My last blog discussed Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS), and yes, a photographer does need the correct photographic equipment to achieve a high level of “image quality”. Today I would like to discuss techniques for achieving “photographic quality”, which for me is trying to have as much correct in camera before bringing the images home for editing.

Whenever a photographer sees a scene that he would like to capture, my first tip is to please STOP, the “run and gun” approach is not always the best approach to a “quality image”, sometimes that is the only option, especially in a developing and rapidly changing situation, most of the time though a photographer will have time to consider the scene. Think of a professional builder considering a building renovation, he takes time to weigh up all the options, knowing the materials needed to complete the job, often he will take measurements, and even take notes, it’s the considered approach to the task (not the bit where he takes a sharp intake of breath, and presents some outrageous bill!!).

So, consider the scene, what camera settings will be needed, and what focal length will achieve the result that you seek. Is there a story that can be conveyed with an image, or is it a record shot? One of our members shoots a high proportion of his work in monochrome, and one of his maxims that has remained with me is that “he visualises the scene in black and white” what a superb mindset to have. With a landscape image think what is the view conveying to you, and how do you want to present that landscape view to a viewer? A longer focal length can compress the scene bringing mountains, hills, or trees closer for a more dramatic effect, a wide-angle lens can take in more of the image. Camera orientation is important, a landscape image can be shot with the camera in landscape orientation, or in portrait orientation as is the London Docklands skyline above.

Go out with your camera to intentionally photograph, on a recent walk around Hartsholme Country Park I took my telephoto lens with me to try to capture some wildlife. Taking a walk around Crowle Moor, I had the telephoto lens, as well as a macro lens in my pocket, but that day the only thing I got was wet!! Naturally on a recent model photoshoot I had my two portrait lenses with me, resorting to only the one lens to suit the environment, and lighting.

Check the camera settings for the scene, remember the basics – is the horizon level? Is the subject in the centre of the frame, or on the thirds? Shutter speed, ISO, direction of light? Taking the time to review settings will save a lot of time in post-production.

There is a landscape scene in the East Riding of Yorkshire that I desperately want to capture, I have tried twice now to shoot this image, hoping to go back and try again, I can visualise what I want, but just not able to achieve the result that I need. I will try repositioning the camera, and use a different lens, I have the correct aperture, but possibly need to focus a third of the way into the scene to achieve the depth of field required, I may even try a manual focus to infinity (and beyond).