Step 1. Determining The End Use: Think about the end result! To me, thinking about how you want to use the picture(s) about to be taken can be one of the most important steps in taking any series of pictures. Do you want to create a Panorama? (see Tips for Taking Panoramics) Do you want to create a Tilt-Shift photo effect? (see Tips for Taking Tilt-Shift Photos) Do you want to create a Diptych or Triptych? (see Tips for Taking Diptych & Triptychs) Do yo want to create a Black & White photo? (see Tips for Taking B&W Photos) Do you want to create a silhouette? Do you want to create an HDR photo? (see Tips for Taking HDR Photos) The answer to these questions will help you to better evaluate shooting conditions, framing the picture(s) about to be taken, and in determining optional camera settings that will enhance the final result. For example, you may want to determine:
- The need for adding or removing filters
- The need to Reset SS, ISO, WB, Exposure (Display-Button)
- The need to Reset the Film Mode [STD] (see 5th shot below)
- The need to Reset Shooting Mode [Single], Burst-H, AB+/-, Self (Mode-Lever)
Step 2. Establish A Shooting Routine: Every good photographer takes multiple shots of a subject to help insure that they end up with the best possible picture e.g. best composition, best focus, best exposure, etc. There are a variety of processes that you can employ that will help you achieve this goal. It is my suggestion that whenever possible, establish a specific picture taking routine and stick with it as much as possible.
- Taking The First Shot(s): Always use the camera's built-in auto mode for the first shot. Almost all digital cameras have some type of "auto" mode where the camera's sensors evaluate the subject and then determine what it considers the best settings for achieving a good picture. On my camera, this is called the [iA] (for intelligent Auto) and it generally does an outstanding job. However, because it cannot know what you are thinking relative to how you want to use the shot or what the exact focal point should be for focusing purposes, taking additional shots in different modes may better help you achieve a desired result. (See Step 3.)
- Taking A Second Shot: First you must disable the iA (auto mode) used in the first shot. After doing this, select an Auto Scene Mode using the (Mode Dial). On my camera I have the following preset Modes and available options.
- SCN: [Sunset/Sunrise], Party, Baby, Pet, Peripheral Defocus (Uses 1-Area Focusing)
- Portrait: Normal, Soft, [Outdoor], Indoor
- Scenery: [Normal], Nature, Architecture, Creative (Allows Changing of Shutter Speed for Water)
- Sports: Normal, [Outdoor], Indoor, Creative (Allows Changing of Shutter Speed Blurring)
- Closeup: [Flower], Food, Objects, Creative (Allows Changing of Aperture for +/- Depth-of-Field)
- Night Pics: [Portrait], Scenery, Lights, Creative (Allows Changing of Aperture for +/- Depth-of-Field)
- (See Step 3.)
- Taking A Third Shot: First, reset the previously selected Scene Mode to the [P] Program Mode on (Mode-Dial). Using the [P] mode you can control Shutter Speed & Aperture. NOTE: ISO Must be set to 100. To change the shutter speed or Aperture (f-stop) settings ...
- Press Shutter 1/2-way and rotate the Rear Dial (left or right) to adjust
- Pressing and then rotating the Rear Dial allows you to adjust Exposure Compensation (+/-)
- This action alternately changes Shutter or Aperture
- OPTIONS to consider: Determine need to OPEN FLASH (Use Forced Flash Setting)
- OPTIONS to consider: Increase ISO (sensor Sensitivity) (TOP arrow on (Menu-Set Area)
- Use the [iISO] setting for closeups on a windy day
- OPTIONAL: Instead of the [P] Mode, use the [S] Shutter-Priority Mode on (Mode-Dial)
- In the [S] Mode, you set Shutter Speed - Camera sets Aperture)
- Again, you can press and rotate the Rear Dial to adjust Exposure Compensation (+/-)
- This action alternately changes the Aperture
- OPTIONAL: Instead of the [P] Mode, use the [A] Aperture-Priority Mode on (Mode-Dial)
- In the [A] Mode, you set the Aperture - Camera sets Shutter Speet
- Use this mode for closeups/macro with a setting of F/16 for greater Depth-of-Field
- (See Step 3.)
- OPTIONAL - Taking A Fourth Shot: First, reset the previously selected mode by selecting the [My Color] Mode (the Artist Pallet icon on the Mode-Dial. This mode allows for selection of the following artistic color schemes...
- Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Expressive, Dynamic, Silhouette, Custom allows adjustment of Color, Brightness, Saturation)
- NOTE: These settings are automatically removed when you reset to another mode.
- (See Step 3.)
- OPTIONAL - Taking A Fifth Shot: Changing (resetting the [STD] Film Mode. The only requirement for applying one of the modes is that the [iA] function must be OFF. To do this press the left arrow on (Menu-Set Area). The available Film Modes are ...
- STD: Standard color settings
- DYNamic: Higher Saturation and Contrast
- SMOoth: Lower Contrast-Soft & Clean
- NATure: Brighter Red, Green & Blue
- NOStalgic: Lower Saturation and Contrast
- VIBrant: Higher Saturation and Contrast than DYNAMIC
- B&W STD: Standard B&W settings
- B&W DYNamic: Higher Contrast B&W Settings
- B&W SMOoth: Smoother Gradation & Skin Texture
- My Film Settings
- MY FILM 1=[Cont= 0][Sharp=+1][Sat=+2][NR=-2]
- My FILM 2=[Cont=+2][Sharp=+2][Sat=+2][NR=+2]
- Multi-Film Settings
- MULTI FILM 1=[Standard]
- MULTI FILM 2=[Cont= 0][Sharp=+1][Sat=+2][NR=-2]
- MULTI FILM 3=[Cont=+2][Sharp=+2][Sat=+2][NR=+2]
- NOTE: There are +/- OPTIONS for the Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Noise Reduction for each of the film modes. Each are at their DEFAULT setting unless otherwise noted above
- (See Step 3.)
Step 4. Changing Lenses In The Field: Read my photography tip on Changing Lenses In The Field.
MORE OPTIONS TO CONSIDER: Use Focus Lock; Set Mode to AutoBracketing +/-; Set Manual Mode Dial to [A]; Determine use of FLASH
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