Today’s Post by Joe Farace
“The worst temptation is instant gratification.” ―
You can find all kinds of interesting stuff on the Internet. For instance, I found an interview with a photographer whose work I’ve admired for years but when it comes to the topic of Auto Review and Chimping, he doesn’t like it. He even wrote a blog post showing people how to turn this setting off on their cameras. And up to a point, I get it. For photographers who have a background in film photography, Auto Review might be distracting. I, on the other hand, love this feature, especially how it’s implemented with mirrorless cameras.
I think this minor disagreement with a photographer that I otherwise respect has a lot to do with how I make photographs and how it’s different from his way of working. There is a crispness and precision about his impeccably composed photographs but during a time when he and I were shooting together his approach to making photographs seems almost casual. On the other hand, I may look like I’m being precise in my approach but I’m not. I’m haphazard and it may have to do with how (what passes for) my mind works. I need Auto Review to keep me in line.
How I made this photograph: I photographed this scene in Monterrey California using a Canon EOS 50D and 15mm mystery lens (no EXIF data) Exposure was 1/250 sec at f/8 and ISO 100.
When photographing people…
Auto Review gives me an instant look at the photograph I just made. It could be their expression wasn’t just right and I want to make another differently cropped shot or at a more practical level, maybe the subject blinked, that’s always a challenge when photographing contact lens wearers. This where a mirrorless camera comes into it’s own. You instantly see the photograph you just made in the viewfinder, no flipping the camera to look at the LCD screen on the back. You can immediately see any problems with expression, composition or maybe you’ll see that your camera’s sensor is really dirty!
What’s the right way to work with Auto Review and Chimping? It’s up to you. This was never intended to be a ‘my way or the highway’ blog or post. Everybody here, including any other contributors to this blog, have their own opinions on how we capture images and never, ever will we tell you that it’s the only way. We want you to have fun with your photography whether you use Auto Review or not.
Want to wade into the discussion? Click Contact (above) and tell us your views, we’ll include your comments in the next post on this subject.
If you want a quick and easy way to improve your photography, I suggest that you pick up a copy of for photographers who haven’t fully conquered their camera or the photographic fundamentals of exposure and composition. It’s a portable quick reference Pocket Guide that helps you get the shot when you’re out and about.