Nature-Wildlife The photography and behavior of African and North American mammals and birds


© Copyright Spook, 1996





Photographic assignments that involve work away from the studio require the use of varying pieces of equipment. The following checklist is intended to suggest the type of equipment most often needed for location photography. Consider it an idea list which you can use as a starter, and make your own list, adding items that you find necessary and eliminating those that do not apply to your type of location photography.

In addition to the equipment list, suggested preparatory routine and a follow-up routine upon return to the studio are included.

There are several lists depending upon what type of photography you plan to do away from your home or studio.


You would need a truck to haul all of the items in the following list, so only those items absolutely necessary should be included.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ITEMS


There are a number of extra items necessary that will allow a photographic shoot to be a success:

Extra Flash sync cords
Filters (regardless of need)
Extra batteries
Extra power pack (if flash units are used)
Changing Bag
Extra light meter
Gray card
Instruction Manual (Camera)
Instruction Manuals for all equipment carried
Extra tripod
Film x-ray Bags (Traveling)

TOOL KIT

All of the tools should be carried in some type of pouch normally sold at outdoor shops or specialty stores. Whenever possible the tools should be functional gadgets or those that are in combinations to reduce weight and size.


Swiss Army Knife (should have a can opener, scissors, leather punch)
Leatherman Tool
Screwdrivers (like a Sear's 4-in-1, which has Phillips and regular tips)
Wire cutters (small)
Jewelers screw drivers (comes in sets)
Scissors
Tape measurer (25 foot rule, one foot ruler, and a 6 inch ruler)
Hammer (small)
Spring clamps ( 4 small)
Staple gun and staples
Nails, bolts, brads, and screws (miscellaneous assortment)
Tape (masking, gaffers, electrical, duct tape)
Allen wrenches (set, metric and US)
Vice grips (small and large)
Channel locks (medium)
Saw (hack, and small wood type)
Folding shovel or trowel
Chalk (yellow or white)
Two three prong to two prong electrical adapter
Flashlight
50 foot extension cord (optional)
Heavy string or twine
Foreign adapter plug (if applicable)
Super glue

FIRST AID KIT

The first aid kit should contain items for specific areas that a photographer may be in. Special first aid item information for a particular area can be obtained from state health departments, embassies, consulates, travel guides, World Health Organization, AAA, and recent magazine articles.
Band aids (box of assorted)
1-Magnifying glass
1-Tweezers (sharp pointed)
2-Eye pads
1-Gauze Bandage 2"
5-Gauze pads 4"
1-Triangular bandage
1-Adhesive tape 1" x 2½ yds
5-Sting relief wipes
3-Wound wipes
1-tube of Bacitracian
3-Ammonia Inhalants
1- Burn Ointment (tube)
1-Hydrogen Peroxide (small plastic bottle)
1-Bottle of Aspirin (small bottle)
1-Bottle of Pain Reliever (non-aspirin type)
1-Cold pack
2-Reflective Thermal blankets
1-Eye irrigate (small bottle)
1-First Aid instruction manual
Sun block (small bottle)
Q-Tips (small box)
Sting stick
Chapstick
Hand lotion
Anti-diarrhea medicine

MISCELLANEOUS

These items are normally of a personal nature and each photographer provides his/her own unique items.
12-1 Gal Zip-lock plastic bags
Insect spray
4 Foot of Velcro
Chicken or beef bouillon
12-Rubber bands
Package of hard candy that doesn't melt easily
Binoculars (small)
Knife, fork, spoon combination
Extra hat
Rain poncho
3-Garbage bags (large)
Seasoning (special seasoning that may not be found where you may be)
Photographic Reference Book
Other reading material (optional)
1-Pair of Sun glasses
2-Pencils
2-Pens
2-Permanent marking pens (black)
2-Small notebooks (3x5 or journalist type)
Micro tape recorder
6-Extra tapes for recorder
Small flashlight
Extra batteries for flashlight
Compass
2 Small packages of tissues
Weatherproofed map of area
Identification books
6-Assorted safety pins
Tea bags or instant coffee
Sugar
Cream
3 or 6 foot ladder
Pepper gas or Tear gas (rabid animals)
Safety Matches or Lighter

PHOTO VEST

The photo vest is useful for carrying items that are needed frequently. The vest itself should be comfortable and functional.
Micro recorder
Snacks (hard candy or jerky)
Lens cleaning cloth
Special medicines
Passport or ID w/ money
Extra keys to luggage & whatever
Pen or pencil
Tissue (small pkg.)
Small pocket knife
Light meter
Extra film
Small brush for cleaning camera
Sun block (small bottle)
Toothbrush
Personal hygiene (women)
International credit card
International telephone card
Pepper gas or tear gas (Rabid animals)