Modern digital cameras have so many settings that it can be challenging to manage all of them. Of course, if any of the settings are not set correctly, images can be lost. This is very disheartening. I know because I had this happen to me once. I had to go back the next day and reshoot the scene.
To help ensure that such things are unlikely to happen, I decided to take a lesson from the way pilots operate. Pilots don't just jump in the pilot's seat and take off. Instead, they have a list of items that they check. Similarly, photographers can have a list of things to check before starting a photo session. Thus, the subject of this article is creating a photographer's list of things to check to make sure that everything is done right.
Camera
Sensor: Does the sensor need to be cleaned?
Lenses: Do the lenses need to be cleaned?
Battery: Are the batteries charged? Are there enough batteries?
Memory: Is there enough memory for the shoot?
Image Recording Quality: Is the image quality set properly?
Image Settings: If shooting JPG, are the JPG settings correct?
ISO: Is the ISO set correctly for the subject matter?
White Balance: Does the white balance setting match the light?
Metering Mode: Is the metering mode correct?
Shooting Mode: Is the shooting mode set correctly for the subject matter (e.g., fully automatic, manual, aperture priority, or shutter priority)?
Drive Mode: Is the drive set correctly for the subject matter (e.g., single or continuous shooting)?
Auto focus: Is the auto focus set correctly?
Tripod
Camera Level: Has the camera been leveled (can be checked with a bubble level)?
Tripod Levers/Knobs: Are all of the knobs on the tripod and head snug?
Tripod Weighted: If desired, is there a weight attached to the tripod to improve the stability?
Remote Switch: If desired, has a remote switch been connected to the camera?
Mirror Lockup: If desired, has the mirror lockup been enabled?
Scene
Image Periphery: Are there any items along the periphery of the image that protrude into the image?
Objects in the Scene: Are there any items in the scene that shouldn't be there?
Summation
That's about it. Of course, you should customize the list to fit your needs. Sooner or later, this will all become automatic. You will check these items without even thinking about it. If you have not yet reached that point, it is a good idea to carry the list in your camera bag.
If you are interested in becoming a master photographer, check out the secrets to taking great photos by visiting Ron's free site at Ron Bigelow Photography.
Orignal From: Checklist for Digital Photographers
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