got any PHOTOGRAPHY tips?

[synergypro]

first time taking a DSLR to the playa

any tips would be appreciated.

[caffeineslinger]

Yes. Leave it at camp. Live in the moment and experience it without looking though a lens.

If you must though, set aside a couple times to do a photo safari, but don't always be attached to it. I probably take less then six pictures a year and they're mostly at camp with friends. For the amazing stuff, there are far better photographers that will post online after the event.

Just my 2¢.

[Eric]

This thread has got good pointers for protecting the camera (ignore the part about renting): viewtopic.php?f=3&t=73192

Protect it well, but as Caffeineslinger suggested, leave it at camp as much as possible. It's physically impossible to capture everything going on out there, you will miss more than you ever could see, and there are professionals who will get amazing shots of The Big Art so you don't need to bother. Focus on things with meaning to you - intimate art pieces you love, your friends, sunsets, sunrises, clouds, your friends, whatever, and then put the camera away.

[synergypro]

its my 6th burn so i know the drill as far as experiencing stuff

just wanted recommendations on

if i def. NEED a case.....

should i bother bringing my flash?

and any other technical tips i can get

i plan to change lenses indoors and not often

THANKS AGAIN

[BBadger]

These are general tips for photos with any camera at BM:

- Only use flash if you're photographing during the day, to fill in light.
- Dial back the exposure at night to capture "what your eyes are seeing" and to be able to reduce exposure time. I click it back to -2 or -3 sometimes.
- Change your lens inside a bag. Lenses that extend may suck in dust so perhaps put a bag around it if you're concerned. I try to turn on my compact camera inside a bag to reduce the amount of dust that gets sucked in.

- Take pictures of friends, camp, and funny situations. Those are things what you will want to remember and share. Don't bother photographing art pieces or pretty scenes. "Oh man, I've gotta remember this super pretty sunrise with this photo." Yeah... it won't look the same, and that photo will be long forgotten. Of course if there is something so awesome that it needs to be photographed, sure, but that probably won't happen.

- You only need one photo of the fireworks at the Man.

- It sucks having to worry about your gear while adventuring, or having to haul it around. I do think it's important to have a camera on you, but DSLRs are just too big and annoying for my uses.

- Consider using only a prime lens instead of a zoom. It will be easier to manage, less expensive (usually), and force you to get closer to your subjects.

[crstophr]

The dicapac bags work well and are a good way to protect your camera. It's what we use. You won't want your flash at night BUT if you have a canon DSLR without an AF assist lamp the flash can be useful for that feature. I'm bringing a 50mm 1.4 prime lens and not planning to change it ever.

Photography is a form of art but can be intrusive to others. So ask first before photographing people then just go do your art your way... you can't recover a photo you decided not to take and digital storage cards are cheap. Shoot everything and let lightroom sort it out when you return to defaltia.