While I pride myself on being a very organized person, life happens and things do go wrong.
For example, I recently went on a shoot only to realize that I was missing a couple of light stands. It’s times like this that separate the amateurs from the pros; through years of training and experience, I confidently handle situations like this.
I didn’t panic. I surveyed the situation and took note of my resources. Luckily it was a rainy day and I brought along an umbrella. Using my best Boy Scout problem-solving skills and doing my best MacGyver impersonation, I was able to create makeshift light stands by lashing my umbrella to a chair and using my equipment cart for another; the shoot went off without a hitch.
On my journey to achieving my Eagle Scout rank, I learned so many life skills like leadership, problem-solving, and the ever useful art of knot tying, that apply to this day. Above all, I have embraced the motto to “Be Prepared!”
As such, I have developed equipment checklists for different types of
shoots to be best prepared for each situation and to help minimize potential problems. A quick check of the appropriate list, load up the car, and off I go.