I have heard of others making checklists to make sure they are ready for their task at hand. However, I have yet to make any formal written checklist, but I travel frequently and am pretty good about thinking through my "virtual" checklists in my head. I don't recall leaving anything that was critical behind. The worse I have probably done was forgetting socks or other clothing which was easily resolved with a trip to Walmart. Given my travel experience and a good record of remembering what I need, I felt I didn't need a physical checklist. Well, I am here to tell you, memory is not the best checklist to use.

When going on a photo shoot of any kind it can be the small items that are critical. On a particular trip to the Oxbow in Lawrenceburg, IN. I forgot to bring my bug repellant (sometimes I apply it before leaving).  While I survived, it would have more enjoyable without being dinner for some insects.

I also, was not diligent in a recent portrait photoshoot for a friend's children with their cousins when they were in town. I am trying to practice doing some portrait photoshoots and this was one of my practice shoots and she benefited in that I created some pretty cool photos for her. BUT, yes... But, partway through my memory card was full. I had not cleared my card from previous shoots so there was not a lot of room. I did have extra cards, but I had to stop and swap out cards for a short (30 minute) mini session. I should never have to change cards in a short session due to a full card.

So in a short span of seven days, I had two photoshoots that were not well planned.  This blog post is a promise to me to have a few printed checklists that remind me of all the small things. The act of looking at any checklist will make me make sure I have memory cards and batteries, but some items are not so obvious such as bug repellant or maybe the camera rain jacket, etc.

My thought is to have a few very short checklists that line up with the purpose of the photoshoot. I will share what develops between now and my next post.