After setting up a business, one of the most important things to do is to find ways to protect it. Considering that 30% of new companies fail within their first two years, a great deal of thought needs to go into how the business can be safeguarded from both internal and external risks.
There are many ways in which this is done. Whether it’s through insurance – employment practices liability coverage and general liability insurance are perhaps the most popular – or strong legal contracts – a client contract is essential for outlining payment terms and timelines – the most successful businesses spend their first few months looking to protect themselves, rather than grow quickly without any protection in place.
For videographers and photographers, however, the landscape is a little different. For the most part, videographers and photographers tend to operate as freelancers or solopreneurs, working with independent contractors or temporary staff. In this way, the thing that they have to protect is themselves – or more specifically, their equipment.
If you’re a videographer or photographer, your equipment is the lifeblood of your business. Cameras, lenses, lighting, drones, and all of your other essential gear represent your most significant investment, which means any damage or theft can cause a major disruption to your operations. So how exactly can you protect it and ensure a business like yours is safeguarded for the future?
Investing in Comprehensive Equipment Insurance
Whether you’re a business or individual, insurance is always going to be the key to future-proofing. Having equipment insurance is essential if you want to protect your gear on a job, so look for a policy that covers not only accidents but theft too. Some insurance plans will also cover gear that has been lost or left behind, and this will give you the confidence to work without any unnecessary stress, allowing you to focus on the job at hand.
Even EPL insurance might be appropriate if you’ve hired temporary employees. As your business grows, it’s likely your jobs are going to grow along with it, elevating in scope and difficulty, which might draw you to hire additional help. With the right EPL insurance policy, you can protect your business from potential employee-related risks, including third-party claims like injury or property damage during shoots.
Use Protective Gear and Perform Multiple Check-Ups
Another way to protect your equipment is to make sure you’re always using protective gear, including cases and camera bags that are designed for impact resistance. Being a freelancer is difficult, especially when it comes to your budget. But protective gear is not something you should be cutting costs on, because it could make or break how far you go in the industry.
If you want your business to go far, you need to invest in everything from weather-resistant bags to lens covers, and in order to prevent accidents, you need to make sure you check it regularly. Keep your equipment in top working condition at all times, giving it a thorough clean if you’re working in harsh environments, and performing routine checks to identify any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
Always Have a Backup Plan
The biggest mistake any photographer or videographer can make is failing to bring backup gear to shoots. Even if you have the best protective gear you can buy, you never know what might happen when you’re out on a job, so it’s your responsibility to ensure no time – or money – is wasted, and you have practical backups in case something happens.
Whether it’s a second camera, an extra battery, or additional lenses, always make sure you have spares on hand to prevent any disruptions if something goes wrong. Additionally, make sure that you keep backup storage options – like memory cards or hard drives – readily available in case your primary equipment fails. By doing this, you’ll be putting yourself firmly in the drivers seat, ensuring no unforeseen circumstances can stop you from capturing great images and videos.
Bernadine Racoma is the Content Manager of WorkSmartr.com. Her long experience in an international development institution and extensive travels have provided her with a wealth of knowledge and insights to cultural diversity. She writes to inform, engage, and share the idea of the Internet being a useful platform for communicating, knowledge sharing, educating, and entertaining.
