FROM THE EDITOR...
PITFALLS TO AVOID IF YOU’RE
A PHOTOGRAPHER
Dave Stabley
Editor / Publisher
I
recently read an article written by a veteran photographer who attempted to give some
advice to those who may be a bit newer in the profession, concerning pitfalls to avoid,
and “lessons learned from experience”. I liked what he was attempting to share, and
thought that I would take his advice, add in my own personal experience and provide it
to you. I’m certain, if you have been shooting for awhile, there are points here you can
readily relate to.
• Always have your camera with you. There is no worse feeling than to be in the
presence of an incredible photo opportunity and only have a cell phone with which
to capture it.
• Be ready to shoot...have your camera ready, turned on, lens cap off, correct
settings set. When the shot of a lifetime presents itself, you don’t want to miss it
because you weren’t ready.
• Always check your battery level and memory cards before heading off for a shoot
(and have spares).
• Always shoot RAW.
• Always review your first couple of shots on the back of your camera. Is the
histogram good, are you using settings left over from some other shoot, is your
image sharp and in focus, is your composition good? Or is there anything else
unexpected in the shot, like reflections or strange effects from a filter etc?
• Always ask yourself, “Is there a better way to get this shot?” Even if it’s inconvenient,
like having to go back to grab your tripod or a different lens, DO IT. If you find
yourself thinking “It’ll be alright” – then it probably means there’s a better way to
get the shot. Sometimes the difference between a good shot and a great shot is
the difference of a foot or two in either direction, or a tripod.
• If there’s ANY chance you might need your tripod… take it with you. There is no
“good” substitute for it.
• Back-up your photos/memory cards as soon as humanly possible, preferably on
at least two different drives.
• Maintain a non-destructive editing workflow – and NEVER delete or save over your
original image files.
• If you see a shot you want to take… Take it NOW. Don’t wait.
• Have a backup camera, especially if you’re going on a long or expensive photography
trip.
If you have some additional thoughts on the matter, I would love to hear them. If there
are enough, I will add them to a future magazine.
Thanks. Till next month,
Editor / Publisher
NM CliQ Magazine | September 2015
7