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Always and never
By Robert de Gast
Always and never are powerful words. “You never put the cap back on the toothpaste.” “You’re always late.” They can be fighting words. And who needs to fight? What’s “always,” what’s “never?” But once in a while they come in handy, especially, I think, when photography is involved. Here are a few notions:
ALWAYS carry a spare battery. When the thing expires, all you have is a paperweight.
NEVER put your film or camera in the car’s glove compartment: the heat will fry them.
ALWAYS have another roll of film or an additional memory card on hand. Murphy’s Law!
NEVER send a storage card through the US mail. It may be radiated by the authorities.
ALWAYS put the neck strap around your neck or the wrist strap around your wrist.
NEVER load film in bright sunlight. Find some shade or turn your back to the sun.
ALWAYS take more than one picture of a subject: you get to compare!
NEVER clean your lens with part of your T-shirt: the fibers are too rough.
ALWAYS take pictures of people at eye-level: don’t look down on them!
NEVER pay anybody unless they’re willing to work.
ALWAYS buy 36-exposure film: the unit cost is cheaper.
NEVER worry about the weather. Great pictures can be made in rain or fog.
ALWAYS have a concept in mind: Street scenes? People? Close-ups?
NEVER try to combine taking pictures with running errands. Dedicate your time to photography.
ALWAYS give yourself a “gift,” a special time to take pictures, even if only for an hour
NEVER use the digital zoom on your digital camera: a snare and a delusion.
ALWAYS remember not to cover the flash window with your finger on that tiny camera.
NEVER take just one picture of a subject.
ALWAYS use a tripod when taking pictures at night or in low-light situations.
NEVER use a polarizing filter if you’re shooting indoors.
ALWAYS think where the sun may be some hours hence! A big improvement, perhaps….
NEVER leave your camera in a taxi.
ALWAYS ask for matte pictures and borders: your photographs look friendlier.
NEVER shoot flash pictures where forbidden; turn the flash off, an easy thing to do.
ALWAYS take a nap in the middle of the day. The light gets better later.
NEVER try to “sneak” a photograph. Be forthright and up-front.
ALWAYS be patient. It’s the best advice I can give you.
NEVER give up. Go back an hour or a day later. Things will look up.
ALWAYS carry a Zip-Loc baggie. Be prepared for the inevitable rainstorm.
NEVER carry anything but your camera. Leave your hands free.
ALWAYS use your “fill-flash” when taking pictures of people in bright sunlight.
NEVER take “No” for an answer: cajole or negotiate.
ALWAYS be prepared to accept that you can’t always have what you want.
NEVER put your lens cap on unless you’ve finished shooting for the day.
ALWAYS dress comfortably, carry little or nothing but your camera.
NEVER shoot flash pictures during a concert. Your flash only reaches about 10-12 feet!
ALWAYS smile, shake hands, explain and all will be well.
NEVER use your telephoto at slow shutter speeds.
ALWAYS get a little closer to your subject.
NEVER say “Smile” and have your victims staring at the camera. Get your subjects doing things.
ALWAYS take time, take care and take pictures.
Robert de Gast leads photography workshops and offers short, private tutorials. He can be reached at 152-7396 or via e-mail:
robertdegast@hotmail.com
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