Checklist Logo

Photography Checklist

4.8/5 with 135 votes
Table of Contents
0/32
  • Share this link:
Toggle Preparation status

Preparation

Toggle Classes status

Classes

Taking a few courses at the local college or art school can make all the difference in your finished product.
Toggle Scenery status

Scenery

Picking the right scene, or backdrop for the perfect picture is always a necessary thing but ensure at the same time that you and the subject will be safe.
Toggle Cleaning status

Cleaning

If an arranged shot is being taken of a family or person, ensure that the area is properly cleaned and safe.
Toggle Schedule status

Schedule

Make sure that you allow enough time for the pictures that are going to be taken, and then allow some extra.
Toggle Equipment status

Equipment

Double check all of your equipment, and ensure that it is all in good working order; it would not do to have any of it shorting out on you.
Toggle Equipment status

Equipment

Toggle Digital Cameras status

Digital Cameras

Using digital cameras provide some of the sharpest pictures now; do make sure that you have several sets of rechargeable batteries handy, and that your camera is in good shape.
Toggle 35mmCameras status

35mmCameras

While 35mm cameras are slowly on their way out, they do provide some excellent pictures, and give photographers the experience of working in a different medium.
Toggle Tripods status

Tripods

Always double check your tripods and see that the legs aren't stuck or anything that might cause a safety issue during the photography session.
Toggle Film status

Film

35Mm film is still pretty common, and can be bought in small canisters; keep it in those small canisters and when developing it, handle it with care.
Toggle Memory Cards status

Memory Cards

Digital cameras use memory cards to hold the pictures, and allow the computer to do the editing later; handle them with care.
Toggle Lenses status

Lenses

Whether choosing to use a short or a long lens to get the desired effect in a picture, always inspect them to make sure there are no defects.
Toggle Things to Plan For status

Things to Plan For

Toggle Weather status

Weather

Photographing a wedding, especially outdoors, can be problematic if the weather is bad, so keep an eye on the weather report.
Toggle Illness status

Illness

Photographers are human, too, and if they're sick they're not going to do as well; have a back-up photographer just in case.
Toggle Malfunctions status

Malfunctions

Unfortunately, equipment error does happen, so have more than one camera that can take the same picture you want.
Toggle Curiosity status

Curiosity

Build in some extra time for the curiosity of customers and would-be photographers, that you know you will not be able to avoid.
Toggle Things to Take status

Things to Take

Toggle Identification status

Identification

Be able to show who you are to a customer, or just in case something happens to you.
Toggle Cell phone status

Cell phone

You'll need this in case something happens on your way to the customer, or you get hurt.
Toggle Water status

Water

It's important to at least stay hydrated, and taking water with you is a great way to do that.
Toggle Snacks status

Snacks

It definitely won't hurt to take some trail mix or some other snack with you, just in case there is no food available where you're going to work.
Toggle Directions status

Directions

It's a necessary thing to know exactly where you're going to safely arrive there.
Toggle Sunscreen. status

Sunscreen.

This is great for outdoor sessions, especially weddings
Toggle Extras status

Extras

Always take extras, especially of memory cards and rechargeable batteries, as a backup plan.
Toggle First Aid status

First Aid

Curiosity always gets the better of people, so be prepared, and take a First Aid kit to clean them up afterward.
Toggle Safety Issues status

Safety Issues

Toggle Broken lenses status

Broken lenses

Glass on the ground does not make for safe walking, so clean it up immediately.
Toggle Tilted tripods status

Tilted tripods

Bent legs on tripods can throw cameras off on the ground, or stick the legs into a person.
Toggle Cracked batteries status

Cracked batteries

Batteries of any kind are dangerous when they crack open, so dispose of them immediately, in the proper way.
Toggle Cords status

Cords

Leaving cords of any type, especially power cords, lying about is a way for anyway to trip and hurt themselves.

Download or Print this Photography Checklist

Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.

Download PDFDownload WordDownload Excel

Presented by:

Kimberly French

View Channel

Stats

Views

55

Uses

9

Tasks

32

Tags

PersonalHobbiesEntertainment

Details

Photography has become more and more fun, with the advent of digital cameras that are easy for anyone to use now. Although digital photography is the main way to take pictures, there are still other options available, as well.  Skill plays a large part in successful photography, in whether it's being done indoors, outdoors, or in the developing room. Photography is quite fun, as long as you think about what you are doing, and plan things out.   The following checklist should help you make your photography hobby successful and memorable.

Tips

Safety in photography is also a factor - especially if you have your own darkroom. It's not too hard to prepare yourself and protect yourself, however. Through the use of safety bottles for chemicals and film, proper ladders and well-balanced tripods, any photographer can be safe.
As skills improve, so will your safety. Outdoor photography can prove challenging due to weather. If a photographer is trying to capture a wedding, wildlife or a spectacular building, bad storms can prove to be a danger.  Standing out in a lightning storm on a metal scaffold with a tripod to capture a picture is too risky for both photographer, and equipment.
Choosing the correct location and the proper equipment are extremely important.  In order for the shot to turn out well, there must be a great background for the subjects to stand against. Using a little off-the-shelf pocket camera that can't be adjusted properly won't allow your pictures to be the best possible.
Whether using a digital camera, or a 35mm type camera, processing the pictures takes a bit of time.  Digital pictures can be done on the computer, but processing 35mm film requires concentration, and safety measures in the dark room.  Techniques to change the background are possible, using different chemicals, but again, pay attention and be safe!

Who it's for

This Photography Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

  • Avoid forgetting - keep all your Photography essentials in one place (external memory)
  • Save time - start from a proven Photography structure instead of a blank page
  • Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
  • Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
  • Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use it

How to use this Photography Checklist

  • Save Photography Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
  • Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Photography (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
  • If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
  • Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

Rate this Checklist

5 stars
Scores 4.80 with 135 votes

Suggest Improvements

Related Checklist Templates

Not finding exactly what you need?

Generate a custom checklist with AI in seconds.

Works on Web, iOS, and Android. No credit card required.