Fifteen Freebies for Photowalking Fun

On the eve of the 2nd Annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, it seems appropriate to include a checklist of things you should be doing today and tonight (if you’ve not done them already).  I’d done a post like this before so this is somewhat repetitive but since it’s been a year, probably the content could use a little of a dusting.  So, here’s my photo walk checklist Round Two!

  1. Charge your batteries, and the spares!
  2. Clean your lenses, wipe them down and use lens cleaner to get everything spiffy.
  3. Decide what items you will be taking with you and what you’ll be leaving behind.
  4. Pack your gear and make a list on a 3×5 card of everything you will have.  That way you can check against that at the end of the day to make sure you return home with everything you took in.
  5. If you have a garage or other secured area for your car, try packing your car the night before, so that way you know you won’t forget anything.
  6. Speaking of cards, if you have any business cards or calling cards, take a stack of them to stuff into your pack or pocket – it’s all a part of networking, and learning from like-minded people.
  7. Since we’re on the subject of networking, with the digital world we live in, it’s often just as easy to make a few notes when you’re sitting around the coffee shop chimping your shots, so take your Blackberry, Ipod, or cell phone with you – every phone I’ve ever seen has a notepad feature.  If someone suggests a site to go to (like Canon Blogger!), you have a way to jot it down right there.
  8. A pen and paper or real notepad is a good idea.  What if you take a shot of someone and they don’t have a card or anything to write with and want a copy?  Have ’em write it down for you.
  9. Check the weather beforehand and plan your clothing accordingly.  This also means perhaps including some protective elements like towels and such for your camera gear in case there is a chance of rain.
  10. Get a good nights sleep.
  11. Verify the starting time and place for the shoot.
  12. Print out a map of how to get there, especially if the location is unfamiliar to you.
  13. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the departure time.  This allows for traffic, and other unforeseeable circumstances.  No one wants to be the last to arrive either.
  14. Pack a few munchies (granola bars, pretzels, etc.) and maybe a bottle of water or two if you will be out away from stores and things like that – nothing ruins an otherwise fun photo walk like hunger or thirst.
  15. Have fun!

So, I’ve added a few things to the checklist – last year it was at 10, this year it’s 15.  Next year, yup, there will probably be 20!  It never hurts to plan ahead.  Here’s to a successful photo walk for everyone.  Happy shooting and we’ll see you back here on Monday!

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