Mike Padgett Loc: Arizona

11 Photo Lessons Every Pro Learned the Hard Way

http://petapixel.com/2014/03/24/11-photo-lessons-every-pro-learned-hard-way/

Care to share your lessons-learned experiences?

So far, mine include visiting an annual butterfly exhibit same morning as grade school field trip, and leaving at home the lens needed for a specific event.

sugarjohnson Loc: West Jordan, UT

Sadly, I learned the hard way more than once. But the worst was a time we were going to a friends cabin. Since I have a tbi (traumatic brain injury) I no longer can drive so this was a special treat for me. Usually I'm trapped at home taking pictures of the grass growing! lol! So, I made sure I packed my camera, lenses, filters, tripod, etc. I got there and the first thing I see is an osprey swooping down to get a squirrel. I was stoked. I had camera in hand ready to go. Suddenly it went dead. thought, no biggie, I have my spare batteries. It was then I realized that my batteries were at home being charged. I spent the weekend without a camera and saw a deer, 2 buck, many osprey and even more smaller critters I would have loved to take pictures of.

Mike Padgett Loc: Arizona

That was frustrating. Hope I can avoid a similar experience.

clh3RD

Yesterday I took a trip to a park and made sure I had my battery in my camera. Usually I have a fully charged back in my bag. So, naturally I left my backup at home and found after two or three shots that my battery was done for the day. How dumb. Usually I am hyper-organized so for this trip I assumed I was ready and organized. Never assume...

Carl 383 Loc: Southampton UK

I learned that you should never take your wife's Olympus OM10 with you when you are on a canoe trip.
I have also learned to check the film advance indicator is actually advancing.
Lastly, I have learned not to buy my new photo kit at the beginning of the month, that's if I want to eat at the end of the month.

GrayPlayer Loc: Granby, Ct.

Picture the scene, snowstorm in small town, female members of wedding party negotiating street, pastel dresses, one white dress, I am at second story window of hotel. Combination of lighting, background and moment frozen in my memory forever.

GrayPlayer Loc: Granby, Ct.

I shot an entire roll (36) during a snowmobile race. Opened back to discover film not connected to take up spool. One and only time I did that. Constantly rechecked tension afterwards!