17.1 Understand relevant equipment, materials and related issues
1.1 Identify key characteristics of relevant equipment


1.2 Use techniques for testing and handling relevant equipment and materials.
The cameras we use at DCAS are expensive and it is important to know how to handle them correctly to reduce the risk of any damage.
A way of doing this is applying a strong camera strap which is attached at either side of the camera which provides a loop that will fit around your neck as a way of holding the camera securely.
Testing that the equipment is ready for use I would check that the SD card is blank and can be purely used for that event or occasion I would do this by going into the gallery and if there wasn't anything on it then I could then choose to format the card through the menu settings.
I would also make sure that the batteries are charged, you can do this by either putting it into the camera and looking at the battery icon displayed on the screen or by plugging the battery into a charger and looking for the green or blue light to indicate it is fully charged.
To make sure the tripods are safe to use it is important to check its stability once set up. if the joints on the product are loose and unstable I would advise not to use it.
1.3 Identify the consequences of incorrect handling of relevant equipment and materials.
As the cameras are expensive pieces of equipment we take measures to ensure they are handled in the correct way by participating in training. This involves factors such as how to handle the equipment, how to pack it away, how to protect the lenses etc. The consequences of incorrect handling could result in the camera being dropped on the floor or being knocked. Keeping the lense cap on the camera when not in use can also reduce any scratches or cracks.
1.4 Describe how to store relevant equipment and materials safely and securely
There is no set way as to how to pack your equipment although there are tips on how it can be managed so that it can be transported in the safest way. For example it is useful to have the correct equipment in each camera bag. The materials needed for a days shoot could consist of a camera, battery pack, SD card, USB lead, camera strap and a selection of lenses so it is important to check that these are available to you before going out. Particular camera bags have dividers inside the bag and this is to separate all your equipment appropriately and it can also reduce the chances of the equipment being damaged during transportation.
1.5 Describe procedures and products for cleaning and maintaining relevant equipment and materials.

Charging your batteries safely can be very straight forward. Ensuring that there is no liquids in surrounding areas to the electricity source would reduce any fires or electric shock if someone was to touch it. Considering the length of time that you leave your batteries charging will reduce them overheating and damaging the battery. Another way of reducing the risk of the batteries over heating would be to not leave them charging in direct sunlight.
1.7 Describe how to order relevant equipment
At DCAS we have a specific cupboard where we keep all the camera equipment is kept secure and in order. We have a variety of cameras such as EOS Canon cameras and DLSR Sony. These are both used in different cases depending on the event or purpose. Each Canon camera is kept in its individual bag containing the appropriate materials for the job. The Sony cameras are placed in a big blue box which contains all the materials used for council meeting events. As a team we ensure the order of the camera equipment stays consistent, this decreases any misplacement of materials or loss of equipment and this can improve yours and others work flow.
1.8 Follow manufactures instructions for relevant equipment.
Before every shoot it is useful to go through the manufactures instruction to the particular camera you are going to use, this will give you a thorough understanding of how to use the camera in the correct way depending on your outcome. The instructions cover all settings of the camera from how to turn it on and off to how to take more advanced shots. All cameras are different and work in different ways so having an understanding on the camera before a shoot will help a considerable amount when on set. At DCAS the instructions to each camera is kept in it's designated bag so if you do get stuck on set you have the book to refer back to.
17.2 Be able to liaise with appropriate personnel
2.1 Liaise with appropriate parties to confirm specific requirements for a shoot.
Liaising with the appropriate personnel will depend on the organiser of the shoot/event. A good example of this is that the creative arts development worker has been requested by an event holder called Simon to do a photography job. The specific requirements for the days shoot were liaised between Lucy and Simon to which she then passed this information over to myself and Megan, a fellow apprentice. Lucy did this through Derbyshire County Council's secure emailing system which provided privacy and a back up of the conversation. The requirements were to arrive at Lea Green in Matlock and to shoot the days event from 8:30am till 4:00pm.
2.2 Liaise with appropriate parties to check that equipment requirements for a shoot are met.
The day before the shoot I prepared the appropriate equipment by charging batteries, formatting SD cards and packing the bags with the materials required to do the job. I would refer back to the organiser which in this case is Lucy to double check that I have packed all the correct equipment.
17.3 Be able to select, prepare, organise and manage relevant equipment for a shoot.
3.1 Interpret requirements for a call sheet prior to a shoot.
Call sheets are an important document used to provide all the information needed for a shoot. This document includes sections such as personnel, dates and times of the event, location, contact information, weather forecasts and plan of the days shoot. All of this information is given to the people involved to ensure they have full acknowledgement of the days plan and can also be used as a reliable source to refer back to if needed.
