The 10(plus) most useful tips-to-self before taking the shot

[N Dhananjay]

It looks like a checklist but I'm suggesting that you should practice it (or whatever routine makes sense to you) till it becomes habit. It needs to become like riding a bike - it has never worked for me to consult a set of rules in a dynamic, chaotic process.

And for those of you who are squeamish about the chickens, feel free to use rabbits feet, though you do end up violating the rule of no cruelty to animals - well, the cute ones anyway.

Ah yes, carrying those chickens - but you're shooting LF, a domain where sensible loads are things shouldered by other people.

Cheers, DJ

[Dan Fromm]

DJ,

I used to be a professional seer. I started out examining animals' entrails, as you suggested. Nowadays this technique has many practical problems of implementation.

After a time I consulted my Seers' Pocket Handbook and Guide, and switched to making forecasts based on the flight of birds. Much less problematic and, as the Handbook and Guide says, the absence of birds is very informative.

Cheers,

Dan

Of relevance to this thread, the Seers' Pocket Handbook and Guide recommends standing well behind the camera when shooting with extreme wide-angle lenses. It says to use a cable release, not a finger, to trip the shutter. EWA lenses always see trigger fingers.

[ROL]

Make certain your shirt is tucked in the back and your belt is tightened before bending over for one last look under the darkcloth.

For those of you who remember, that was also part of Lady Bird Johnson's "Beautify America" campaign.

[John Kasaian]

Exercise old Universal shutters a few times before firing for reals.
Shower curtains can come in handy during incliment weather
Most important, keep a sense of humor.

[sully75]

Make sure that your subjects head doesn't have junk behind it.

[welly]

Make sure you know what film is in your film holder.

[David Karp]

Wow, DJ, when was the last time you posted before this! Good to see your words.

[Heroique]

1. Confirm the lens shutter is closed before pulling the darkslide.

2. ?

3. Profit?

I think I’ve solved this most mysterious of replies. I had to wear my detective hat for quite some time, but here’s my official report: “Tips to self” (in subject line) was read as “Tips to sell.” Naturally, there’s curiosity here about the profit that tip #1 might generate.

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Where are we? Somewhere between tip #6 and #9?

* Before shutter snap, scan the image area for tiny bits of trash and other undesirable elements that are dim on the GG but bright and conspicuous in the print!

[BrianShaw]

Make sure that your subjects head doesn't have junk behind it.

... and make sure your subject's junk doesn't have a ladies head behind it!

[DrTang]

Make sure you know what film is in your film holder.

oy..no kidding.. also..

no..I won't remember that I forgot to replace the darkslide black side out and to not use the holder again


also: bring shutter notebook with

and related: red shutter notebook everytime I change lenses

(notebook has stuff specific to each lens/lens-shutter..like: Make sure x-synch is on red, make sure the sync levr is cocked...stuff like that)