Modus Operandi

B

bigbigblue

Suspended / Banned
Messages
553
Name
Peter
Edit My Images
No
I am off on a landscape photography trip shortly. On previous trips, I have always got home and thought 'if only....[I had done something I had forgotten to do]'.
Which got me thinking about the mechanics of the process of taking a landscape shot, so that I could write a list of things to check whenever I take a shot so
that I don't have another 'If only....' moment :)

Here is my list of things to check / do:
  1. Make sure everything which is in the light path to the sensor (lens front & back elements, filters etc) are CLEAN;
  2. Check camera settings (these are for my Nikon D810)
    1. AF-S (Single shot AF)
    2. Mirror up mode
    3. Single exposure mode
    4. ISO - as low as possible
    5. Matrix Metering
    6. Exposure Compensation set to 0 stops
    7. RAW 14 Bit Uncompressed
    8. Aperture priority mode
  3. Use a tripod
  4. Use a cable release
  5. Use lens hood if required
  6. Decide what filters to use (ND / Grad / Polariser/ UV)
  7. If using Polariser, rotate it to maximise effect
  8. Attach GPS for geotagging
  9. Based on Depth of field required, set aperture (consider diffraction if very small aperture used & hyperfocal distance
  10. Make sure camera is level (unless not required for 'artistic reasons'
  11. Focus and check with liveview - stop lens down to check DOF
  12. Take test shot and check:
    1. Histogram, (consider expose to the right)
    2. composition,
    3. for flare, camera shake and anything else which might ruin the shot
  13. Consider creative options
    1. Portrait orientation (magazine cover shot)
    2. Landscape orientation
    3. Multi shot panorama (portrait orientation to maximise resolution of final image)
    4. time exposure

Comments / suggestions for additions welcome.
 
1. Take less photographs than usual
2. If you don't see something that makes you go, 'WOW' don't take a photograph
3. When you are talking a photograph, look behind you for interesting opportunities as well
4. Enjoy the scenery
5. Check the weather
6. Charge your batteries :)

And 7. don't over think it ;)

Cheers.
 
posiview said:
1. Take less photographs than usual
2. If you don't see something that makes you go, 'WOW' don't take a photograph
3. When you are talking a photograph, look behind you for interesting opportunities as well
4. Enjoy the scenery
5. Check the weather
6. Charge your batteries :)

And 7. don't over think it ;)

Cheers.
Click to expand...
Andy, I was thinking more about the mechanical aspects of taking a photo once I have decided to do so, but the above are all good points
 
bigbigblue said:
Andy, I was thinking more about the mechanical aspects of taking a photo once I have decided to do so, but the above are all good points
Click to expand...

Ah, missed that point :)

Use an L Bracket. I always use one and it really works wonders, saves a lot of faffing about when doing landscape and portraits of the same scene.

Cheers.
 
2,9 check the picture control setting selected - I know it won't affect the RAW file, but it will affect the JPEG preview on the image review, and the histogram.
 
13,5. Look behind you (I've missed great light behind me in the past when I've been concentrating on the image I thought I wanted).
 
Make sure you have been to the toilet before you set off. No 1 will make you rush the shot and No 2 with invariably cause image blur.
 
D810
1. Manual focus
2.10 Enable the electronic front-curtain
2.11 Check bracketing settings
3. Level, lock lockdown and stabilise tripod with camera bag etc.
7.1 Check front element, filter, polariser etc. is clean free of fingerprints water droplets etc.
11. Stop lens down to check DOF ........Comment: i think i must be the only Tog in the world that cant see the difference through viewfinder / display when I press this button! I have always got this button programmed for something useful.

Kit Tips aside
Take a torch, if your working early Morning or late Evening saves you falling down a ditch or into a river when getting too and from your location.
I take an Dayglow orange meter square of ripstop nylon to put my gear bag on as when you open it in the dark and "Those Bits" drop out you never find then again in the long grass, or whatever but they will show up on a bright square of ripstop.

My 2d Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top