AskJoeB: Duct Tape and a can of WD-40

Couldn’t happen without a can of WD-40

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FDTate, a past student of mine, recently sent me a question to comment on concerning one of the items to remember on my “101 things to know about photography”. Actually it was number 8 on the list: “Always have a roll of Duct Tape and a can of WD-40 with you.

His question was, “A great list, but I’m confused by #8.  I’ve never been on a shoot and thought, “Boy, this would have gone a whole lot smoother if I’d just brought along some duct tape and WD-40.”  Please explain.”

Before I explain why it’s important to carry Duct Tape and Wd-40, I’ll tell you what I tell my online students with the BPSOP, and in my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops that will simplify things. I tell them, “If it doesn’t move and should, use the WD-40. If it moves and shouldn’t, use the duct Tape!!!

In the top photo, we were in the Southwest part of the US shooting an annual report for a company that’s mostly in the agricultural business. I saw a large field with irrigation equipment and thought it would make for a great shot the next day at sunrise.

The two men seemingly in charge told me that they hadn’t used this equipment for a season, but it wouldn’t be a problem turning on the sprinkler jets so I could backlight them.

Taking their word for it, we showed up the next morning before sunrise and set up; I wanted to get the very first light. When they turned the main valve, nothing happened. Why was I not surprised to hear that the small valves on the jets were rusted and therefore no water.

I sent my assistant back to the car for my trusty can of WD-40. We sprayed all the nozzles and were able to slightly turn them so water would spray out.

And that’s why I always carry a can of WD-40 with me.

In the bottom photo, I was shooting a series of posters for Prince, a manufacturer of tennis equipment.

Remember that this was before the days when you could fix any problem later in post. We  had spread all the tennis balls all over the court and were ready to shoot when a Santa Anna wind came up and blew all the tennis balls off the court.

The wind was too strong to keep the balls in place, so what did I do? I had my crew, the model, and a few people that were standing around secure each one of the balls to the ground with Duct Tape. so, every ball you see has a piece of tape under it.

Couldn’t happen without a roll of Duct Tape.

A true story and the reason why you should have a roll of Duct Tape with you…because  you just never know!!!

Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/barabanjoe. Check out my workshop schedule at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me sometime. Don’t forget to bring some WD-40 and Duct Tape with you.

JoeB