Why Oya Obinidodo Chooses Affordable Gear Over PPA Insurance for Her Film Projects

Oya Obinidodo chooses to skip the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) insurance that covers gear up to $15,000 for about $200 a year. Instead, she buys affordable cameras when needed, like for her short film Confessions Of A Closet King.

She believes paying high prices for rentals without insurance doesn’t make sense. For Oya, the focus isn’t on expensive equipment—it’s on the story, the art, and the message she wants to share. This practical mindset highlights how creativity can thrive without costly gear.

Understanding the Professional Photographers Association Insurance

When it comes to protecting valuable photography gear, the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) offers a specific insurance plan that covers equipment like cameras and laptops. This section breaks down what this insurance entails, its benefits, and the reasons some artists like Oya Obinidodo might choose to skip it.

Coverage Details and Cost

The PPA insurance plan covers up to $15,000 worth of gear, which typically includes all your essential photography equipment. This coverage means that if your camera, lenses, or related tech get stolen, damaged, or lost, the insurance reimburses you up to that amount.

The cost of this insurance runs at about $200 per year. This fee offers continuous protection for your gear throughout the year, regardless of how often you use it. For many professionals, this flat yearly rate is a predictable expense compared to unexpected equipment losses.

Advantages of Using PPA Insurance

Having PPA insurance brings a sense of security and peace of mind. Knowing that your tools are covered lets you focus on your craft without constant worry over accidents or theft. This can be especially valuable for photographers and filmmakers whose equipment represents hundreds or thousands of dollars of investment.

Other benefits include:

• Quick financial recovery if gear is damaged or stolen
• Insurance that follows you on assignments, both local and international
• Coverage that includes not just hardware but sometimes accessories like laptops
• Support from the PPA for filing claims and managing paperwork

For professionals relying on expensive gear daily, this kind of safety net can prevent interruptions in their work and costly replacements.

Limitations and Cost Considerations

Despite these perks, not every creative finds PPA insurance essential. The yearly cost, while reasonable, may seem high to those who either own less expensive equipment or shoot less frequently. For example, Oya Obinidodo opts out because replacing affordable cameras as needed fits her budget and working style better than paying for annual coverage.

Other limitations to consider:

• The $15,000 coverage limit may not fully protect photographers or filmmakers with higher-end gear
• Some insurance policies don’t cover rental equipment, meaning you could still pay out of pocket for damage to borrowed gear
• The insurance might not cover every type of loss or situation, such as wear and tear or intentional damage
• Filing claims can involve deductibles and paperwork, which may deter some from seeking insurance

Ultimately, whether PPA insurance is the right choice depends on your equipment value, risk tolerance, and how you manage your gear costs. For those focusing on affordable tools and flexible replacements, the insurance might not feel necessary. But for others, it’s a worthwhile investment in protecting their work assets.

Oya Obinidodo’s Alternative Approach to Equipment Management

Oya Obinidodo takes a different path when it comes to handling gear for her projects. She openly rejects the idea of relying on insurance offered by groups like the Professional Photographers Association (PPA). Instead, she chooses to buy affordable cameras as needed, focusing her energy on the creative process rather than gear expenses or insurance policies. This approach reflects a practical mindset that blends financial sense with artistic focus.

Buying Affordable Cameras Instead of Renting

Oya’s choice to buy cheap cameras rather than rent expensive ones comes from a clear calculation. Renting professional equipment can cost several hundred dollars per project, and often doesn’t include insurance. For instance, paying $300 to rent a camera without insurance means risking a big loss if something goes wrong.

Rather than face that risk, Oya Obinidodo prefers to buy inexpensive cameras on Amazon. These may not have all the bells and whistles of top-tier gear, but they get the job done for projects like Confessions Of A Closet King. Her stance is simple: the story matters more than the camera brand. This means she can shoot whenever she wants without worrying about rental contracts or return dates.

Financial Benefits of Oya Obinidodo’s Approach

Choosing affordable gear over rentals or insurance delivers clear financial advantages:

• Lower upfront costs: Buying a budget camera outright often costs less than a single rental session.
• No recurring fees: There’s no ongoing insurance or rental payments eating at her budget.
• Flexibility: Oya Obinidodo can replace inexpensive gear quickly if it breaks or is lost, without worrying about claim delays.
• Investment control: Money spent on gear buys assets rather than temporary use, which can be resold or kept for future projects.

These savings help Oya Obinidodo stay within project budgets and avoid debt or financial stress tied to equipment use. It also means she directs funds toward storytelling elements rather than equipment costs.

Impact on Creative Freedom and Focus

By cutting the financial ties to expensive equipment and insurance, Oya Obinidodo frees herself to focus fully on the creative side of filmmaking. This approach:

• Shifts attention from gear to message: Without thinking about costly cameras, she centers on what truly matters—story and art.
• Reduces pressure: There’s less anxiety about damage or theft since replacing gear is straightforward.
• Encourages experimenting: Lower-cost equipment lowers barriers to trying new shots or techniques without fear of losing expensive gear.
• Promotes independence: Oya Obinidodo makes choices based on creative needs, not financial constraints tied to rentals or insurance rules.

This mindset supports producing authentic work without distractions from gear worries. For Oya Obinidodo, it’s a reminder that powerful storytelling doesn’t require expensive equipment—just focus and commitment.