Podcast and site suggestion

Recently, I 'stumbled' on a great site and podcast. CameraDojo.com
It is produced by two professional photographers with years of experience and plenty of great tips.  Even if you are not a professional photographer, there are plenty of tremendous tips from these two guys.  On a recent podcast they discussed the need for a check list prior to an event.  Although the check list they discussed is geared toward weddings, I suggest utilizing a check list regardless of the event you are shooting.  This includes your kids [nephew, niece, friends kids, etc] event.

Your list may vary depending on the event you are shooting or the type of camera you use.  However, I do suggest a basic check list you go over the night before the event and a double check prior to running walking out the door.

Since most of us live a 'full' life and there never appears to be enough time, a check list is invaluable. 

1. Camera.  Yup, this should be obvious but if you use a camera bag, there is a chance you took the camera from the bag to show off to your new friend/neighbor and never put it back.
2. Film. [Digital or regular]  If you use a digital camera, there is no need to carry around the 36 roll fill you bought in high school.  I carry with me 5 - 4 gig CF cards for my camera.  Each card will hold approximately 220 images [shot in RAW].  I would rather have more 'smaller' cards than one large card.  Keep in mind it is my preference.  There are many photographers that use one LARGE card and never remove it when shooting.  There are arguments for and against large cards.  Today's large card is tomorrow's small card.  
3. Format all of your cards in your camera prior to leaving your house.  Yes, after you unload your cards to your machine and back-up the images format your cards in your camera.  My suggestion is not to format the cards in your computer but in your camera.  Do not 'just' delete the images from the cards.  
4. Batteries.  If your camera uses a rechargeable [proprietary] battery, ensure it is charged the night before.  I suggest multiple batteries.  I was on a shoot last winter and the battery was on its last leg and the cold weather accelerated its demise.  Thank God I had a spare battery with me.  If your camera uses AA batteries, I suggest buying a set of rechargeable batteries.  Do not rely on the alkaline batteries you find for a few cents at the counter of Wal-Mart.  If the event is important enough for you to bring your camera then it is important enough for you to use good batteries.
5. Batteries 2.  Do some research on the different types of rechargeable batteries.  I plan to post a review on a few new systems in the future.  
6. Flash.  If you use an external flash, ensure it is in your bag and its batteries are charged.  
7. Lens.  If you use a dSLR or even a compact that takes add-on lenses, ensure you put in your bag the lens you will need for the event.  Only you know the lens you will use for each event but it is important to check if you have the correct equipment the night before the event.  It is not a good thing to arrive to the event missing the lens you need.
8. Name of the event coordinator.  I suggest contacting someone in charge long before the event to find out where you can stand and if you can use a flash if needed.  [I will post more on this in a future post.]  Never be afraid to ask for a special place to stand.  
   
9. Smile.  Yes, it is important not to forget your smile.  In the hurried up world we live in, it is easy to forget our smile at home.  :-)
10. Have fun!

Both images were taken at Buttermilk Falls near Beaver Falls, PA [Please refer to my previous post or my site for more info.]

The images were taken hand-held but leaning on a log for support.  [I suggest wearing 'old' clothes when traveling in the woods looking for places to take pictures.  You never know what you will be leaning on.  :-)]    
Till next time!