What I learned last year

So last year I participated in the Vancouver 12x12, and I learned a few things while being there. I learned that you really need to know your camera inside out!

I am not new to photography, not by any means... I started to shoot when I was 15, and at the time of this writing, I am 36. I have been a professional wedding photographer for the last decade, and I know photography.

But I thought it would be really cool to use a rangefinder style camera last year. So 2 weeks before the 12x12 I bought myself a Contax G1, which is a great little autofocus rangefinder that uses Carl Zeiss lenses; these are some of the best lenses I have ever used.

I did put a roll of film through the camera before I did the 12x12 with it; but I did not KNOW the camera like I know my other film cameras I have or have had in the past.

Like... I did not know that the shutter button was so twitchy, barely what I would call a half press, and the shutter goes off. YUP, botched two frames before I learned that one; I think Tyler and Chris almost had a coronary while laughing so hard at me, and I... I just died a little inside.

So I thought I would take my knowledge and pass on to you what I have learned (the hard way) about doing events like the Vancouver 12x12 or this one, the Victoria 12ByU, or by shooting weddings over the years; but for some reason, I just ignored some of these last September.

Tip #1: Use a manual focus camera, that way you do not accidently trip the shutter while trying to focus. If your camera is an autofocus type, switch it to manual if you can. This way you don't accidently misfire like I did. You are only pressing the shutter button to make the camera go then.

Tip #2: Bring power bars! Granola! a Banana! a couple Sandwiches... just bring snacks that are easy to pack in your bag, and give yourself something to eat while you are running across town and back again, to get the next theme. You don't always have time to stop and eat, unless you take an hour off and just relax find a place to eat; OR, you're eating junk all day from 7/11 or McD's. My suggestion is just to bring something easy to eat with you in your bag.

Tip #3: Bring a jacket that repels water... Lets be honest... if you are doing the Vancouver 12x12... It's still Vancouver, it can ran, and at the drop of a hat! Be safe, rather than looking like a drowned rat.

Tip #4: Keep the gear simple, 1 camera, 1 lens would be ideal... remember, you are going to be running back and forth across town for 12 themes.. FRAK the idea that 'Oh, but I might want to use this lens, or this one... oh, or this one'... if you are using some smaller lenses like the old primes or a rangefinder, ok, maybe 2-3 lenses if they don't weight you down too much. Or you will just be complaining that you lugged all this crap around and only used the one lens all day, and your shoulders hurt from the weight of the bag. Remember that simple little rule of K.I.S.S. ... it applies here too. If you really want to lug all that around all day, go for it... I tried to warn you though.

Tip #5: WEAR FOOTWEAR YOU CAN WEAR ALL DAY AND NOT HURT AT THE END OF IT! 'nuff said...

I hope these help, good shooting and I will see you all for the 12x12 and the 12ByU!

Cheers
John R.