UNLOCK YOUR KIT’S POTENTIAL

Learn to re-evaluate how you use your photo equipment and achieve more professional images

Experienced photographers will most likely believe that they are intimately familiar with their camera gear and consider themselves an expert in their chosen field. since they use their specialised equipment for many hundreds of hours every year, it is true that a professional should feel confident with the main functionality of the tools of their trade. however, with speciality comes repetition and a relatively formulaic work strategy. Many pros will find themselves using the same kit and the same settings and system arrangements time and again, with very little scope to experiment with novel setups. This might lead to many features and functions of their kit simply being overlooked.

One of the primary causes of limited success with a piece of photo gear is a lack of knowledge of how best to use it for its intended function, which has several consequences. Firstly it negatively affects the efficiency with which the photographer uses a product, which is an important consideration for a business where time is of the essence. secondly it limits image success – many photos are missed while adjusting settings – and can even reduce image technical quality, if equipment is improperly used – such as a reduction is sharpness, an increase in image noise or exposure miscalculation. Lastly, it can also impact on our enjoyment of the photographic process.

A potential solution is to look at each area of our kit bag in turn and identify streamlining opportunities. The aim of this feature is to explain the key techniques we can all apply to enable a more efficient use of our existing kit, and to discuss new skills that we can employ to widen our portfolio.