Hints & Tips
SHOOT RAW
Shooting RAW is the best option as you get the unprocessed data from your camera's sensor– you can process and manipulate the original data to get the look you want, not the look the camera manufacturer builds into their jpeg files. A jpeg file is bit like having a print made from a raw file and then destroying the original raw file.
STEADY YOUR CAMERA
A tripod is an asset, but when you're photo walking in a city it's not always an option on crowded streets. Learn to steady yourself your camera by alternative means such as a bean bag or monopod. I run a practical workshop on how to steady your camera.
LOOK TWICE
Don't just make the obvious shot, look for alternative angles and views. Stop. Look around you, drop down low, get up high, change your composition and framing, use a different lens.
BATTERIES
Make sure that you've got enough freshly charged batteries for your camera and flash.
MEMORY CARDS
Memory cards are relatively cheap and reusable so make sure that you've got plenty of spares that have been formatted in the camera you'll be using. Also, it's worth making sure they're free of data, which will save time when on location.
GET UP EARLY, STAY OUT LATE
No, this is not an invitation to burn the candle at both ends! Some of the best light for landscape photography is around dawn & dusk. Sometimes known as the magic hour when the quality of light can warm, soft and sometimes directional all at the same time, depending on the weather conditions.
NOTE BOOK & PEN (or pencil)
Always carry a notepad & something to write with. It's always useful to have information at hand that isn't recorded in your image meta data - grid references, GPS co-ordinates, direction camera pointing, ideas, inspiration, shopping lists!
CHIMPING
Chimping is good. Look at your preview screen, compare your handiwork with others. Check your exposure with the histogram. Just watch out if you're shooting a fast-moving subject or sport, there's every chance you'll miss the crucial action!
Don't chimp when crossing a road!!!!!!
For more on chimping visit wikipedia
