If you have never pickup your camera and started shooting with the camera in some jacked up configuration that you were using three days ago, you are a better photographer then I. If you are shooting RAW you can sometimes salvage something. But still, it really is a pisser!
Camera Settings
So, what do you do? My recommendation is to create a startup routine. Computers do this – every time you turn them on they go through their startup routine setting everything to its starting point. You can do the same. Make a habit of every time you pick up your camera for a new shoot you are going to go through your startup routine. Your startup routine should consist of checking the following settings:
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Waiting for Sunset at Tunnel View in Yosemite
A couple of weeks ago I was reading the December issue of Outdoor Photographer Magazine (http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/) and in an article, 25 tips from 25 of their writers (or something like that) – one of the tips was about using a tripod. The editor interjected that all of the photographer/writers had recommended the use of a tripod, even though they only used it once in the article. I realized that I had an opinion about that and decided to write about it.
I will warn you right off the bat that this post has a contradiction in it – I am sure at some point you will be reading this and you are going to say “Mark – You’re contradicting yourself!” But, I hope you will understand why as I wrap this up. As we will be talking about tripods, I also want to warn you that some Image Stabilize lenses should have the image stabilizing feature turned off when you mount the lens on a tripod. You will have to check the instruction for you lens to confirm this. It has to do with the fact that the electronics in the lens is designed to look for movement, when there is no movement the lens will react to electronic noise that is part of any electronic system. This is not unlike the digital noise you see in dark areas of an image… just in stabilization. Again, each lens is different and you will want to verify with your manufacturer before using your image stabilized lens on a tripod.
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Secure Your Camera Bag
Here is a short and sweet tip to help protect you r valuable camera equipment. I have never been burned by this, but I have come very close a few times. NEVER leave your camera bag unzipped, unbuttoned, unlatched or un-how every you secure your camera bag. If you do, you will someday be in a rush and grab your camera bag with intent to take your next Pulitzer Prize photo, when your camera gear will go flying and (hopefully not) breaking. Photography is a great deal about discipline and this is one discipline I would HIGHLY recommend. So, I make a mental note to zip my camera bag each time I take something out. For me it is like lens caps, they are always on if the lens is not in use. I hope this helps.
If you are looking at DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex) because you want to get more serious about photography, either treating it as a hobby or perhaps do some professional work, you should give a lot of thought to your first DSLR purchase. Keep in mind you are not just buying a camera you are buying into a system – Lenses, flashes, shutter releases, and even memory cards and software. All of these things can be specific to a band of cameras.
Lots of Choices
I recommend that when you buy your first DSLR that you investigate the entire system you are buying into, because to some degree you will be married to that system for a while. As you grow your own camera system with additional lenses, a flash or two, etc you will end up with a large investment in equipment. If you then decide to upgrade and end up going with another brand you will have to sell all of that equipment (probably at a loss) and upgrade. So it makes a lot of sense to look not only at the entry level cameras in that system, but also the pro-sumer and even pro cameras and lenses. You want to buy into a system that has headroom – room to grow. You also want to be sure the system had equipment you will want to use as you grow. Does the system have a complete range of lenses (both prime and zooms), does it have flashes that will meet your needs, etc.
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