Landscape photography can be a complex and nuanced pursuit, with many factors to consider in order to get the perfect shot. A checklist can help to ensure that all of these factors are considered, reducing the risk of mistakes or oversights.
Using a checklist can help us to:
- Stay organized: A checklist can help to ensure that all necessary steps are completed in the right order, making it easier to stay organized and focused.
- Avoid mistakes: By following a checklist, we can be sure that they haven’t missed any necessary steps or considerations, reducing the risk of errors.
- Improve efficiency: A checklist can help us to work more efficiently by providing a clear and structured approach to completing a task.
- Improve the quality of our work: By following a systematic approach and double-checking all necessary steps, we can improve the quality of our work and produce more consistent results.
I use checklists a lot for different tasks. Before shooting, in order to pack properly, for checking camera settings when I shoot with the tripod, and after shooting, for image processing. A simple note-taking app on the phone is good for storing and checking whenever I need them. My favorite application for that task is Apple Notes.
Before shooting checklist
Before shooting checklist is good for checking batteries and other stuff before getting to a location. This is what my before-shooting checklist looks like:
- Are the batteries charged?
- Is the power bank in a backpack?
- Are memory cards cleaned up before use?
- Is the equipment clean?
- Is my L-bracket in my backpack?
- Are my cloth for lens cleaning and dust blower in my backpack?
- Are my necessary lenses packed in?
- Are my CPL and ND filters in my backpack?
- Is my tripod on the backpack?
- Are my hiking accessories packed in the backpack?
- First-aid kit
- Head torch
- Miniature tools like a swiss knife
- Do I have snacks for a hike?
- Do I have enough water for a hike?
- Check the weather forecast: Consider the weather conditions when planning your shoot, and be prepared for any unexpected weather changes.
- Choose the right time of day: The time of day can have a big impact on the quality of the light, so consider the best time to visit based on the direction of the sun and the effect you want to achieve. Think about the light’s direction, intensity, and color and how it will affect your shots.
In the field (with the tripod) checklist
The field checklist helps me to set the camera properly in order to avoid mistakes like turning on image stabilization when my camera is on the tripod or forgetting to turn it on after using the tripod.
- Is image stabilization turned off?
- Is my camera mode right? (A, S, P, Manual)
- Is ISO ok?
- Is the shutter speed ok?
- Is the aperture ok?
- Is the histogram ok? Should I do bracketing instead?
- Used autofocus then switched to manual focus? In order to keep a consistent focus
- Check composition once again
- Check the corners of the image
- Remove distractions if there are any.
Before returning the camera to the backpack, turn image stabilization on! Prepare it for next time, if I need to shoot without a tripod.
Back from shooting checklist
Back from shooting checklist is an easy one, classic steps as every photographer has
- Import and backup photos using the 3-2-1 technique.
- Format memory cards.
- Give keywords to images in Lightroom.
- Charge batteries.
- Clean the tripod and camera gear before the next use.
Long exposure checklist
ND filters can create amazing effects but without proper usage that effect can be easily ruined. This is my checklist for working with them:
- Focus subject before attaching ND filter.
- Switch focus mode to manual.
- Measure the light before attaching ND filter, and use that exposure as a base.
- Calculate exposure time based on the ND filter strength. Phone apps can help with that a lot.
- Set filter in front of the lens.
- Take a photo using remote shutter release button or in-camera timer.
- Review photo using histogram.
Ending words
Landscape photography may be a challenging hobby with many variables to take into account in order to capture the ideal shot. A checklist can verify that all required tasks are carried out in the proper sequence. Additionally, it can assist us in preserving our focus and organization while avoiding errors or oversights. I use them a lot, in order to avoid making mistakes like putting on image stabilization when the camera is on the tripod or forgetting to switch it on after using the tripod.