How to create a photo shoot survival kit

This post is brought to you from Melanie of Violet's Buds. Melanie has Bachelors of Science in Photography and provides product photography advice and services to entrepreneurs.

Preparing for a photo shoot? Can't find your lint roller? Getting annoyed that the light isn't just right?

Gather supplies into a box, bag or even just a remote location so they will always be at hand when it's time to photograph products! Here are a few essential items you may want to consider adding to your photo shoot survival kit. Many of these are items you may have around the house & already use, but by creating a photo shoot survival kit, gathering them all up makes photo shoots run smoother!

Most importantly, you should have a reflector or two (read here for more info on reflectors). Bring along some clips- binder or strong chip clips- to help you position the reflectors. Alternatively, spring clamps are a big help. You can purchase them at most hardware stores.

A photo shoot survival kit should have one or more of the following items that can help with pesky fibers, stray hairs, smudges, etc. 

• Wet wipes and facial tissue
• Towel/cloth
• Lint roller
• Small scissors
• Safety pins 

If you are photographing models, you can also include these in your kit:

• Comb
• Hairspray
• Bobby pins
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Sunscreen

 Other items you may want to have handy are a tripod, and books, blocks or canisters for various height placements & objects to be used for positioning your products.

Spending time putting together a photo shoot survival kit will eliminate any undue stress during a product photography session & help it run without a hitch, meaning fewer reshoots & better quality photos! 

What must-have items do you need in your photo shoot survival kit?