KNOW YOUR CAMERA BODY

Reconsider the default control layout and discover how to make your camera work for you

When we unbox our camera it is set up according to default factory specifications. While over time you might make small alterations to control functionality, such as activating settings that are turned off as standard, many photographers rarely customise the camera body to its full potential. The problem with leaving buttons and dials set to their native functions indefinitely is that the overall control layout may not be perfectly compatible with your preferred shooting method. This may affect handling speed, comfort and accuracy, and will be especially noticeable on long shoots where you may be using heavy gear for prolonged periods.

At the most basic level discomfort is an inconvenience, but more seriously it can have implications for the safety of your kit, as risks of accidents and damage become more pronounced. Most noticeably however, an untailored camera-handling experience will degrade the success of your work, as you are less able to concentrate on meeting quality standards and on introducing creativity. Common camera settings change less often than many beginners realise – in any given lighting condition those required are generally similar, meaning that it is possible, and actually recommended, to store settings, so that they are ready to use when a photo opportunity arrives.

To manually change and continually reset parameters using multiple camera controls is an ineffective and time-hungry strategy. A more sophisticated approach is to look at the most frequently used settings in the photographic genres you work in and note the usual requirements. The custom function assignment for each of the controls on your camera can then be assessed to discover if this can be altered to minimise the time taken for inputs to be made. Whatever customisations you apply, the goal should always be to keep your workload to a minimum, for the shortest delay between exposure calculation and image creation. Your interaction with the camera should become instinctive. Ultimately, your tools should never hinder your reactions and ability to complete the production of a successful photograph.