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📸 Photographer's Production Checklist

💼 Client: [Client Name]

📅 Shoot Date: [Date]

📍 Location: [Address/Studio]

🌤️ Sunrise/Sunset: [Time] | Weather: [Forecast]

🤝 Phase 1: Client Onboarding (2–3 Weeks Out)

Locking in the scope and expectations.

[ ] Paperwork
- [ ] Contract signed by both parties.
- [ ] Retainer/Deposit invoice paid (Do not shoot without this!).
- [ ] Model Releases sent to client (or confirmed client is handling them).
[ ] Creative Alignment
- [ ] Review Client Mood Board.
- [ ] Shot List Approval: Confirm the "Must Haves" vs. "Nice to Haves."
- [ ] Usage Rights: Re-confirm where these photos will be used (Social, Billboards, Web) to ensure you have the right resolution/aspect ratios planned.

🎒 Phase 2: The Gear Bag (The "Holy Grail")

Turn this table into a Notion Database to track what you own vs. what you need to rent.

Item Category	Item Name	Status	Notes
Camera Bodies	Main Body (e.g., Canon R5)	[ ] Packed	Dual card slots active?
Camera Bodies	Backup Body	[ ] Packed	Essential for paid gigs.
Lenses	Wide (e.g., 24-70mm)	[ ] Packed	Clean glass.
Lenses	Portrait/Tele (e.g., 85mm)	[ ] Packed
Lenses	Macro / Specialty	[ ] Packed	If product shots required.
Lighting	Strobes / Speedlights	[ ] Packed	Test triggers beforehand.
Grip	Light Stands / C-Stands	[ ] Packed	Bring sandbags!
Support	Tripod / Monopod	[ ] Packed	Quick release plate attached?
Tethering	Laptop + Tether Cable	[ ] Packed	TetherTools cable + JerkStopper.

🛠️ Phase 3: The Night Before (Technical Prep)

If you do this effectively, you will sleep better.

[ ] Data Management (CRITICAL)
- [ ] Format SD/CFexpress Cards: Don't just delete files; format the cards in the camera you will be using.
- [ ] Clear space on backup hard drives/laptop.
[ ] Power
- [ ] Charge all camera batteries (100%).
- [ ] Charge strobe batteries.
- [ ] Charge AA/AAA batteries for triggers.
- [ ] Charge Laptop/iPad.
[ ] Cleaning
- [ ] Clean sensors (Check for dust spots).
- [ ] Clean lens glass (Front and rear elements).