The Photo & Video Emergency Kit
A Portrait Photographer & Videographer's Life Saving Essentials For Every Shoot
You know this has happened to you–a wardrobe malfunction, a hair out of place, a gust of wind disrupting a shoot. It’s what so many photographers and videographer’s have experienced, and what so many clients fear. But fear not. With proper planning, you can ensure each session goes as smoothly as possible. But there are always those rare “emergencies” that arise where something just won’t go as planned. Enter the Photo & Video Emergency Kit, life-saving essentials for every photography and videography session that will put both you and your client at ease.
Gaffer's Tape
Gaffer’s Tape is crucial on set as it can be used in a multitude of ways. Originally designed for gaffers in Hollywood, this has now come to be a staple of photographers and videographers alike. It doesn’t leave any sticky residue like other tapes can, and it won’t leave any marks or remove paint from walls. This is great to use to spike a mark on the floor, tape on a gel, hold up a backdrop, tape a diffuser to a window, tape up notes or cue cards, you name it.
Clothes Pins
Clothes pins are another life savor during a photography or videography session. If there is excess fabric or an article of clothing needs to be tailored a bit more to show of your clients figure, clothes pins can be used to take up the slack. These are also helpful with holding backdrops and such in place.
Spot Remover Pen
A spot remover pen is a life saver in and of itself, but is critical for any type of session. Perhaps the client spilled something on their session outfit in between takes, or you notice a small stain on a piece of their clothing. Better to use a spot remover pen now then waste countless minutes fixing it all in photoshop!
Double Sided Tape
Double side tape is great for holding a piece of an article of clothing in place on your subject. Perhaps you want to conceal more of a body part, or you need to to hold it in a certain position. Double sided tape is great for accomplishing this!
Lint Roller
A lint roller is a must-have on set, as it can remove those stray hairs, and well, lint from clothing. Again, it’s easier to tackle these now rather than spending time removing them in photoshop. These come in handy on to for various props or backdrops you might be using. Some stray fuzzes on a blanket? Just go over it with a lint roller!
Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are yet another essential item to have on hand. They’re great for holding run away hair in place on a windy day, or to hold a particular hair design in place.
Hair Ties
Hair ties come in handy to quickly change the style of hair bring let down to tied back in a pony tail. They can even be used in place of the good old rubber band. Use them to hold cables into place, secure an accessory to your tripod, or any other way a rubber band can be used! Mult-purpose AND multi-helpful.
Hair Brush & Comb
These are great to have standing by to tweak hairdo, cover a cowlick, and fix that every so annoying flyaway hair. Just make sure to sanitize them between sessions!
Safety Pins
Safety pins come in handy in a myriad of ways. They can quickly hold a piece of teared clothing in tact, help tack up backdrops or light modifiers, or hold articles of clothing in place during a windy shoot.
Oil Absorbing Sheets
Oil absorbing sheets are a must have on set. Perhaps you need to remove a bit of sheen on the face, or dab up a bit of sweat on your client’s forehead. This are invaluable for this.
Handheld Mirror
I always have a floor length mirror in my studio for clients to use to check make up and wardrobe, but when you’re on location, this isn’t always practical. For this reason, I always have a handheld mirror in my emergency kit. Portable and easy to stash away, it’s a great alternative.
Makeup Removal Wipes
These are crucial to have for any session. Maybe it’s to touch up makeup gone awry, or to chance looks between shoots or wardrobe changes. These also are handy just to have around to touch up a smudge on clothing or skin, or wipe down a surface.
