Even on the best of days, things can go wrong; that is Sod’s Law. And the general rule of thumb is that IF it can go wrong, it will.

In my book and experience, ‘wrong’ doesn’t necessarily mean “break”. There are lots of “wrongs” that can affect the videographer / photographer so I decided to compile a list that could be turned into a check list.

Feel free to add to this via the Comments box (you’ll have to create a login first, - see top right – but its free).

1. All batteries are charged and there are enough spares
2. Add one extra spare battery just in case, in a separate case
3. You have enough SD cards / tapes, all clean and checked
4. See #2 but for SD cards / tapes
   
5. You have a charger with you, a multi-plug-power board and enough USB chargers and USB cables
6. USB is not called U-Sonofa-Bitch for nothing. Cables fail. Check ‘em as the plug part can get sloppy.
7. Carry the equipment’s manuals with you as these often contain troubleshooting tips and contact phone numbers. You may also need to refer for specific functions. Getting PDF versions on your tablet or even phone at a pinch is an even better idea.
8. Make sure you have a tripod!
9. Make sure you have extra lighting
10. Make sure you have an umbrella
11. A tool kit of tweezers, cotton wool, lens cleaner and jeweller’s screwdriver kit is invaluable
12. An “occy” strap to secure a camera if required is useful
13. Double check that any couriers you are relying on know where to go! And they are aware of critical timing.
    

As mentioned, feel free to add to the list!

Oh and lookout for our new Auscam Online YouTube channel!

By David Hague

David is the owner and publisher of AusCam Online. He has a background in media dating back to 1979 when he first got involved with photojournalism in motorsport, and went from there into technology via a 5 year stint with Tandy Computers. Following that, he ran a software distribution company on the Gold Coast and was one of the first to recognise the potential of Microsoft Windows.

Moving back to WA, David wrote scripts for Computer Television for video training for the just released Windows and Office 95 among others, and was then lured to Sydney to create web sites for the newly commercial Internet in 1995, building hundreds of sites under contract to OzEmail including Coates Hire, Hertz Queensland, John Williamson, the NSW Board of Studies and many, many more.

He went back into full time journalism as the Managing Editor for Channel 7's 'Gadget Guy', Peter Blasina's publications VideoCamera and Pixelmag, before starting Australasian Camcorder magazine when these publications were shelved. He lives at Sydney's Avalon Beaches nearly on the ocean front with dog Budweiser and in his spare time is a nut for motor sport, road safety, fishing, science fiction - especially Dr Who - and technology.

David can be contacted via david@auscamonline.com