When was the last time you read your equipments manuals? Have you ever?
When I ask this question, all too often I hear photographers respond with, “I don’t read manuals, who has time for that?” Yet ignoring your manual can get you into pretty scary situations, like not knowing how to shut off the “timer” function on your camera when you accidentally turned it on.
Reading this now, you’re probably saying, “Hey, old man, don’t lecture me, I know what I’m doing!”
But do you really?
I’m challenging you on this, because of the dozens of text messages I’ve received from photographers who were in the middle of shooting a wedding and had accidentally done this, and couldn’t figure out how to shut it off. Scary? You bet.
The truth is that I’m not immune to “manual-phobia” either. And it wasn’t until I got one of the best tips from a friend, that I really started reading my manual.
Here’s the tip:
Grab one manual (let’s just say the 5dMII manual) and put it in your bathrooms magazine rack. No seriously, do it! I GUARANTEE you’ll read it. Not only that, you’ll actually remember it. And, you might even have one of those, “Huh, wow, that’s cool, I need to try that” moments.
Before you make that “ew yuck” face, take a second and consider it. You don’t have to tell anyone, it’ll be our secret. 🙂
My last challenge for you: This month dedicate yourself to doing something out of your comfort zone. Whether it be off-camera flash, using a reflector, or just posing your clients, you know where you need help —-> do it! It’s important to give yourself a kick in the ass now and again, and if you need a jumpstart I’ve got the perfect place. Join me for some ass kicking this fall – no hugs, kisses, rainbows, or unicorns. 🙂
Learn more about Jason’s upcoming workshops by watching this video!
Written by Jason Groupp
My name is Jason Groupp. I’m from NYC, but I live in NJ. Exit 135.
I studied fashion photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology, in NYC. It was hard.
I have been shooting weddings for 23 years. I think I’m pretty good at it. It’s still hard.
Doing what I love, and following my dreams has been the easiest thing I’ve ever done. 🙂
You can visit my website – jasongroupp.com
Follow my self-deprecating tweets here – http://twitter.com/jasongroupp