Comments on: 40 Questions I ask Myself before Hitting the Shutter Release

By: Donald Hogue

Donald Hogue — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:51:51 +0000

Since my camera retains the WB setting from one Power OFF-ON to the next, I have learned to check the White Balance First and quickly even to just set to AUTO. I hesitate to admit publicly how many initial outdoor shots became crap with WB set for incandescent indoor lighting from a previous session.. There are other retained settings but it seems the WB screws things most.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:22:14 +0000

With these many things in mind, most probably your going to answer your last question first.

Missing a Great Shot.

By: Kevin Halliburton

Kevin Halliburton — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:21:32 +0000

That’s a good list and I appreciate the time you put into it. The better a shot is planned and considered, the better and more consistent the results.

#15 is now my #1 question though. I’ve found the answers to the rest of them are usually driven, in whole or in part, by the story I’m trying to shoot. Here is a guest post I did for Jason D. Moore detailing my story check list. http://jasondmoore.com/blog/2010/01/guest-post-stop-you-are-not-a-photographer-by-kevin-halliburton/

You’ve put some really solid information in your list here. Thanks for several good reminders.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:17:03 +0000

“40. Did I just miss a great shot? Absolutely, because you were too busy asking yourself unnecessary questions. Most of this stuff is done before I walk out the door with my camera.

If I had to do this everytime I was taking a picture, even once, I’d find another hobby.”

TOTALLY agree.

By: Bella

Bella — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:25:40 +0000

These aren’t 40 commandments, they’re suggestions, he’s trying to help you. You do what you want. But if you learn something new, great.!
These days you can’t find a photographer willing to teach you, without them fearing you’ll mooch every bit of knowledge out of them to become their rival & if they do teach its way expensive.
Stop bringing down the curve & realise he is offering you good advice free.

By: Buri Studios

Buri Studios — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:37:34 +0000

I’m in agreement with Matt. The key to photography is the same as a good game of golf. You line up your shot, you relax, and you swing. If you tense up and make the process too mechanical the shot breaks down. Your subject will become uncomfortable, the sun will have risen above the water ruining your perfect sunrise shot, the bird will no longer be flying towards you but rather away. Capture life as it comes and let the answers to the questions build themselves into your swing as you go. And let those answers and questions be your answers and questions. It’s up to you to build your own style. Forget the rules, the rules are for the masses that follow them. You are an artist and it’s up to you to make your own art, not mimic someone elses!

By: Christina O'Brien

Christina O'Brien — Wed, 26 May 2010 23:15:47 +0000

Try one question at a time to see how it affects your image as you are learning. After you get that down, you won’t have to think of all these things before, it will happen naturally. Just keep shooting.

By: Bipin Gupta

Bipin Gupta — Fri, 21 May 2010 12:26:12 +0000

Most times, I feel a couple of these questions – though ideal to ask if you were taking a shot first time with the camera – have a more-or-less standard answer. For example: What format I want to shoot? I do not most times change between RAW/JPEG based on shots. If for an outing I have decided on JPEGs, it is rare I would start on RAW.

However, most others are questions I do ask myself. Though I am not sure if I have answered/asked all 40, most are there at the back of my mind. For example, while all the time I would be on ISO200, I do think about it once I encounter low light, or fast moving subject. Again, most questions about composition are always there at the back of my mind – am sure most of us have them.

Kudos Jan, for the nice article.

By: Robert J Gray Sr.

Robert J Gray Sr. — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:54:49 +0000

One of the truisms I was taught when I first started out is SHOOT-a lot. Back in my earlier days, the thought of film cost and processing often kept me from triggering the shutter. There really is no excuse with digital. Eith shoot what you are set for or learn your camera so that you can adjust quickly. I just changed over to a digital SLR and am relearning to be comfortable with this camera. Like the rule of thirds, the checklist is a basic guideline to have in the back of your head, not to dictate your shot.

By: tukangpoto

tukangpoto — Mon, 17 May 2010 09:09:14 +0000

Too much question just for hitting the shutter release…just shot,worried later. After all we’re in the digital era!