Exercise 21: A written plan

Basic organisation thoughts would be:

·      Can it be covered in one day or would I need more time?

·      Is it feasible to travel there in one day or would I need to book overnight accommodation?

·      How would I travel there and back; car, train or fly?

·      What equipment would I need?

·      Did I have all the equipment I needed or would I need to hire in extra?

·      How will I transport all my equipment to the venue?

·      The weather !

Other considerations:

·      What publications would I aim the article at?

·      Would I need to put together a portfolio of pictures quickly, with written submission or could I take my time over it?

·      Should I approach editors before setting up or wait until event pictures and write up completed?  Think it would be worth approaching editors beforehand to gauge interest in finished article

Research

If I want to get a wide-ranging portfolio of images I need to research two things:

·      The actual event

·      The venue where it would be held

Research the event:

·      Has the event been held before or is it the first time

·      Where will it take place: all in one area, like a presentation, or spread round the venue like a fete

·      Who are the main people to follow; will there be one person, i.e., a mayor or carnival princess, or several/many people to feature

·      Who is the main contact

·      How can I communicate with the named contact for further information

·      Where can I get a timetable of events

·      Is there a website for information

·      What cameras/lenses will I need to cope

·      How many memory cards will I need

·      Do I have to take a laptop for a Wi-Fi link to local/national newspaper picture desks or can I do editing later when back at base

Research the venue

·      How large is the site, will the event be held in one place or several different sites at different times

·      Where can I store my gear - close by or do I have to park further away and carry it

·      How many people are expected at the event

·      Will it be possible to move easily around the different picture areas or will it be difficult to get in close; will there be help available to get to the source of events?

·      What is the main focus – a main stage or separate set-ups?