This document provides a template for conducting a risk assessment for an indoor portrait photography shoot. It identifies several potential hazards such as dropping cameras, tripping over equipment, lighting issues, and confined spaces. For each hazard, it evaluates who may be harmed, what property could be damaged, existing controls, and the risk level. Further actions are recommended based on the risk level, such as using neck straps, warning signs, fire extinguishers, backups, and alternate locations. The goal is to consider all hazards and implement controls to protect safety and equipment.

1. PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT RISK ASSESSMENT – PORTRAIT (INDOORS)
This document is intended as a basic template to assist in the completion of a risk assessment for film production activities.
Detailed information is available from a variety of risk management and risk assessment specialists. Useful information can also be obtained
from the Health & Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk
When conducting a risk assessment, consider all the likely hazards; who may be harmed, property which may be damaged, and the controls
already in place. Then, for each likely hazard, bearing in mind the controls already in place, record the ‘risk assessment’ level. The further
action(s) to be considered will be determined by the level of risk assessment.
HAZARD IN WHICH SCENE
IS THIS HAZARD
PRESENT?
PERSON WHO MAY
BE HARMED
PROPERTY THAT
COULD BE
DAMAGED
RISK CONTROLS
ALREADY INPLACE
RISK ASSESSMENT
*See chart
FURTHER ACTION
TO BE TAKEN
Dropping the
camera- Could
smash or damage
lens
When taking a
photograph
indoors
Myself and people
surrounding me at
that time
The camera Always have a tight
grip on the camera
Moderate Putneck strap on to
keep the camera
attached to you
Tripod – Could be
tripped over
causing bodily harm
or could be faulty
and not hold the
camera causing
damage to
equipment
When taking a
photograph
indoors
Myself or another
member of crew
takingphotographs,
public if in a public
area
The tripod and
equipment
surrounding it, also
possibly the camera
Only have tripod out
when needed and
ensure it is working
before use
Moderate Put up warning
signs when the
tripod is in use to
warn the people
around you
Tripping over leads
– Could cause
bodily harm or
damage equipment
When taking a
photograph
indoors
Myself or another
member of crew
takingphotographs,
public if in a public
area
The leads and the
equipment
surrounding them
Keep leads tidy and
to one side
High Only have the leads
outwhen needed or
in use and use
warning signs

2. Lighting – Could
overheat and cause
a fire
When taking a
photograph
indoors
Myself or another
member of crew
takingphotographs,
public if in a public
area
All equipment in the
room could be
damagedinthe case
of a fire
Ensure all lights are
turned off when not
in use
Low Have fire
extinguishers to
hand in case a fire
does begin
Models – Could
have to cancel to
shoot if your
expected models
don’t show up
When taking a
photograph
indoors
N/A N/A Book your models
through and agency
and reconfirm their
place in your shoot
the day before to
remind them
Low Always have people
for back up models
if it needs to be
donethere andthen
Time pressure –
Could strain people
to panic/rush and
injurethemselvesor
break equipment
When taking a
photograph
indoors
Myself or people
surrounding me at
that time
Equipment in the
surrounding area of
the person that is
under pressure
Have an organised
plan to hand to
ensure you are on
track to keep
yourself calm
Moderate Allow extra time for
any bits that might
need to be re-done
or done more than
once
Precarious – Could
drop and break the
camera if it isn’t
positioned/held
correctly
When taking a
photograph
indoors
Myself or people
surrounding me at
that time
The camera or other
equipment
surrounding it
Ensure you have a
tight grip of the
camera and the
strap around your
neck to prevent
from dropping it
Moderate Only use the
camera in a safe
environment and
ensure it’s quite
clear and not busy
Lifting hazards –
Could cause bodily
harm to yourself or
to people around,
could also cause
damage to
equipment
When taking a
photograph
indoors
Myself or people
surrounding me at
that time
The equipment
being lifted or the
equipment in the
surrounding area
Make yourself
aware of the weight
of the objectyou are
lifting and clear the
area so you have a
save route while
moving it
Moderate Have extra hands –
ask for help or
guidance
Being in a confined
area - Could cause
crowdedness if the
When taking a
photograph
indoors
Myself or another
member of crew
takingphotographs,
All equipment in the
confined area
Be prepared and
organise who will be
there in advance
High If it’s in a public
areathen haveback
up locations in case

3. space isn’t big
enough (people
with claustrophobia
would suffer)
public if in a public
area
your chosen one is
too busy at the time
you need it
Risk AssessmentChart
Hazard likelihood/Consequences RISK ASSESSMENT
VERY LIKELY TO HAPPEN or SEVERE CONSEQUENCES(i.e. Someonecouldget
seriouslyhurt)
EXTREME
Couldhappenormildconsequences (i.e.someone couldsufferaminor
injury)
HIGH
Unlikelytohappenorminorconsequences(i.e.productioncouldbe slightly
delayed)
MODERATE
Rarelyhappensandveryinsignificantconsequences LOW