Things to think about when working on an outdoor gig
Sometimes your events will call for you to work outdoors
Good power runs all your equipment, and bad power ruins it. When working with an outdoor venue, be sure to ask for 20 amps of power if you are plugging in computers, lights, printers, or cameras. Bring surge protectors and long extension cords as outdoor and old locations may be delivering unstable power to your setup. An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) battery backup is recommended to help protect your investment. If the power spikes, or goes out, the UPS will keep your devices running long enough for you to safely power off your equipment. Cyberpower or APC are good options and will start at about $100.
Some flash equipment comes with built in batteries to run the flash equipment. They are usually good but you cannot run other devices with external batteries such as Paul Buff Vagabond. If you're working on-site where power is not available, I suggest you buy or rent a Honda EU2200i generator. It is an excellent option and can be rented at local hardware stores.
In hot weather, humidity does not affect ribbon and paper. When transporting them, keep in the garage for as long as possible. On location, give them time to acclimate with the environment before using. Keep your printers well covered and protect your power sources from possible rainfall.
Cold weather can cause issues for your equipment. If your ribbon is stored in a car outside overnight, or in a cold garage, you will need to let the ribbon warm up to the environment before using. Cameras and batteries do not work optimally in cold either. Keep batteries in your pocket or bag when transporting.
