Timeless Tips

[spinetnglr]

Do you have any little handy tips or habits that you do every time you shoot? Something not camera specific but a general type tip that could apply to anyone. Mine goes all the way back to when I shot with a film SLR. One of the first times out with my camera I lost the lens cap. After that I got into the habit of everytime I remove my lens cap when I am out shooting I put it in my left hand pocket. Whether its a pants pocket or a coat pocket it always goes in the left one that way I know where to look for it when it comes time to put the camera away.

Next?

 

[RBennett]

Mine is simply this: get and use a tripod or some sort of brace WHENEVER possible but if you can't get one, learn to control your breathing. When you get in a hurry to take the shot, your heart is racing and your not nearly as steady. Calm down, take a deep breath, then let it out slowly and take the shot.

 

[ssanders79]

1. Unless you are trying to get an "in the moment shot" take the time to compose your shot.
   
2. Just because you have a digital camera does not mean you should be filling multiple memory cards a day (if your shooting raw this does not apply).

 

[jann1033]

i think my 1st tip would be don't be afraid to try something new/challenge yourself and just get out there and shoot.

How can you improve it you just stick with the same old same old and don't practice? if you hate it, it takes a second to reformat your card. but imo photography is an expression of what you think/feel/see and if you are constantly trying to do what everyone else does how is that your expression. it's good to know the "rules" but you need to know how/when to misapply them too ( so sorry ssanders79 i guess i totally disagree with your #2, but to each his own )

2nd tip, stick some plastic food storage or garbage bags in your pocket( if you don't walk around with your case ) especially in winter so you can set your gear down and not get it wet, muddy, etc. had i listened to myself i would have had somewhere to set my camera other than directly on the snow when i inadvertently made snow angels last time i was out shooting. my case has bags in it but my case was 20 ft away