Ronald540 Loc: Sandy Utah

I just appointed myself professional level7 now I am going to set all the rules.
#2 write a 3 page essay on why there is a screen on the back of the camera.
Some Leica users need not answer this, or film guys and gals.
You also must turn off your light meters.
#3 every other Professional is demoted.
See rule #1
# 4 everyone look in the menu of your camera and turn off the preview.
If your camera lacks this please turn in your camera. Also see rule #1.
If you cannot agree to rule #1 please do not reply.
Oh yea happy snapping and have fun, that’s an order.
Cheers
Ron

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

SS319

Professional Photographers of yesteryear had chimping techniques and used them when the shot was critical. It was the reason why Dr. Land developed polaroid film - most 4X5 and 8X10 cameras in the late 40s into the 60s had a polaroid back to snap in place to check lighting and exposure on critical shots. Sometimes the photographer would allow his able assistant with 20-25 years under his belt to actually take the polaroid - under the watchful eye of the photographer. Once the polaroid proved the setup was correct, then a sheet of the real film (Tech Pan or Pan-X) would be loaded and the single exposure of the day would be taken.

Today - someone buys a 0.6sensor camera and a zoom lens and next day wants to hang his shingle as a wedding photographer

fotografz

I'm a wedding/event/portrait shooter, as well as a studio/location commercial advertising photographer. 40 years doing it. My credentials are the work itself: www.fotografz.smugmug.com

Digital image review is neither professional, nor unprofessional. Actually, the term "Chimping" was coined in reference to excessive mindless image review ... it conjures up an image of a simian like head down, slacked lipped reliance on seeing most every shot taken, or standing there reviewing a series of shots while the action was still going on ... which is born from lack of confidence and/or experience.

That said, instant image review is one reason digital photography thrived. It was extremely important because shooting digital tended to be more like shooting less forgiving slide film verses negative film which offered far more latitude during processing (especially in the highlight areas).

In the commercial studio with clients present, paid models and stylist, rented props, PAs etc. we used to shoot polaroids to check the set design, lighting and so on. With digital, the camera is often tethered, or the LCD checked, to assure a reshoot won't be necessary because clients can approve on the spot, rather than having to wait until the lab processed the film, after the set was struck, models gone, props returned etc.

Wedding and event work also benefited from instant review ... however, "chimping excess" is often impossible and/or detrimental during a typical hectic and frenetic wedding shoot. Where it is beneficial is to refine settings before a series of shots. For example, during the processionals timing is everything ... so I take a few test shots prior to the processionals beginning, then refine flash settings and exposure ... then shoot freely. Same with group shots ... one wants to retain the attention of the subjects rather than gazing at every shot and breaking contact with them.

I've seen my assistants chimping while a magical wedding moment was unfolding right in front of them. I use that to break them of the BAD HABIT before it becomes ingrained and eventually a crutch.

- Marc

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

This is something we simply did not have during the film days. It's great to have the ability to check instantly whether a shot is sharp or anyone's eyes are shut making it necessary to take another!

SS319

Think about what the word professional means and who we normally think of as "professional". The Airline pilot that verbalizes every action he takes so his co-pilot knows exactly where in the the procedure the pilot is; the reactor operator that uses a two person rule to check his every move; The racecar driver who has a team of people watching his gages and his performance so as to correct his performance during the race; The Physician who is absolutely sure he knows what is wrong with you and then orders lab tests to prove his diagnoses.

You are right in your premise that the difference between a professional and an amature is checking, but your directions are reversed. A professional always - ALWAYS - checks his work - over and over and over!

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Why would you care if some person refers to someone taking a picture and having a "look-see" as chimping? So what. Who died and left them in charge? If that becomes a level of professionalism what's next politicians telling the truth?

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

I do it quite often. Their is a reason they put that feature in the camera. I think it's a great thing to have.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Only an ignorant, haughty, stick-in-the-mud bozo who has never read the camera manual would scorn chimping.

Reviewing critical work on scene is VERY professional behavior! We used to put Polaroid film backs on our 4x5 and 120 cameras, didn't we? Chimping is the same insurance/assurance, without the Polaroid film cost.

We worked tethered at the school portrait company I left in 2012. The image popped up in our editing software on a laptop, two seconds after exposure. The photographer could cull edit, reviewing pose, expression, framing in our printer mask, and exposure. (S)he knew when linking the image to student data that the image would satisfy!

Stevebales Loc: Central Florida USA

I don't do weddings however I do a lot of Portrait photos and families photos. While shooting I am comfortable with the functions of my Canon's and light mastering, however While I am shooting a session I will look at a few if the client would like to see what I have shot. I also tether shoot at times. I shoot landscapes often and the setup may look one way and I will check to see if the shot is composed the way I envision it to be without having to move to get the shot. So chimping is not a word I would use although some will. Now that we have digital instead of film we are afforded that option. Just call me a light monkey with full frame camera's.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

I think one would be a fool not to chimp. At least occasionally, just to make sure you are getting an image. I remember back in the film only era when a professional was doing a wedding. Forgot to put film in his cameras. Got sued, had to pay for the wedding party to be flown back to the city, pay for the rental of tuxedos, etc. Cost him $15 grand back in the 70s. Bet he wished he could "chimp".

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

If you do not "Chimp" from time to time you may have forgotten that "Special Setting" that you used for that "Special Effect" for strong backlighting, blue gel on the flash, etc. So, I do "Chimp" from time to time. Fifty shots at +3 or -5 are pretty hard to recover from in PP. Been there, done that, etc. Haha.

fotografz

I think you are mixing up some actual processes. Most competent professionals prep, prep, prep ... and check work when possible, NOT always while shooting. Professional photo shoots start with pre-production meetings and detailed planning well ahead of a shoot. Little is left to chance. What IS left is room for spontaneity and intuitive creativity during the actual shoot.

Fashion shooters don't stop to check every shot. Sports and action shooters don't check every shot. Wedding shooters don't check every shot ... and so on. Usually, a series of shots is reviewed after the fact during a break and that feedback is used to adjust the intent of the next series of shots. A race driver may have feedback from the pit, but the pro shooting the race needs to concentrate on a 200mph subject where chimping excessively could lead to a major "money shot" being missed.

By the way, many amateurs are just as good as many professional photographers when it comes to processes, prep, and actual results. Many questions on this site are from non-professionals looking to prep for a trip, etc.,

- Marc

TonyL Loc: Coventry, UK

I never fail to be amazed at the attitudes and comments of some alleged photography 'pundits'. What on earth can be wrong with reviewing one's pictures soon after taking them; surely one of the the great advantages of digital photography is the ability to do exactly that. Any errors in exposure, focusing or composition can then be addressed appropriately or you can quietly congratulate yourself on a fantastic shot. In any case I don't see it as unprofessional, in fact exactly the opposite. Would they rather if photographers, of whatever ilk, just snapped away and hoped for the best? Some people just need to come out of the dark ages and get a life!

advocate1982

I did that, sort of; The film broke in camera and you are conditioned to shoot until it stops. Never stopped, kept on shooting, wasn't until I got back to the studio and started to pack up the film and there was none to pack up. I restaged the entire session bringing back wedding party and all relatives, and in the end the photos were better because everybody was relaxed without the tension of the actual wedding day, and a free party, and in the end I still managed to make a couple of dollars - emphasis on it being only a couple, but it could have been much worse.