? I suggest first looking at your home contents policy.

5)   Produce a list of equipment complete with all the appropriate serial numbers, leave one copy at home and take one with you. This may save you considerable time at "Customs" points apart from being very handy if anything untoward where to happen.

Accessories, some of which are extremely essential:

1)   Spare batteries for all camera bodies, flash guns, remotes, storage devices, etc. If you use rechargable batteries don't forget the chargers, mains cable voltage adaptors and if you have numerous electrical items which will require recharging it may be worth taking a 240V 13Amp multi socket block.

2)   Spare memory cards and/or films.

3)   A notebook, pen, pencil, penknife, cleaning brush & cloth, hotshoe spirit level, plasters and headache tablets.

4)   Finally for those of you who wear glasses but do not actually wear them when taking the picture, consider using a glasses cord around your neck, as used by people who ski. It beats spoiling your holiday by placing them on the floor, then forgetting and accidently standing on them!!!

A good bag is essential - Which one?

Nowadays there are more manufactures of camera bags than ever before, in turn this is creating an enormous selection and all at very competative prices. It is always important when considering a bag , backpack or rucksack to consider some if not all of the following points:

1)   What type of bag/pack do you want and what do you want it to hold?

2)   Always purchase a bag which will provide you with some extra space for future equipment purchases and those accessories which may help to make your outing more comfortable and successful.

3)   Will you be walking very far when carrying your camera bag/rucksack? Do you require a shoulder bag, a backpack/rucksack or a belt and harness system utilizing a series of belt pouches?

4)   Be sure to check out a good selection of different bags by different manufacturers. Included in the major suppliers are LowePro, Tamrac, Domke, CCS, Billingham just to mention but a few.

5)   If you are considering going abroad with your camera gear, be sure to check the bag is airline specification freindly and NEVER put the bag in the hold!!!

6)   As an alternative to the conventional shoulder bag or rucksack why not consider trying a photographic waistcoat or a belt and pouch system as made by LowePro or Tamrac. The LowePro system is call the "Street & Field" system and is excellent. This is something I use.

7)   Ask yourself three questions: (1) What do you want the bag to provide for you?  (2) What do you want it to hold?  (3) What do you want to spend?  Finally you can always consider a second hand bag.

Gear. This list could be endless, however here is an example of what I may have with me.

What I pack is really dependent upon what I intend to want photograph, anyway here goes;

Rucksack. (A wildlife shoot)

2 x camera bodies, 1 x 500mm F4 IS lens, 1 x 300mm F4 IS Lens, 1 x 70/200mm F2.8 IS lens, 1 x 24/70mm F2.8 Lens, 1 x 16/35mm F2.8 Lens, 1 x 1.4 extender, EF12 & 25mm Extension Tubes, 1 x Flash Gun, extender and brackets,  assorted accessories and of course my sturdy Gitzo 1348 tripod and Wimberely Side Kick.

Small Bag. (A macro shoot)

2 x camera bodies, 1 x 16/35mm F2.8 Lens, 1 x 105mm F2.8 Lens, 1 x 180mm F3.5 Lens, 1.4 extender,  1 x Flash Gun, 1 x Flash Gun Transmitter, 1 x Infra-red remote control, Lastolite reflectors, assorted accessories and of course my sturdy Gitzo 1348 tripod and Wimberely Side Kick.

Additional Gear. (If I am away for more than one day)

1 x Laptop, 1 x Giga VU Pro, A complete collection of camera and lens cleaning equipment and materials.

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