How much route buffer is realistic?

At least 20 minutes in metro areas and additional weather or construction buffer for uncertain routes.

What is most often missed in route planning?

Venue access and parking assumptions are often missed more often than distance estimates.

How do I avoid repeated route delays?

Capture one backup route, one alternate destination, and one pre-verified check-in phone number.

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2026-07-26·5 min read

Photography Drive-Time and Route Delay Checklist for Less Stressful Shooting Days

A pre-shoot operations checklist to prevent late starts from traffic, parking, and transfer delays.

Operations & Scheduling→Local Search & Marketing→

Transportation is part of timeline discipline

A shoot can be technically perfect and still fail in delivery if transport causes late arrivals. The route plan is a production asset.

Simple checklist you run before departure

Verify route in real time and confirm venue access instructions.
Confirm parking or drop-off options for the exact session windows.
Preload contact chain for each venue transfer.
Have one backup stop ready for last-minute delays.

Teams that protect route time rarely panic when conditions change.

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