Image by Darwin Bell
The following was submitted by one of our readers – Jan Neault Phillips. It’s a little tongue in cheek (40 questions before every photo might be a little difficult, particularly if you’re photographing my kids who move at the speed of light) but also contains some good information on the type of things a photographer should be thinking about as they prepare for a shot (or perhaps for a ’shoot’).
So I’m walking along with my camera and I see a wonderful scene that would make a great photo…
Before I Hit the Shutter I Ask Myself:
- What mode do I want to shoot in? Manual, AP, SP, Auto or a pre-programed mode?
- If I’m using a pre-set, what F-Stop or Shutter Speed am I going to use?
- What format do I want to shoot in RAW or jpeg?
- What’s my ISO? Is it fast/slow enough?
- Too grainy for the shot?
- What White Balance am I set on?
- Do I need to set custom White Balance?
- Did I bring my 18% Grey Card?
- What Metering Mode should I be on?
- What Colour setting do I need?
- Am I going to use Manual or Auto Focus?
- Do I want to Bracket the shot?
- Am I going to use a Flash?
- And how am I going to use it?
- What story am I trying to tell?
- Do I need to change lenses?
- If so, which one?
- Am I shooting in Landscape or Portrait perspective, or even a jaunty angle?
- Do I need to use a Tripod?
- Will I use the Rule of Thirds or break it?
- What other rules should I be following?
- Are there Leading Lines I can use in the shot?
- What about finding an S-curve for the leading line?
- Is there any thing I can use to Frame my picture? e.g. Tree branches.
- Will I change this to B&W, Sepia or something else post production?
- Do I have a Focal Point?
- Is my subject Moving or Stationary?
- For Moving Subjects, do I want to Pan the shot, Blur the background or Blur the subject?
- Is there a Pattern I can pick up on?
- How’s the lighting? Are the shadows strong or weak?
- Do I want to emphasize them?
- Is the light too strong?
- Will it wash out detail?
- Is my horizon straight?
- Can I get this at a better angle?
- Should I wait for better lighting?
- What does the light meter read?
- Should I increase shutter speed or open up the aperture?
- Is it in focus?
- Did I just miss a great shot?
With all the questions I’ve learned to ask myself over the last year, it’s a wonder that I still have my sanity, my passion for photography and the the willingness to learn it. Life was so much simpler when all I did was point and shoot! Certainly less stressful.
But, I look at the results of recent photos I’ve taken, practice every day and soak up as much info as I can from every photographer and photo site I come across. And you know what? It’s all worth it in the end. I’ve decided that photography isn’t just a passionate hobby, but a journey I’m willingly taking.
Post from: Digital Photography School – Photography Tips.
40 Questions I ask Myself before Hitting the Shutter Release
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This isn’t a question but more of an uh duh moment. Take off the the lens cap. I actually leave it on a lot. Guess I get too excited about actually shooting the moment and have a senior one.
Funny article, Darwin.
While I agree with the checklist are things you need to take into account. I can’t stress enough that I believe photography isn’t a scientific hobby. A lot of it just “feel” and should not be a huge montomous setup. Photography is art; not a checklist.
If you are taking professional shots of people that have to be a specific way; then sure. But you are likely to miss the shot if you’re constantly analysing what you are doing.
I’ll admit to having missed the tongue-in-cheek part. :O Even funnier when one considers the banner image with a P&S camera.
I think that if you think too much longer you are under the risk of missing a great shot. I just point my camera and press the shutter release, sometimes I hit on the nail and sometimes not but I believe that all those feelings that make you get a nice shot comes with pratice.
Anyway the post is very good.
I say shoot now and ask questions later:D
LOL Yes dcclark most of them did.
ROTFLMAO Shame on you if you took this article seriously and missed the tongue in cheek part. This was a great article. For noobs and chimps,it serves as a check list of things you need to note before going out on a shoot. For the more experienced photogs, it just serves as a reminder of the things you take for granted because you run this things through your head subconciously. FWIW I need to note this list. It’s a great one. SLOL
I think if those questions were grouped into for the various sub-tasks involved in setting up a shot it could resemble the actual organic process that occurs when we actually shoot… ie:
1) group the questions that arise when you first pull your camera out of the bag (ISO, RAW, lighting, tripod)then
2) group the questions that arise while the camera is at your side (color balance, flash, determine the subject, story etc),
3) another group of questions as you are composing the shot (rule of thirds, exposure comp, aperture etc)
4) another group as your actuate the shutter (check shutter speed, watch subject etc)
5) and finally the group to evaluate what you did and want to do next. (refocus, horizon, better lighting etc)
I think these 40 or so questions is enough to help you shoot systematically, and by arranging and memorizing these sub-tasks it should get to the point where comes naturally while remaining adequately thorough. Now off I go to arrange my sub-task checklists…
Wow, looks like everyone missed the “tongue in cheek” part!
41.- What was I looking at?
42.- What have I done with my life?
Usually I just thing about my shutter speed (it it’s too slow things will be blurry, too fast no light),… it the thing is not moving, then I think about the background.