3.2 Test all relevant equipment prior to a shoot.
Prior to shoot it is essential to test all of the equipment required to do the job and this will prevent any on set problems. This process involves testing batteries and checking SD cards and choosing the appropriate lenses for the job. I have extended on this question in section 1.2.
3.3 Assess the shooting environment at a shooting location.
A mandatory risk assessment would generally be carried out on the shooting location before the shoot itself. This would cover identifying the risks and hazards that surround the environment and ensure it is safe. A good way to prepare yourself for the day of shooting is to check the weather forecast prior to the day, this will allow you to prepare any waterproof equipment for your materials. Considering the lighting throughout the day will help you maintain continuity in your photographs or film.
3.4 Organise the working layout of a camera truck
I have not yet been in contact with a camera truck before as DCAS don't have the budget to be creating products that involve the use of this device. However if I were to be involved in the organisation of the camera truck I would place all of the camera cases neat and tidy and in an order that will minimise movement of the cases, which could cause potential damage to the equipment.
3.5 Prepare and manage equipment bags.
At DCAS we are continuously managing the camera bags so that they include all the relevant materials that may be needed during a shoot. Each camera has a designated bag which includes the camera, manufactures instructions/guidance book, a formatted SD card, all the fully charged batteries for that particular camera, a couple of lenses, a battery charger, a USB cable and a waterproof cover for the equipment. All of these are essential materials that are organised into different compartments of the bag. These are regularly checked to ensure all the correct equipment is in each bag. I have extended on this question in section 1.4.
3.6 Establish an appropriate on set location for relevant equipment.
When on set of filming or a photography shoot it is important that you have plenty of space to move around, this will allow you to have more freedom in your shots and not be restricted to one angle. Another thing to look out for is a flat floor space, especially when filming on a tripod, you will find with a level ground you will produce a better shot. Lighting is an important element to your shot as this will contribute to the end products quality. When filming or shooting for long periods of time it is useful to consider the lighting change especially when the location is outdoors. The ideal on set location if I were to be filming an interview would be preferably indoors in a medium/large bright room and with some character so that the interviewee stands out amongst the background.
These are two example where we have set up the equipment correctly, leaving room to capture the event from several different angles. Its location is in a room that could provide us with suitable lighting and a flat surface.
3.7 Transport all relevant equipment on set
Transportation can often be the cause of equipment being damaged so it is important that it is securely organised in your transportation vehicle. As the inside of the bags are a cushioned material this decreases the chances of the cameras being damaged but there is still a risk if the bags are not safely placed. For example a good place to store your camera equipment would be in the bag in the boot of your car, along with other materials needed for your shoot. Tripods are also kept in a bag which makes it easier to carry to and around set. If you are to have a lot of equipment that varies in weight it is useful to put any heavy and less fragile equipment to the bottom, this will avoid any fragile equipment from being damaged.
3.8 Unload all equipment on set.
When unloading equipment on set it is essential that Health and Safety guidelines are followed, especially if there is heavy equipment to be carried it is important that it was handled and carried in the correct way to avoid any injuries to yourself or another member of the team. Ensure when there is a lot of equipment you are not taking it all to set in one go, sharing responsibility in carrying the equipment not only shows team work but it reduces the risk of the equipment being damaged.
3.9 Select and acclimatise relevant glassware.
When filming or shooting in different environments it is important to consider that fact that the lenses will need to adjust to each environment, this can sometimes be a dangerous process for the lenses and could cause damage to the glassware. The temperature that your lenses are exposed to can effect the quality of your shot if not managed in the correct way. Moving from one extreme environment to the next for example from the cold outdoors to a warm room indoors will cause condensation in and out of the lenses so it is crucial to check your lenses over in between environments.
17.4 Understand relevant health and safety issues and procedures
4.1 Identify key health and safety issues and procedures
There are a few health and safety issues that need to be considered during time unloading equipment from vehicle and also during the time on set.
Lifting heavy equipment - To follow health and safety procedures during the time of lifting heavy equipment it is important that you follow specific instructions, lift with the knees not with the back, and to also never lift something that you don't feel capable of doing alone.
Standing for long periods of times - When filming or photographing for long periods of times you can often get tired and this can make you loose sight of the quality of your work so taking regular breaks can help you produce the best work.
Liquids near equipment - Making sure that no food or drink is consumed around any electrical equipments will avoid the risk of a fire or electric shock to yourself or others that may come in contact with the equipment.
4.2 Identify any special requirements to ensure the safety and security of relevant equipment when unattended.
During shooting or filming time I would strongly advise that no equipment is left unattended especially when in an urban area as there is a high risk that something could get damaged or stolen. Taking special care in securing the equipment in a locked vehicle when not in use is something that is taken seriously when working at DCAS. If there is a situation where leaving the equipment out unattended is unavoidable then I would suggest you go back to the equipment on a regular basis to ensure of its safety. If it is electrical I would advice you turn it off before leaving it unattended.
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