This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Don't Just Know the Right Thing – Do It

Always take care of the basics when it comes to photography.

Recently a working acquaintance hit me with a phrase that, at once, is profound and encompassing.  The phrase applies to so many areas, nearly all of life.

We all have done it, put off things we know should be done.  As I look back at my life, there are literally thousands of instances.  One I recall is when I came across a beautiful mini scene that required almost no set-up.  Elated by my good fortune, I chose a lens, set camera on tripod and went about shooting.  I bracketed, shot from this angle and that, changed the lighting, all the while thinking “this is gonna be good”.

This was back in the days of film, before digital.  I was accustomed to getting thirty-eight frames on a thirty-six-frame roll.  At a point when it seemed I would have to change rolls I checked only to discover – there was NO FILM IN THE CAMERA!  I was so embarrassed that it was months before I would tell anyone.

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I think that my problem lies more in not doing what I know, than in not knowing what to do!” is the statement that led to this column.  In the previous tale I knew how to choose the right lens, change perspective and lighting, but did not do one basic thing – make sure there was film in the camera.

The statement is scholarly in its simplicity.  I have hinted at the meaning in previous articles.  I have said to keep extra batteries on hand, be prepared for the unexpected, and always have your camera with you.  Even now I do not always practice what I preach but do rue each and every time I have seen a photograph and didn’t have a camera with me.

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The moral of the story is this.  If you do not know something, ask the question.  If you do know what and how to do something, JUST DO IT!

Snapshot

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Farmington-Farmington Hills