Pre-set your camera before a shoot

© 2009 Simon Hucko

Today's tip relates to my post yesterday about re-setting your camera after a shoot. If you have a shoot planned where you know you're going to need a specific setup, pre-set your camera as close as you can before you go. This will help cut down on time spent changing lenses/dialing-in appropriate settings when you arrive.

For instance, if you're planning on getting up super early the next morning to shoot the sunrise, pull out your camera the night before and set everything to where you're going to want it (tripod plate on, low ISO, wide angle lens, narrow aperture, matrix metering, etc). That way, you won't have to try to set everything in the dark when you're tired.

This is also a good time to check to make sure all of your batteries are charged (including the ones for your flash or any other accessories you have), and that your camera bag is packed with everything you might need. Surprises in your images are good. Surprises in your gear, not so much.

The goal of pre- and re-setting your equipment before/after a shoot is to help prevent your gear from becoming an obstacle to your photography. Spend your time making images, not messing with your camera.

~S