SHOOTING IN THE SAND.

Sand is kicked up by people and vehicles up wind. Continually remind drivers when they get new radio instructions.

Beach sand contains salt and should be washed form equipment with fresh water as soon as possible. A wet rag works for cameras.

Peoples clothes contain sand. Assume that everything is full of sand.

Turn the camera away from the mist from the ocean when not actually shooting. Cover the camera with something clean.

Be careful of a "Woofer" (ear syringe) stored in your pocket. It can get full of sand that can be blown into the camera.

Clear tape over footage counter on Arri 35 magazines to keep sand out of older magazines.

Of course plan to shoot early and late in the dunes and on the beach for the wide shots and do the close ups the rest of the day. People can be re-lit with shade and reflector or lights to get a low / late-light look. Shaded dunes, brush, trees or distant mountains can be darker backgrounds. Filtration can help warm up the light.

Low light can be really nice even if front.

Instruct drivers to stay on roads and have someone there to continually remind them to do so. Protect the land for your shoot and the future.

Tire and foot tracks are almost impossible to cover unless the wind is blowing hard. Plan your shots and camera positions carefully. Keep some one with a radio to continually warn people about making new tracks.

People usually forget sunburn protection.

Have tables for your equipment and extra tables for other peoples' misc. junk. Card tables are not very strong, but are very light weight and easy to move.

Don't leave equipment unprotected from the wind. The wind can come up very quickly. In the desert often in the afternoon. Reflectors, cutters, umbrellas, canvas shades, overhead scrims, and even a "bagged" camera can become a sail.

© Copyright 1999-2004 Ron Dexter. All Rights Reserved.