brianmen Loc: Sydney Australia

I have taken thousands and thousands of photos almost exclusively in manual mode. I shoot in raw.
My problem is that i have developed a bad habit of frequently failing to check exposure before taking the shot. I am very attentive to composition and focal points but frequently forget to check the exposure meter in the viewfinder prior to taking the shot..
I use a Canon 5d MKiii and a Canon 7D MKii. I find the the 5D is easier to read as the exposure reading is on the bottom of the screen in the viewfinder. The 7D is a much trickier proposition as the meter is situated at the side of the image and runs vertically which I don't find very intuitive. I take a lot of action nature shots where speed is essential. I am loath to put the manual setting to Auto ISO, which overcomes the problem, as I find noise a real issue in low light shooting. With my action shots naturally the shutter speeds is always high.
What I am looking for is suggestions on how I can kill this habit and make checking the exposure an integral part of my routine prior to taking the shot. Any constructive suggest is welcomed. My bad habit means I waste a lot of time rescuing images in Lightroom and Photoshop. Thanks in advance for your help. Cheers. Brian Menzies.

Singing Swan

Get a post-it note. Write yourself a mean reminder. Stick it to the camera case. Or the lens-cap if you're feeling lucky. Wrap a rubber band around the handle of the case or anything unusual that will make you stop and think, even if it's ??why is that here ?? ..... then the brain will get the nudge it needs to keep settings in consideration.

I have the same problem sometimes and I kick myself repeatedly when I bring the camera home full of 'not-quite-right'. I use the physical complication like a bell on the zipper pull of my camera case or a note simply reminding me to engage the brain as well as the camera.

Impressionist

Use a separate light meter like days of old. I shoot film once a month just to keep myself from getting lazy in my thought processes. Feel a little silly having to trick myself like that, but as long as I keep it a secret I'll never know.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Get yourself a T-shirt or big badge that says "Ask me if I've exposed myself today" which you have to wear in public for a day each time you forget.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Deleted.

Bobbee

Oh man, I just chuckled !!!!!!!!!



:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

SonyBug

Well, this doesn't exactly solve the problem, but why not just check the histogram. That way you see what HAPPENED,and will have a better idea of the exposure than predicting what WILL HAPPEN.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

You have taken thousand and thousands of oictures. Except that you should pay more attention to details, what do you expect anyone will tell you?

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Hire an assistant..

BebuLamar

+1 :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I saw in the movies the famous photographer has assistants take care of all the technical aspect.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Is there a psychiatrist in the crowd?

Quixdraw Loc: x

Use the old street trick. Shoot manual, meter rough preset for conditions. Shoot as necessary refine if there is time.

BebuLamar

This trick must not be very old as how do you refine when you shoot film?

Quixdraw Loc: x

Sorry I wasn't clear. You set your f stop and shutter speed for rough light conditions and focus at hyperfocal for the f stop. When a situation develops, a momentary opportunity, you shoot. If the situation has sufficient duration, you meter and focus specifically for the picture. Except for slide film, which I never used for street, there is considerable latitude, and for PP, always the darkroom.

BebuLamar

I agree with you. I think the one thing about exposure is that before I take a picture I always know the exposure information whether it's manual or auto. If the camera is on auto? Fine I always check the exposure setting before I release the shutter if the camera chose a setting I don't like then I would change it.