Location Scout and Risk Assessment

 Here is my risk assessment of my porential locations

Reflection: I really disliked this task when it was first assigned as I found it odd and boring, especially during the risk assessment as I didn't think I was that good in creating false scenarios. However, this assessment turned out to be very helpful as when I finished, I had (what felt like) a full proof plan for  my photoshoot, so most of my worries and concerns were put at ease with my preperations in place so I could do my photoshoot with little to zero problems.

Location #1 ; Sanur Beach, Bali

Images : 

Purpose of the shoot: 

Photoshoot spices for magazine double paged spread

Media Language:

• Wide shot to capture vastness of beach
• Close up shot of spice subject, to paint it as the main subject/topic
• Green leaves/greenery and local grown flowers as accents, because they are a good representative of Bali's flora and add colour to the shot. (Green is a complimentary colour to the red of the chilli)

Pros: 

• Blue from the sky and sea compliment the red of chilli very well
• Beige from the sand or the sunset's orange is a good way into creating a warm tone
• Large area means I can choose different spots
• Location is very on theme, Bali is known for its seafood thats paired with spices.
• Natural lighting

Cons:

• Crowded with people most of the times, disturbs the supposed clean shot
• Unpredictable and uncontrollable factors like colour of sunset or weather may not fit into my vision/the shoot

Alternative Location + Evaluation:

• Mertasari Beach : Very close/connected to Sanur beach. Requires paid access so is less likely to have people
• Keramas Beach : Has unique qualities of black sand 
• Balangan Beach : Extremely far when considering its distance to me but has a great cliff side view
• Padang-Padang Beach : Issue with distance (very far), however is less known which could mean its less crowded

 - Risk Assessment -

Potential Hazards and their Evaluation : 

• Unpredictable weather (storm, level of tide, etc)
• Puts my safety at risk and forced to leave photoshoot
• Could ruin my equipment including my camera
• Animals in the area (birds, crabs, urchins, possibly monkeys etc)
• Could harm me while taking pictures
• Could disturb the shoot by stealing food, equipment, etc. However is unlikely since spice isn't something most animals eat.
• Natural disasters like earthquakes 
• Earthquales are very common in Indonesia and Bali
• Could cause a tsunami that puts me at risk
• Heat and UV rays
• I will most likely be spending long periods of time outside in the sun with this location as I need the time to set up, take multiple pictures and possibly even wait for the sunset.
• Personally, my skin is extremely sensitive to high exposures of UV rays so my skin will be more at risk of sunburns and rashes.
• Recent increasing temperature puts me at risk of a heatstroke.

Control Measures:

• Weather:
• Check forecast and pick a date that has a high chance of being sunny throughout the day or a low chance of rain
• Earthquake;
• Follow earthquake drill taught by my school and train for tsunami
• Animals
• Be aware of surroundings, understand the animals threats and what to do.
• Have coverings for the spices in case to stop animals from getting into them
• Heat
• Have preventative measures and be prepared with protection such as sunscreen and UV protective clothing such as an arm covering or long sleeved, breathable clothes.
• Frequently hydrate
• Look out for a place with shade to stay most the times when not doing the photoshoot.

Implementation Timeframe:

• Research how to respond to a tsunami (January 16)
• Research earthquake drill and practice (January 14)
• Prepare preventative measures against heat and animals (1 day before shooting)

Location #2 ; Lapangan Puputan Renon  

Images : 

At the time of writing, I am sick and cannot go out so I have taken these photos from Google maps

Purpose of the shoot: 

Photoshoot spices for magazine cover 

Media Language:

• Birdseye view shot, standard angle in food magazines that displays the ulekan clearly
• Greens from surroundings is a complimentary colour of red to help accentuate the colours, also has positive connotations of freshness.
• Wide, long shot to capture the entire ulekan tool.

Pros: 

• Natural flora is a good representative of Bali's flourishing nature  
• The park often has a flat terrain, making it easier for me to set up without worrying about the stability of my equipment
• Natural light as the park is open but also has designated spots of shade elsewhere

Cons:

• Crowds are natural and the park often has people doing sports like soccer, running, etc so I will have limited space to work/have to share the space.
• Recently, the park has been busy with hosting events and so spaces in the park are largely taken by stands of food/drinks/souveniers. 
• Rules and regulations may be an obstacle as I may need to gain authorization or approval to have my photoshoot

Alternative Location: 

• Kebun Raya, Bedugul - although very beautiful and is likely to have less crowds, it's extremely far and inconvenient 
• Lapangan Letda Made Pica - another park thats close in terms of distance and is a soccer field thus ensuring the flat terrain, however its in an unfamiliar and desolate area that I don't feel to safe in.
• Grandparents's backyard - although not a park, my grandparents have a wide backyard with all the pros and will be more private thus solving my issues with the cons.

 - Risk Assessment -

Potential Hazards and their Evaluation : 

• Unpredictable weather (Rain, thunder, etc)
• Puts my safety at risk and forces me to leave
• Could damage my equipment including my camera
• Natural disasters (Earthquake)
• Wildlife (Animals, mostly insects, and plants)
• Insect bites could harm me or plants could be poisonous
• Could disturb photoshoot (e.g. insects getting on food)
• Sun exposure (my own personal issue of sensitive skin)
• Puts my health at risk
• Allergies (Pollen, fur from pets, etc)
• Puts my health at risk
• Pauses photoshoot
• Sickness and crowds (Current cold and hot weather is likely to make people more prone to catching sickness)
• Puts mine and others' health at risk
• Concerns regarding security
• Theft of my equipment puts a pause in my production/photoshoot
• Puts my safety at risk if I'm distracted and attacked during my photoshoot

Control Measures:

• Weather:
• Check forecast and pick a date that has a high chance of being sunny throughout the day or a low chance of rain
• Earthquake;
• Follow earthquake drill taught by my school
• Wildlife
• Be aware of surroundings, understand the animals threats and what to do.
• Wear protective coverings
• Place covers ontop of spices and food to prevent animals getting into them
• Research common poisonous plants to avoid and stay away from unknown plants
• Sun exposure
• Prepare protection such as sunscreen and UV protective clothing such as an arm covering or long sleeved, breathable clothes.
• Look out for a place with shade to stay most the times when not doing the photoshoot.
• Allergies
• Prepare medication to soothe allergies
• Prevent allergies by using a mask
• Sickness
• Prevent catching or spreading diseases with a mask, sanitizing myself before and after the shoot and stay away from large crowds.
• Take vitamins 
• Security concerns
• Invite a friend to watch over me and assist me

Implementation Timeframe:

• Research earthquake drill and practice (January 14)
• Prepare preventative measures against heat and animals (1 day before shooting)
• Daily vitamin intake
• Invite a family or friend as backup/protection (January 24/Day of the shoot)
• Wear a mask if around crowd/if I feel under the weather