Part of being a Pro photographer is ensuring you can always complete an assignment, no matter what happens to your equipment.
Imagine not being able to deliver images to a client after a photo shoot because of equipment malfunction. No amount of apology will ever make up for it. You will always be the photographer who did not deliver. A reputation can be lost overnight.
Backup equipment is essential. Do you ever see a pro Tennis player with just one racket? No, they have a whole bag full of them.
This is one area of the business where I really do allow myself to be paranoid. I go by the adage - if it can happen it will happen. I always ask the "what if" questions.
What if my camera fails?
What if I drop a lens?
What if my batteries die?
What is the car doesn’t start?
What if the flashgun fails?
What if I break an ankle?
What if it rains?
What if the hard drive fails on my main pc?
What if …………
There’s probably another hundred or so what if’s.
Over the next few blog posts I’m going to cover off what my solution has been to ensure I’m like the the proverbial boy scout and always prepared.
I think it goes without saying that prevention is always better than cure. So I’m also going to look at preventing issues too.
In many cases I’m hoping the "backup" equipment is never used. The investment is there for peace of mind and insurance for me. Speaking of insurance - you’ll need that too. Remember if it can happen it will at some point and the bottom line is to CYA - cover your arse!