Chapter06
Setup Guides
Setup guide 06 · Hosts · ~3 min
Outdoors
Weight, wind, sun, heat, and signal. Plan for all five before you say yes. Ask the five questions on the planning call. A ~3-minute recipe for Hosts.
Standards
- Sun
Has limits
Tell the client the constraints up front.
- Heat and cold
iPad batteries stop charging
Plan shade and power.
- Internet
Know it before the day
No venue wifi means we need strong cell signal.
- Tripping hazards
Tape every one
People run through random spots in your setup.
Kit
- Heavier baseplates
- A modifier that sheds wind, or fabric added so the umbrella does not act like a sail
- Extra power cables, always
- Shade for the iPad and the printer
- Water and snacks for the crew, and a plan for breaks
Steps
Ask the five questions on the planning call
Where is the sun at event time, where is the wind coming from, where is power, where is shade, what is the signal.
Weight everything
Heavier baseplates on every stand. Sandbags on the light.
Shed the wind
Swap the modifier or add fabric so it flows off instead of catching.
Shade the electronics
iPad and printer out of direct sun and off hot surfaces.
Test the upload
Real photo, real upload, before doors.
What goes wrong
- An umbrella in open wind.
- iPad in the sun until it quits charging.
- Discovering there is no signal at 6 pm.