As photographers, we are responsible not only for creating great images, but also for protecting the safety of our clients, crew, and equipment.
Grip—the stands, clamps, fixtures, and support systems used to position lights, reflectors, backgrounds, flags, and other equipment—is a fundamental part of every photographer's toolkit.
Unfortunately, unsafe grip practices are becoming increasingly common. As photographers expand their roles to include content creation and social media influence, more videos and tutorials are publicly showcasing improper setup and rigging techniques. These unsafe methods are then repeated by other influencers and photographers, creating a cycle of misinformation.
The problem is further compounded by product advertisements that demonstrate poor safety practices and by equipment designs that can encourage misuse if not properly understood. With unsafe examples now coming from multiple directions, this issue has become self-perpetuating.
The only effective solution is education—providing photographers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognize risks, make informed decisions, and create safer working environments for everyone involved. This course is designed to impower you to make the safest use and most economical decisions for your grip.
This course will include hands on training for the following equipment:
>>Reverse Light Stands (light weight)
>>Air-Cushioned Light Stand
>>C-Stands >>Junior Riser Stands
>>Autopoles with clamps
>>Booms and Extension Arms
>>Tool chest/bag development
This course will include safer setup practices, proper ballast (sand bags), maintenance, safety tethering, and how to maximize flexibility & adjustability to speed up your photoshoots while maintaining the safest working environment for your client and gear.
Also included is a decision matrix that will help you decide which grip is right for you. This course is very hands-on, so bring gloves and be prepared for a workout. One mantra for this class is setup, shoot, and flex. The other mantra is safer, less safe, but never correct.
There will be at least 4 photoshoot setups in this course including cover head and three point light. Lunch will be provided.
