I take it for granted, but there is one camera accessory that I carry in my camera bag that has played a central role to my photographic success. The accessory until now was a secret, but I thought after a couple of recent photo trips that I’d share it with those that read my blog. Now that I’ve built up a little anticipation here is why I decided to reveal this secret accessory…
1. It is central to my ability get the right exposure.
2. I use it quite frequently before, after and during photo shoots.
3. It’s often overlooked by a majority of photographers never making it into their camera bag.
4. It’s worth thousands of times its weight
Any guess to what it might be?
Plain and simple it’s my camera user manual.
As the proverb goes “knowledge is power”. Nothing could be more true here in relation to photography. My ability to capture a correct exposure is tied directly to my understanding of my camera body and its functions. With out a solid understanding or knowledge of these functions I’m limiting my creative options.
More times than not before a photo shoot I’ll review key functionality outlined in my camera user manual. Often I’ll have particular types of photos in mind and to be sure I’ll be successful in capturing them I’ll strengthen my memory of these key functions and how to best employ them. We’re often overwhelmed with a laundry list of technical specifications and functions when we read about camera gear and often forget about some of the lesser hyped functions over time. Camera functions to a photographer are the equivalent brush types to a painter. Creating a masterpiece requires awareness to the tools available to you and the knowledge of how to best use them.
Strangely as important as this document is most photographers don’t bother to review it let alone carry it with them. In fact not only do I carry my camera user manual with me on trips I’ll often include the user manual to other equipment that I might use such as my flash or cable release/intervalometer. If I’m going to bother to bring and carry equipment with me then I can’t afford to not know how to use it.
You may be asking, “But is carrying your camera user manual in your camera bag really worth the extra weight?” The answer is “Absolutely!” If I’m concerned about weight or worse water then I’ll leave the manual behind in my tent, hotel room or car, but not before reviewing it the night before. Having equipment only goes so far. Knowing how to use that equipment to capture the best photo possible is critical. If you’re going to spend money, time and effort to get to a location to capture a truly magical scene why risk missing the shot because of a few additional ounces of weight?
[tags]photography, best practice, user manual, secret, camera, accessory, camera bag, [/tags]
Yeah, I lost my print manual. All I have is the Spanish version! :-O
They sell the quick reference cards, but they never seem to have want I’m looking for, when I need it.
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I second that Jim. I carry 3 manuals with me, 1Ds, 20D and one fro my flash. I can’t count the number of times I have pulled out the manual to check a function or control. In the past, I have pulled out the important informaiton and taped the pages to 3×5 cards and laminated. Saves on weight.
Tony
Jim, how right you are. I actually carry five manuals: camera manuals (two), the flash manual, the remote flash manual, and the external shutter manual. Helped me a couple of times when things were getting a bit tough.
Ha! I thought you were going to say a gray card.
Anyway, one of the beauties of my Nikon F3 is never having to say “how does this work”. Even if the batteries die, I can still fire the shutter. 😉
Now the D40 on the other hand — yes, I did carry the manual with me for the first few months, and I consulted it often. Most recently, though, I was unable to find what I needed even in the manual and had to resort to asking someone in a D40 forum on the internet. I had accidentally changed a setting (shooting info was overlayed on the photo in the reviewing pane, which I don’t use since I can’t read it w/o eyeglasses) and didn’t know how to un-change it.
What are some of the things you’ve had to look up lately?
Terry… a Spanish version is better than nothing. You might want to look into finding another copy.
Tony… great minds think a like 🙂 Great idea about laminating pages to a 3×5 card.
Mark… having the information definitely pays off. It just takes one time to make it worth while.
John… glad I got ya. LOL
Thats too bad the D40 manual didn’t have everything you needed. The internet isn’t always around when you need it in the field.
As to what I’ll look up…
From time to time I’ll need to read up on some of the custom functions available for my Canon 1 body or refresh my memory on proper use of special functions such as Flash Exposure Lock (FEL). I’ll often refresh my memory on how to use functions on my cable release/intervalometer for more advanced set ups.
I thought you were going to say a light meter. Some of those things are pretty high tech!
That’s funny Jim. I have carried mine with me since my first Digital SLR. Thought I have to admit I usually tuck it away in an inconspicuous spot… 😉
Greg (latoga) I don’t flaunt having my manual with me as there’s no reason to, but I say photographers should be proud of having it with us!
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I never leave home withhout it! You never know when you might need to refer to it. Also, by the time you know everying about your camera, it’s time to get a new one. Actually, I’ve never learned everything there is to know about any camera I’ve ever owned!
When I was teaching Photography Classes through the Adult Education program, one of the first things I taught my students was to always carry your camera manuel with you. You would be surprised (or maybe you wouldn’t be) at how many people I’ve talked to that don’t even know where their manual is.