FILMING IN THE MOST WILD OF LOCATIONS

Not everyone can be successful working outside a studio environment. As much as there are times when I wish JD Milazzo and I had had access to a studio early in our careers, there something to be said for our having been forced to work everywhere but in a studio. Everything we learned in those early days, often working in miserable conditions, taught us everything we know, especially how to think about light. It wasn’t easy, and, sometimes it wasn’t fun. But we are better photographers because we did.

I understand why many photographers prefer studio work. Studio work provides predictability, and many photographers don’t like change. Many of the photographers I have known don’t have the problem solving skills required to solve problems in the field, so working in a studio makes life less stressful. Figure out how to light your studio once, and chance are, you won’t have to do so again. I get that – and I get the need for predictability. However, working in the same place all the time under controlled circumstances won’t improve your photography.

So, the best advise I can give you is get out of the studio, our of your comfort zone, and get creative!

LEANING TO BE SAFE

Working on location can be dangerous. Once, in Honduras, about 60 miles from the nearest “town,” I fell on my back and cracked a number of ribs. Fortunately for me, I have a high tolerance for pain – and I wasn’t alone. When we work in dangerous situations, we never work alone. If something were to go wrong, the consequences could be catastrophic if I were alone. Here are some things we do to make sure we are safe:

• Make sure someone knows where you are going before you leave – even if you aren’t going to be alone.
• Even if you are headed into an area where you cell phone won’t work, bring your phone – and make sure it is fully charged. Why? Your phone checks in with cellular towers regularly and rescue workers will be able to follow you path. In fact, your cell phone is like a beacon, and even without service, chances are you can be found.
• I even carry a lithium-ion charger with my phone. I can get 3-4 full charges out of it. This increases my chances of surviving.
• Bring food. I prefer trail mix. I can carry a lot and it doesn’t weigh much or spoil.
• Don’t forget a small medical kit – bandages, Neosporin….
• Get in shape. Stay in shape.
• Practice worst case scenarios. This could save your life.
• When all goes wrong, stay calm.

Post by Falcon