Neil Creek – Photographer

Every now and then, when I think of a quick photography tip, I’ll post it to my Twitter stream. As part of the Problogger 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge, day two calls for participants to make a list post. I thought this would be an ideal subject for the post. So here you go, 18 bite-size photo tips:

• Wearing a white tshirt outside can be a handy fill card, to light your subjects front.
  4:29 PM Dec 23rd, 2008
• Timing is critical. Practice your timing by photographing sports or people on TV. Catch interesting moments.
  10:20 AM Jan 4th



• A tip re dog/cat #photog: Fisheye lens, camera on monopod, held upside down (camera near ground) remote trigger= http://is.gd/eyCf
  10:25 AM Jan 5th
• Tip re changing light in timelapse. Set to manual, use natural light if you can, if artificial set exp to <60th/sec
  2:23 PM Jan 5th
• If you’re a #photog and haven’t seen “The Genius of Photography” you’re missing out. Watch it here http://is.gd/fNrb
  1:57 PM Jan 14th
• When buying a tripod resist the urge to get the lightest. Sturdiness is key, light=flimsy.
  11:38 AM Jan 27th
• When shooting macro, focus is tough. Rough focus, then use yr body to move back/forth while looking thru viewfinder & shooting.
  1:15 PM Jan 27th
• On very hot days like today, don’t leave camera gear in car or outside. The glue on rubber feet and grip rings can loosen.
  9:52 PM Jan 29th
• #tip for daylight lightning #photog Stop WAY down to lengthen exp time &increase chances. Use ND or polarizer for same reason. Keep shooting
  1:15 PM Jan 30th
• If you need to use a tripod, you probably should use a cable release or the self timer to minimise potential shake.
  1:12 PM Feb 5th



• If stability is critical, eg for astrophotography, do not extend tripod post or legs. Shorter=stiffer=less shake.
  1:15 PM Feb 5th
• Improve stiffness @ slow shutter by twisting camera slightly, like wringing a cloth. Makes grip firmer w/o shakes
  12:49 AM Feb 20th
• When shooting handheld with slow shutter, shoot several frames in a burst. It dramatically increases the odds of a still shot
  11:54 AM Mar 25th
• If you are one of two or more photogs at a wedding, work out who will be a “lead” to direct the action, or no one will.
  1:10 PM Apr 8th
• A couple may request photos b4 ceremony. This is challenging cos the mood isn’t same. Push them to interact. Avoid if poss.
  1:12 PM Apr 8th
• If friends are hanging round, get them in the photos or leave. Time chatting takes from photos, and eyelines from camera.
  1:14 PM Apr 8th
• Take charge of a wedding shoot. Don’t just wander around and shoot. Suggest ideas, ask for poses. Aimless session=lame shots.
  1:17 PM Apr 8th
• Pocket Wizards (or reliable flash radio remotes) are AWESOME. High reliability wireless flash shooting was a revelation for me.
  1:19 PM Apr 8th

I’ll continue to offer such tips via twitter as I think of them, so be sure to follow me there. Every few months I’ll collate the new ones and post them again as a blog post.