Jerry's CTT 101: Miscellaneous Tips
Jerry's 101 Camera Tips
Jerry's CTT 101 stands for "Jerry's Camera Tech Tips 101," click below to visit the starting/main page for this series. Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, leave a comment and I'll be glad to answer!
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Miscellaneous Tips
SD Card write/read speed matters a lot for video. If you find your camera acting up or overheating, make sure you’re using a fast enough SD Card. The same goes for shooting in burst mode for photos. However, this doesn't mean you'll always need the fastest one, you just need a fast enough card so that your camera doesn't overheat.
Get a good workspace. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just ergonomic. As I once overheard in a conversation, “Americans don’t spend enough money on mattresses and chairs.” Consider how much time you’ll be spending in your position and gauge long-term issues such as back pain, neck injury, etc. You’ll be more productive and happier with a better setup. Plus, you'll look cooler. Here’s some basic guidelines for an ideal setup.
If you have a laptop, the setup can be a simple as a stand (to elevate the laptop), keyboard, and mouse. You can always buy a monitor, but it is not necessary.
Try to place the top of the screen to your eye level.
If you have a desktop, it's a matter of comfortably placing your I/O (inputs and outputs).
Place the keyboard and mouse so that your forearms are parallel to the ground when sitting up straight. Your elbow should form a 90-degree angle
Your feet should be flat on the ground, knees at 90 degrees
Your back should be straight and comfortable. Consider getting a harder seat cushion if your rear keeps falling asleep (aka cut circulation)
If you have wrist pain, consider getting a split keyboard
Place the top of the monitor at eye level. This will avoid pain
If you use multiple monitors, don’t place them too far away. Your neck shouldn't have to whip around your room just to look at another screen.
Overall, a good setup doesn’t have to cost much (and it shouldn’t). All it needs is comfort. A good setup is significantly cheaper than a medical bill.
Make a key list of items to bring (ex. Batteries, memory, lenses, etc). Laminate and clip it somewhere. Check off items when packing so you don’t forget anything.
If you have a gear closet or room, a helpful thing is to make a chart/list of everything you own. Check off when you take gear out, and check in when you put it back with a date. As a result, if gear goes missing, you'll have a rough idea of when it disappeared. (or that you just left in a car).
Pack your camera bag to your liking and pack it the same way every time. This way, you can tell if something is missing and you’ll know where everything is.
Label batteries and memory cards. This’ll make it so much easier when organizing and distributing footage. Also makes it really easy to tell when you lost one.
The next tips are more character-based, or for use when doing paid gigs.
Don’t be too flexible when talking to clients. It may seem great at first to bend over backward for anyone who pays you, but they’ll see you as a tool rather than a human resource. If you feel like you’re not getting paid enough, speak up! Making your intentions clear will set boundaries and make your clients feel like you know what you are doing. However, make sure your content quality good, or else you'll seem ridiculous.
Similar to the last point of don’t be too flexible, your client probably knows the same thing. Deadlines are deadlines and don’t miss them. This is a surefire way to lose money and respect. Respect the deadlines you agree too and don't break them.
If you truly want a career in the photography/videography business, it'll be hard, and grit will be needed. However, it can be very fulfilling in the long run.
Don’t overwork yourself.
Remember why you do this as a career or a hobby. Feelings of tiredness often hit people after they start their first couple of gigs, but should fade away after adjustment. Similar to trying to get up early in the morning; Consistency is the key to not being too tired.
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