Creating an image is similar to constructing a building. If you don’t get it right, you have to go back in and fix it. Some people like to say “I can fix it in post” and while this is true, it’s not always efficient. Sometimes if you take your time and get it right in the camera first you can shave hours off of your production time by taking a few extra minutes to get your exposure and composition correct. Sitting in front of your computer may not always be a choice depending on circumstances.
Time is Money
If you’re a working photographer there is one thing that is key these days: time. When a big event is unfurling, it’s important to get the image out as fast as possible because of the way that social media and the web work. The problem is that you’re screwed if your image sucks. It does not matter how advanced the camera you’re using is. If your composition and exposure are off, you can not fix it in post once it’s out there on the web.
Clients Like Fast Turn Arounds
Clients like it when images are delivered on time or before deadline. If they have to wait too long for you to deliver your images they’ll most likely not use you again. For a faster processing workflow of your images there are many things you can do. For starters, to eliminate any questions about the color of your images, use a white balances tool and a color checker. This will make sure all your images are accurate. Further, you can make sure your shutter speed is always around 1/100 of a second or faster to make sure your images are sharp. These things can help you improve your times all around .
Projecting Confidence
When you’re capable of getting your image right in camera, you project confidence. On the other hand, if you overwork a shot people tend to think you do not know what you are doing and you are hoping to get lucky. You should not have to take 50 frames to get one perfect photo. As a result, you’ll miss other moments because you’re too busy focusing on one subject for too long. Being able to get it right in camera improves your efficiency as a photographer over all.
Creating More Usable Images
Sometimes photography has to be about efficiency. The more images you get right in-camera the less images you may have to take. Some people have the theory that if you just shoot in continuous mode that you’re bound to get a good image. However you have to go through all of these images later on. If you work on capturing usable images in camera, you can capture less and have a lot less images to sort through later.
This Time Only Never Again
Some moments can never happen again–and in many situations there are no do-overs. To capture these moments in time you have be ready. You need to have confidence in your skill and your gear. This will take time and practice though, so don’t let yourself get demotivated. Some moments are one chance in a lifetime. In photography each time you hit the shutter you are capturing a unique event. It can never be captured quite the same way again. Get it right the first time. Because oftentimes, it’s the only time.