The Value of Checklists

“He’s making a list and checking it twice…” Most of us know this line from the song, Santa Clause Is Coming To Town, but do you have your lists ready to check when you’re going out of town??? Lists are an insurance policy to make sure you have everything you need and/or everything is set where you expect it. Have you ever done a shoot and later realized your camera was set to ISO 1600 when ISO 200 would have been perfect? Have you ever left for a long trip and forgot extra batteries or a your charger? Did you ever shoot everything with the wrong white balance setting? If you haven’t done something like this then chances are you have some sort of checklist.

Early in my career I traveled frequently around the country and I quickly learned how to pack by using a mental checklist before I left for any trip. I would start at the feet and work my way up. Do I have enough shoes, socks, slacks, underwear, belts shirts, ties, and jackets for the number of days of the trip plus one extra set for emergencies. I still use that mental checklist for clothes as well as a mental checklist to reset my camera controls after a shoot, and I also use a written checklist for my gear. This ensures that I have everything I need and am ready to go.

My camera and lens ‘mental’ checklist, for when I am finished shooting includes; ISO set at 200, Aperture set at f/5.6, Exposure Compensation at 0, Mode is Aperture Priority, Flash is at TTL, Focus is in Single Servo Mode, VR (OS or IS) is always Off, Focus Limit Switch - ON, also, whenever I change a lens I also make sure the camera is Off and VR is Off. White Balance is at either Sunlight or Auto (Sunlight records the actual color of the light while Auto ideally compensates for it.) Generally one or the other white balance settings is best when I am finished for the day and not sure what I might shoot next. If I will be shooting in the same light on and off the entire day then I may leave WB set for what is working that day but I always set it back to Auto or Sunlight before packing up for the day. These are my base settings, the settings I assume about my gear when I pick it up, and the setting I make sure I return it to when I am finished - no exceptions. What works for you may be different.

For trips or events I have a printed checklist I go through and physically check off as I pack my gear. The list is broken down in categories like Lenses, filters, cables, lighting… Also on the list includes snacks, maps, set the DVR, adjust the thermostat, hold mail… I may not need everything on the list but having a list and checking it twice is a way to make sure my shoot will be nice. I know, that was bad but hopefully bad enough to remember. Making a habit of using lists is that ounce of prevention that is worth a pound of cure.