Despite
the advent of technologies that we now take for granted, such as auto-exposure
and ‘instant’ review of shots, the practice of photography remains the same.
Follow the ‘rules’ and you will find your ratio of good images to bad images
will improve.
Over the years, I have been asked many times to give out the
“secrets” you learn in the professional photography arena. However, there are
really no secrets, they are all here, just keep reading. I should add that all
these tips come from real life experiences which have happened to myself and
other pro shooters. None of it is made up. The 11 rules will help you. Believe!
Tip number 1. Incredibly basic, but it is simply to read the
manual. Read the manual again. In the case of digital cameras, read the manual
again. You cannot do it too often. With digitals, you can see the effect
immediately. When all else fails - read the manual again.
Tip number 2. Always carry one more memory stick than you
think you’ll need when on holidays. The shot of a lifetime will appear and you
will have already filled your memory stick. When you are digital, you haven’t
got the time to sit there going ‘review-delete-review-delete’ with your digital
SLR.
Tip number 3. Frequently check the exposure controls on your
camera, that they really are set on Auto, or Shutter priority or what your
standard setting is. It is very easy to knock the controls and settings when
taking the camera in and out of the bag, or even when it has been hanging round
your neck.
Tip number 4. When you get the book of prints back, and the
CD with the images, immediately write on them the subject material of the shots
and the date. Do this with black permanent texta pen so it doesn’t rub off and
you will have saved yourself hours of frustration, flicking through books of
prints and CDs, while looking for “Songkran 2011”. Once again, very basic, but
very necessary.
Tip number 5. When going on holidays with your camera, take
spare batteries with you - always. No matter how new the batteries, if there is
a failure while you are trekking in Mongolia, or just lazing on the beaches in
Koh Samet you will not be able to get the correct replacement. Remember also
that your camera may use more than one type of battery, another trap for young
players. Keep spares of both kinds.
Tip number 6. I mentioned this next one a couple of weeks
ago. Always check that the camera neck strap is indeed tight and secure on both
ends. If one end lets go, the camera will hit the ground before you have time
enough to react. Cameras do not bounce well, if at all.
Tip number 7. Never keep your camera in the glove box of your
car. The temperatures that can be reached in the cubby hole reach as high as 50
plus degrees Celsius in our blazing summers. The newer “plastic” bodied cameras
and camera backs can actually warp with the high temperature.
Tip number 8. When you decide that you want an enlargement
made of one particular shot, arrange for it straight away, while you still have
the CD or memory stick handy, and before it gets covered in dust, damaged and
scratched, making it impossible to get a decent enlargement, and before it gets
lost, even though you have written on it what the CD is about (see Tip number
4).
Tip number 9. Always put spare memory sticks or cards back in
their plastic containers, and keep them in the camera bag. I even suggest you
tie them in place, so they don’t get lost. When you need it in a hurry, it has
to be accessible. It will happen, believe me.
Tip number 10. When shooting kids or animals for doting
parents/owners, get down to the subject’s level. You’ll get a better shot!
Tip 11. Remember the Rule of Thirds. Place the subject one
third in from one side and one third down from the top edge for photos that
appeal.
Now that was simple, wasn’t it. Now go and apply them.
