top 10 rules of photography

[barP]

howdy, gang! it was suggested in another thread that it would be fun to start a new one devoted to your top 10 photography "rules". sounds cool to me, so i'll have a whack at it. now, in my view, these so called rules can concern any aspect of the game. it could be technical, like the old saw about shutter speed vs. focal length, or it could be something more about ettiquette, business, and the like. regardless, these should be things your experience has convinced you are virtual laws of the photgraphy universe. let's keep it clean, and of course, civil. should be a hoot!

having said all that, i have to confess to not having 10 rules yet. i haven't been at it long enough to think of 10 things i could call over arching principles. i mean...i find most "rules" have some exceptions, but i do have a few principles i try to stick to above all others. who knows, my list might be complete after this thread runs a bit, though!

here goes (in no particular order), starting with the one that inspired the thread:

1. it is always easier to collect the money BEFORE you take the pictures.

2. thou shalt take no photograph without a signed contract and deposit.

3. blown highlights equal a blown photograph.

4. plan and shoot like you have film in the camera.

5. a sharp concept is more important than a sharp photograph. (this of course, is totally plagarized. far wiser photographers than i came up with this one. in fact, i found my new favorite version the other day: "never confuse sharpness with goodness, otherwise you may find yourself licking razors and shaving with ice cream cones.")

6. there's no accounting for the customer's taste, but there is accounting for their money.

hmmmmm.....that's about where i run into a wall.

let's see what you all come up with!

wp.

[gmarblestone]

it's all about the bride?
it's easier to fix before the picture is taken than it is to fix it post process?

[Wes]

Check and double-check all of your camera settings for the environment in which you are going to shoot (color space, white balance, etc.).

Go through a mental checklist (written, if necessary) before leaving the house to make sure that you have everything you need.

Make sure that all your batteries are charged.

Make sure you have enough memory cards.

Good thread, Will.

[CaptainTom]

Beauty is in the eye of the CHECKBOOK holder.

[Concisus Cognatus]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

Beauty is in the eye of the CHECKBOOK holder.

ROFLMHO.....guffawing out loudly!

[Dobick]

My photography rules for life.

If it is important, and you are positive you have done it right, do it again, just one more time this time slightly different.

If it is even remotely important, make a back-up.

Always be looking for the beauty in the ordinary, and don't forget to notice the extraordinary.

If it is critical to your operations, have a secondary plan, even if it isn't as good as the primary.

Imagine what is the worst that can happen, and prepare yourself in such a way so that if it does, it is only an inconvenience

If you can see it, you should be able to figure out a way to shoot it. Consequently, if you can see it, it can see you, and shoot you back.

If someone is paying you for it, it is important to them, treat it as such. If they aren't paying you for it, then treat it like it is important to you.

Always behave like your mom is watching.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by Dobick

If it is important, and you are positive you have done it right, do it again, just one more time this time slightly different.

Reminds me of something I heard the OP (barP) say once before.... "Look for the obvious shot, then look for something else."

[SCone]

Rule #12 - The correct number of cards to carry for any shoot is one more

Rule #47 - You're not close enough

Rule #634c subpart 5 line 12 - When using a single lens, the time & distance to the desired lens will be greater than the ideal light available

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by SCone

Rule #12 - The correct number of cards to carry for any shoot is one more

Rule #47 - You're not close enough

Rule #634c subpart 5 line 12 - When using a single lens, the time & distance to the desired lens will be greater than the ideal light available

LOL so true.

Nothing to contribute from me, just gonna sit back and watch the wisdom flowing here

[adirty1]

Interest is created through variety.

Don't look. Observe

Prior planning makes perfect pictures. The 4 "P"s is really all you need to live by for photography.

[Shane Jennings]

A good rule I learned several years ago on my honeymoon on St. Thomas....

When shooting 35mm film, ALWAYS make sure the film catches on the film advance bar (or whatever you call that little thing that you're supposed to hook the tag end of the film to) so it will advance each frame. Otherwise, you will release the shutter numerous times when you see beautiful sights throughout a day's tour of an island without capturing a SINGLE photograph! *&@#$$%*!!!!!

[studiocygnet]

Originally Posted by SCone

Rule #47 - You're not close enough

You beat me to it. My #1 rule is get closer.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by studiocygnet

You beat me to it. My #1 rule is get closer.

o contrare " If it's more than a hunnerd yards from the truck, it ain't photogenic "

[texxter]

- Value your work and keep working at getting it better and better. Don't be satisfied because the checkbook holder is - aspire to better so that you can differentiate your work

- Have a style and a point of view always

- Focus your photography on what you love to do and can do well. Don't try to be all things to all people

- Treat your business as a business and your hobby as a hobby. Mixing the two creates complications.

- If you're running a business, be outstanding in customer service and integrity - this is worth more than artistic talent in a crowded field.

- Be passionate about your photography and put 100% of yourself on even the small jobs - but don't give away your work!

- Focus on the concept, the client and the final image - not the equipment - learn to use the equipment, but don't pay more attention to it than you need to. Equipment is just boxes full of tools to do what you do.

- Pay attention to your cash flow - if you want to live off your photography, manage cash flow as it will either make you successful or sink you really fast.

[johnastovall]

Re-title this "10 rules for very boring photography."

I don't think Lange, Atget, Adams, Weston, Capa, Smith, Arbus, Duncan, and more of the greats followed these.