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!
- Charge your batteries, and the spares!
- Clean your lenses, wipe them down and use lens cleaner to get everything spiffy.
- Decide what items you will be taking with you and what you’ll be leaving behind.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Get a good nights sleep.
- Verify the starting time and place for the shoot.
- Print out a map of how to get there, especially if the location is unfamiliar to you.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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