If you’ve ever gotten home, opened a photo on your computer, and thought…

“Wait… how did I miss that?”

You’re not alone.

Small camera screens hide a lot of problems.
I’ve learned that the hard way more times than I’d like to admit.

So I started using a simple 7-point checklist when I’m shooting.
It only takes a few seconds and it helps catch the mistakes that ruin otherwise great photos.

Here are a few of the things on the list:

1. Check your diopter
If the viewfinder isn’t adjusted to your eyesight, images can look soft in the camera even when they’re sharp.

2. Confirm focus at 100%
Don’t trust the preview. Zoom in and check the eyes or your key subject.

3. Use the histogram
The LCD can fool you. The histogram shows the truth.

5. Check the frame edges
Small screens hide distractions. Look for objects creeping in from the edges.

7. Take a safety shot
Pros almost always take one extra frame with slightly different framing or exposure.

I turned the full list into a printable field checklist you can keep on your phone or camera bag.

👉 Check out my YouTube video on this top for more details and stories

👉 Check out my Blog Post on this topic for more details.

If you try it on your next shoot, let me know how it works for you.

Getting better one photo at a time,

Doug
Practicing Photography

Getting better One Photo at a Time,
Doug

Email me: [email protected]