Your team member damages essential photography gear. How will you navigate this unexpected setback?

Redundancy is an important aspect that should be included with every shoot. Your team should be experienced or briefed on what to do if something goes sideways. Preparation is essential. Let's say you aren't prepared, with no backups and an unexperienced team. Time to do some damage control and mobilize. Delegate tasks to get back on track while you attend to the client. If the client sees that you can handle setbacks, it only strengthens your bond with them. Use your team to get back on track, they should source new equipment by any means. It's important to stay in control and not get swept away by the present circumstances. When things go wrong, you have to sometimes take a pause and collect your thoughts if it's a new challenge.

When your equipment breaks down, keep cool and thoroughly check each piece for visible flaws such as fractures, scratches, or dents. To test functionality, take sample pictures or use the equipment. Identify hidden problems and assess whether repairs are possible or replacements are required. Seeking guidance from experts will guarantee the best possible course of action.

Handling Equipment Damage When a team member damages essential photography gear, remain calm and assess the situation. If possible, repair or replace the damaged equipment promptly. Communicate the incident to the client and offer alternative solutions if necessary. Implement preventive measures to avoid future accidents and ensure your team's preparedness for unexpected challenges.

I was on a studio shoot and my assistant didn't properly fit the plate on the camera to the tripod head and it fell off snapping off the 24-70 lens that was on it. Unfortunately, the ring was snapped into place so I could not only not use the lens but the camera either as it was stuck. I calmly pivoted to my second body and shot the rest of the shoot with my 50mm and my 85mm lens and just moved the tripod in and out for framing. Accidents happen, especially with multiple people working on projects with you. You must always expect that things could go wrong and have backups.

Immediate Inspection. Check the damaged gear to understand the extent of the damage. Is it a minor issue that can be fixed quickly, or is it more severe, requiring professional repair or replacement? Test Functionality. If possible, test the gear to see if it still works or if the damage affects performance.

It's is important to have the team sharing the same brand of cameras so you can share if one of them drops his lens the others have replacement although is quite difficult to have all photographers using the same brand.

Approach the team member calmly. Accidents happen, and it’s essential to keep a level head. Understand how the damage occurred. This can help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Having backup gear is essential for any working professional. A backup camera body, additional lenses, memory cards, tether cables, etc... These don't have to be the latest model or exact copies of what you're planning on using. An older generation camera body will probably more than suffice. If you need to use a different lens, then you may need to readjust your plan, but you can keep shooting. Memory cards and cables fail. Things get dropped. Accidents happen. Keep calm and adjust to the situation.

Or make use of the other lenses in the kit - it can lead to a different perspective not explored had the other equipment been damaged.

By right all professional photographers should have at least 2 camera bodies. Nothing will go wrong! If you have only 1 body go rent another. It's assurance!

Always have a resource for equipment. If you're traveling out of your general area. Look up companies with nearby facilities. In any situation, it's best to have this plan on hand before you start the project.

Temporary Fix: If the damage is minor, look for a quick fix to keep the project on track. Repair or Replace: Determine whether the gear needs to be repaired or replaced. If replacement is necessary, assess the budget and timeline. Borrow or Rent: If a replacement isn’t immediately possible, consider borrowing gear from another photographer or renting equipment.

The ability to make minor repairs on set can be an essential skill. If you don't have that yet, check with your assistants. If it's major damage, then you'll need to adjust your shoot plan to get through the job. Often gear can be repaired for a fraction of the price of replacement. Don't forget rental houses. If you work/live around a major metro area there are probably rental houses near you where you can get backup gear quickly.