Pentax-Specific Landscape Shooters Checklist

Being old and sometimes extremely forgetful I tried a checklist then usually forgot to take the list. Well you would wouldn't you.

Now I quite happily forget (every time) to check the anti-shake, the white balance, auto/manual switch, iso, etc, etc.

I knew it all once - I promise... I even have the bits of paper to prove it if I could just remember.......

Roger.

Well maybe they should ? Perhaps it the fact that they offer their instruction in such isolation that a lot don't really enjoy using them. Our Pentax manuals are not too bad, but even I (and my Dalek friends) do struggle to get much inspiration from it.

Maybe there's a need for a new kind of document - midway between an operating manual and a course-book ... how about a photographic genre & camera model-specific checklist ??


I was expecting that consideration of the checklist would indeed aid in learning how to use and operate your camera.

It should be clear from reading the checklist that most of the preparation and setting up on the camera would occur before setting out - that's the whole point, to get it done before any errors or forgotten items cause a delay or interruption when actually shooting.

And again, who is suggesting that anyone would take out a 'notepad' to remember the steps in taking a picture These items are there to encourage further ideas and suggestions for the efficient taking of shots on location. (I'm still waiting though, so I'm guessing my techniques must be widely accepted )

Well I went out to day and forgot my camera lol This post has had fun and help in all that has replied to it, So well done Nigel
shaun

Shaun, you're right - I never even put the camera itself on the list
Glad there's been some fun ... but, seriously, ... 'you will follow the checklist, follow the checklist, the checklist, or you will be ext .....'

I don't accept that either creating or making reference to such a checklist automatically leads to such mindless picture taking. The key thing is how its applied and the context in which the information is understood.

This particular checklist details two distinct stages in Pentax DSLR tripod mounted & remote control landscape work - the set up at home, and a suggested step by step approach to the actual shooting. These stages are entirely consistent with the considered, planned and carefully executed (not exterminated ) process that this type of photography commonly involves.

Many of our most experienced landscapers I am sure would concur that this is a sound way to go about things. I'd be happy if they disagreed on some details, and offered alternatives, as this is part of the learning process at all ability levels.

To give an example of how you might reconsider the checklist as an aid :

I have specified both in the menu set-up and actual shooting stages, the use of the histogram to give exposure info feedback - that's the way I work and I think its a good practice for this style of photography. But out cameras also offer the 'Bright / Dark' area indication during the 'playback' mode (reviewing of images), flashing zones in black & white on our image to show where the whites are blown or blacks are clipped.

Its personal preference of course, but choosing the most efficient way to both set this up and operate with it in the field is part and parcel of both learning while shooting as well as learning what the camera offers and how it can best help us.

That is the true 'expansion' value of such a checklist - not to restrict our thinking rigidly, but to provide a foundation for exploring and considering the options.