The ‘recce’1. Are there any potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk where

your photo shoot will take place (trailing cables/traffic/other objects)?

Hazard Why is it a hazard? How to prevent this hazard?

Cables You may trip over cables that are not covered

Cover all cables with either gaffa tape or some form of rubber protector. (This also helps to stop the cable from breaking)

Lights Lights can grow very hot and if they are rigged onto the ceiling, they may fall.

Place a warning sign if the lights tend to get too hot and if the lighting rig is getting changed, shout “below” to let people that they need to move. Also make sure the lights are secured to other objects to prevent them from falling even more.

Liquids If a liquid gets near electrical equipment, it can corrode objects, cause a fire or electrocute someone.

Not bringing in liquids to the area is the best way to prevent these issues. However, also having a bottle that prevents leakage also helps.

2. Have you considered the background to your photos, particularly if taken outside? How will you ensure you will get the background you want?

I want the background to be white because it is easier to change rather than taking it outside with a background already there. White is also a very bright colour and is fits different colour schemes better than reds and blues for example.

3. Have you considered lighting? What about the ‘problems’ of natural lighting, either outside, or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that might spoil the effect?

The only issue with lighting is the lights hitting off of a pair of glasses but glasses are not used in the shoot and so there are no issues with lighting. Flash would be used if it was outside to stop the sun dimming the person in front of the camera but I will not be shooting outside and it will be in a studio with 3 point lighting.

4. Do you need permission to take photos in the place/venue you have in mind?

Permission is needed due to the shoot taking place on a University Campus, but permission has already been given via email.

5. Do you need to book time in a room (e.g. the photography studio at Shiney)?

A studio will be booked to get the best results for my magazine along with studios having all of the equipment needed.

6. Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends’ equipment/models? How have you planned that these things will come together at the appointed time? Plan B?

I am highly reliant due to planning everything myself. There is no Plan B because I am highly confident that it will not be needed. However, if there should be any issues, I will move to an outside area to shoot with a relatively plain background.

7. Finally, have you thought of every eventuality…?

Yes I have. If there are any issues, they will be quickly resolved due to not being able to waste time.