Plan ahead for your own (and others’) safety, and for best use of the equipment.
SAFETY:
1. Watch where you’re going with a camera. Don’t get so caught up in the viewfinder that you walk off the sidewalk.
2. Wear sensible shoes. A slip can damage many important things: a $5K+ camera, and more importantly, your spine!
3. Don’t ask or encourage a colleague to go anywhere you wouldn’t go.
4. Watch your colleagues’ backs…espy if they’re shooting (see tip #1).
5. Keep lights out of the way of passers-by, and find ways to steady all stands. Lights are hot and bulbs can explode. Light stands are not reliable in busy areas.
6. NEVER leave the camera unattended, especially on the tripod.
7. Dress cables (leave slack) and tape them down for safety.
8. If you have to shoot from the street, make sure you have a spotter, for oncoming traffic.
9. Don’t shoot while you’re driving.
LIFTING STUFF: Use proper lift procedures, says an expert at CBC TV
1. Take a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart
2. Squat down to lift; get as close as you can.
3. Get a secure grip; “hug” the load.
4. Lift gradually, using your legs. Keep load close to you, keep back and neck straight.
5. Once standing, change directions by pointing your feet and turning your whole body. Avoid twisting at your waist.
6. To put load down, use these guidelines in reverse.
7. Don’t be a cowboy. Ask for help.
LIGHTS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT:
When plugging in, be sure that all equipment plugged and unplugged is in the OFF position to avoid creating an arc at the power receptacle.
Run your connected extension cables backwards, from the lights to AC outlets before plugging in.
All electrical distribution systems should be elevated so as not to come in contact with running or standing water. This also applies to extension cables on wet ground. Water underfoot makes you much more conductive to ground.
Bring masking or duct tape to dress cables and keep them tidy.
SANITY AND GOOD MANNERS: --You’re ready to roll: Did you remember to bring tape?
--“I thought you weren’t rolling!” is no excuse. When you are in a studio or around a camera, don’t swear or behave in ways that may embarrass you later when a tape slips into the wrong playback machine.
--Mics and wind socks: Don’t go home without them.
--Return your gear NEATLY STORED and CHARGED whenever possible. (Note: Events such as the start of happy hour are not outside the bounds of “whenever possible”.)
--Advise Kevin in writing of any problems with the equipment.
GENERAL SAFETY AND SANITY TIPS:
--Don’t go into even slightly dangerous situations alone (with or without a camera, for that matter). You are a student, not MacGyver. |
