I'll reply with my approach to going out to photograph. This is different than simply taking a camera with me everyday, just in case, sort of thing.
First and foremost, I keep my equipment ready to photograph at all times. Lenses are clean, filters are clean, batteries fully charged, etc. Notebook and writing instruments packed. I don't have to get ready to go out and photograph, that was done when I returned home from the last outing. I can just grab and go. If you want a flow chart for all of that, I'll post it, but it will be a long one, considering I usually take 4-5 cameras with me if I'm going out to photograph. On occasion, just for a challenge, I'll pick one camera and that's all I'll take.
Upon reaching a place where I think a photograph would be a good thing to do,
1. I evaluate the scene and picture, in my mind, how the final image will appear. Noting any issues with which I may have to manage in processing.
2. I then set the camera on a tripod, adjusting the position to capture the composition I visualized. Choosing a lens, filter, etc. is included in this.
3. I then meter the scene. This will be different depending on whether I'm capturing the scene with film or digitally. For film, where do I want to place the shadows, where will the highlights fall. From that I know what my processing will entail. For digital it's just the opposite, where do I wish to place my highlights and where will that put my shadows. The entire capture, to my way of thinking, is system management.
4. During the above procedure, I note everything, yes written notes. They are handy back at the lab when I'm post processing.
I hope this helps. If you need any clarification or expansion an any of the above, please let me know.
--Bob
cyclespeed wrote:
I wonder if anyone can supply a copy of what must go on in every competent photographer's mind between the thought, "I'd like to photograph that" or " Could I capture an image that would show whatever" and analyzing all the exposures taken.
For example, using a flow chart, does the thinking start with an image in your mind as to what the end result looks like then which camera / lens selection to use followed by composing then dealing with all the various settings on the camera? Are there other steps I haven't thought of but I do intuitively? Also, once you get to the camera settings is there a single progress line with no loop backs such as 1. Set aperture. 2 Set ISO 3. Set focus type. Etc.
I'm asking so I could share with some newer photographers if the concensus is this is a good approach but also to take along for myself to use. This would hopefully prevent some of my past blunders wherein the shots are too dark, a little out of focus or the wrong part of the photo is in focus or totally missed shots that were available for only a short few seconds and I did not have the proper settings to get it.
Thank you for any wisdom you can bestow.
I wonder if anyone can supply a copy of what must ... (
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