The common question: “Why do you have so much gear that you are not even using?”
Me: “I need the backups in case what I am using breaks.”
This was never more important than last week when I was doing a team pictures for a local school. I was setting everything up and one of my lights would not function correctly. Instead of trying to figure out what might be the problem, I quickly switched the light out with my backup. That saved me time and the stress of trying to get the light working. I was able to start on time and stay on schedule all night. The first thing I did the next morning was check out the light to see what needed to be done. Luckily it was just something that got bumped in transit so everything works now and I did not have to get it repaired or buy new.
For sports it is a little more difficult for me to carry a bunch of extra equipment. For me it comes down to what I need to get the job done and what can fill in for something that breaks. But it is not always about camera and lenses. My waist bag always has a trash bag tucked into the corner just in case that perfectly sunny day changes to rain in a blink of an eye. It has come in useful on several occasions and I have even given a few away to others that were stuck without rain protection. If a threat of rain exists, there is a least one towel in the bag and everything is kept inside waterproof and/or ziploc bags. A small towel will go in the side pocket on my right side so I can easily dry that hand before touching the camera. I can give all kinds of tips on how to shoot in the rain after the past football season but I will resists for now.
I always have two cameras with me on a shoot. On many occasions I will not even use it but it is there just in case. What would I do if one broke and I had no backup? Ask everyone to just hang out until I can get another camera? I’m not that important so that is definitely not going to happen.
Part of being prepared, I think, is building a good relationship with your vendor. While like everyone else, I do not like to overpay for things, I do not mind paying a little more if it comes with great customer service. I can build a relationship with that one store so if I am ever in trouble maybe they can help me get something a little faster. My goal was to find a store in driving distance so they were never more than a few hours away if I was desperate and could not wait for next day delivery. I love the store I found. They always answer my questions without making me feel stupid and do not try to sell me more than I need. Got to love that from a store!
Hope this was helpful to those of you who may have been debating about buying some backup equipment. Comments and questions are always welcome.
