Reducing Downtime - Part 1

Part 2

Clear those cards. I have a rigorous download and archiving system after which I can format my cards in advance of a day's shooting. I don't want to be in a situation where I insert a card only to find it half full of images that I've not yet downloaded. Or have to format a card when I insert it for use, it takes long enough to change cards as it is there's no way I want to waste time and concentration when my time could be better spent.

Finger on the shutter. This might sound obvious but I like to keep my finger constantly on the shutter, for some controls this isn't possible and this also means that the weight of the camera can be placed on just a couple of fingers and this can result in painful hands after a day of carrying around a heavy body.

Recent settings. I use the "recent settings" menu on my D200 to easily navigate back to a function that I've used recently without having to waste time hunting through various menu options, this can be a tremendous time saver.

Sleep and coffee. Sustained concentration, manoeuvring and carrying kit takes a lot of energy (mental and physical). I'm terrible without sufficient sleep - my concentration levels are seriously depleted if I don't get a good eight hours sleep, so if I'm planning a big day (especially with an early start to catch the light) I try to plan a good night's rest beforehand. Once I wake up I'll need plenty of caffeine to get me through the day. Unfortunately, being such a fan of coffee I really struggle if find myself without some. Also at the end of a long day shooting I'll often be mentally and physically drained and if I've a long drive home I'll make sure I've got a caffein drink to keep me awake and will stop to rest to make sure I get home safely.

Rehearsal. Although this sounds a bit strange I'll handle my camera and work through a few of the common functions before I plan to use it - either the night before or in the morning before I get ready to go out - this acts as a dress rehearsal and ensures familiarity with all the controls. I used to find I was rusty when I picked up a particular camera body for the first time after a while - I found I'd miss more opportunities earlier in the day due to fumbling for controls; later when I'd "warmed up" I'd get less missed shots (this is my logic for suggesting the dress rehearsal).

Closing Point

All the above points contribute to help me get the photographs I'm after. I've discovered these not through intuition - they are all simply mistakes I've made in the past and learned to guard against. Looking at my contact sheets and more recently my computer monitor is one of the greatest source of photographic education I have found - I always try to learn from my mistakes.

Controls that I can activate without taking my finger off the shutter - good

Aspects of the camera's control interface that require me to take my finger off the shutter like the D200's EV compensation - not so good