Preparing for a photographic shoot on location

When performing a location shoot, there are many situations, variables, equipment and other things we need to take into account to ensure that we are fully prepared these things are:

Weather; If the shoot is out in the elements, weather will play a key factor in the success of failure of the shoot, depending on which is intended we need to make sure the weather will be acceptable for the desired outcome. In order to almost 100% assure that the weather will play in our favour, ways in which we can do this is to check the weather forecast beforehand either online, on the TV or from the newspaper. This is still not completely accurate as the weather has been proven to be temperamental and on the day could fail to be whats expected. If bad weather occurs, the photographer can either postpone the shoot if the desired image cannot be created to its full potential in the unexpected situation or the photographer can work with what they've got and still produce the desired result or still even exceed expectations.

Subject; If using a subject or numerous subjects, communication is the most important factor without communication there are many problems that could occur, some of these are;

Availability; Assuring that the subject will be available for the shoot, this can be assured by booking their time well in advance.

Transport; If the subject is unable to travel to the location then provisions need to made in order for the subject to obtain transport to the location.

Communication; If the subject isn't completely clear of everything thats going on, then problem will definitely start to arise. If the subject has no idea as to the style or purpose of the shoot, then they will be very much stuck in understanding what it is you want of them, like what positions to take, clothing, what to wear and how to wear it and if the shoot desires controversial aspects like nudity partial/full, to be grotesque of nature or for the subject to do something which is possible to endanger their safety, problems with co-operation could arise.

Equipment; When shooting on location there are many aspects of equipment issues that need to be taken into account to avoid any unreasonable situations;

Power supply; any equipment in need of an external power supply will call for the need of a generator (which also needs fuel for itself) or any other power supply, this will have to be taken into account. Equipment that relies on the use of a battery pack is far more reasonable and should be prioritised above equipment in need of an external power supply, but this still could pose problems with battery life expectancy, assuring the batteries are fully charged and spares are available can accommodate this event.

If the weather is raining, windy, snowing (wether intentional or unintentional) or any other bad weather occurrences, equipment safety needs to be taken into consideration, this could be the use of batteries to avoid electrical power issues. Protection of equipment from the elements, like a a solid structure to contain equipment, a rain cover/case to 'proof' the equipment. Being sure to have all equipment that could possibly needed at your disposal, taking into account all eventualities, adequate equipment is needed to overcome this for example; if location is darker than expected a flash will be in order, if the shoot requires a self portrait a tripod and remote release could be needed and if lighting is needed away from the camera position i.e.. meters away from the camera like behind the subject, then a remote trigger is needed for the camera to trigger the flash externally. Cargo of equipment; as by now the list of equipment is most likely quite extensive it is imperative for the equipment to arrive in safety, this can usually be easily accomplished by car or if the equipment is well packed and is compact then generally can be carried securely on the photographers person, assuming all the equipment is well concealed in cases and bags. Reliable equipment should only be used, if previous problems with equipment have occurred then equipment should be thoroughly checked and would be recommendable to only use completely reliable equipment.

The Location; depending on the location itself, permission may be needed in order to photograph there without bother from any authorities or owners of the land. Permission can be acquired by either directly asking for the land owners or if unable to directly ask the landowners then contact details can be obtained from the local council or if council owned land then permission can be obtained by contacting them. If the location is within enclosed land i.e. fenced off or within a building then permission is imperative and it may be a case of requesting along with permission, the accompaniment of a key holder to allow you access. Generally permission will be easily obtainable if the landowner is promised copies of the pictures acquired and as long as the land owner is not put out of their way for your gain. Risk assessment is highly important when a subject and equipment are involved with risk assessment the main things to take into consideration are:

Awareness of surroundings in which you are located, this could be a case of equipment safety when using electrical equipment around in a wet environment, if a building is derelict, awareness of rubble, debris, unstable objects that could inhibit safety for your equipment and subject. If the subject involves the the danger of safety for both you, your subject and equipment, then it is crucial that you embark on the shoot at your own risk of yours, your equipments and subjects safety 

Risk assessment is a crucial part to every shoot regardless of its purpose, if anything goes wrong and anyone is injured responsibility will most likely fall into the hands of the photographer.

Contingency plan: If a backup plan is not made then a certainty that can be relied on is in an emergency all will crumble and failure will be inevitable, failing to plan is planning to fail.