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that one folder. If you don’t have File number sequence turned on, beware! You see, if file number sequence is turned on and you fill one card with say, images numbered 1–99, the next card will begin numbering at 100–199 and so on, preventing duplicate numbers between cards. If the setting is turned off, each card you use will repeat the sequence of numbers beginning at 1, potentially causing you to overwrite the first set of images with those of the same name in a folder. Setting your camera to File number sequence On (Figure 2.16) will prevent you from feeling the heartbreak of overwriting your images one day; trust me.

Figure 2.16 Turning File number sequence on sets your camera’s numbering system to count consecutively from 1–9999.

Shooting Techniques

Now that you have adjusted the buttons, dials, and menus on your camera, it’s time to take it in hand and begin photographing. To do so successfully requires that you use proper handholding and long lens techniques to capture sharp images. Whenever possible, I use a tripod, but when circumstances are not favorable for using a tripod, I have no problem hand holding my camera, even at relatively slow shutter speeds. With the proper technique and some practice, you’ll be able to get sharp images from your camera at surprisingly low shutter speeds.

Proper Handholding Technique

There is a right way and a wrong way to hand hold your camera. The right way (Figure 2.17) enables you to become a solid support for your camera and allows you to capture well -defined images. Just follow these steps:

1. Begin by holding your left hand out palm up.

2. Rest your lens in your left hand

3. Using your right hand, take hold of the grip.

4. Bring your camera to your eye and press your eye against the rubber eyecup firmly (you do have a rubber eyecup, don’t you?).

5. With both elbows tight against your side and the camera gripped firmly in both hands, gently squeeze the shutter button.

Figure 2.17 Keeping your elbows close against your body makes you a more stable platform when hand holding your camera.

Proper Long Lens Technique

Just because you mount your camera with a long lens to a tripod does not ensure sharp images. Just like proper handholding aids in acquiring sharp images, so too does proper long lens technique. Many people feel that using Mirror Lock Up and/or a remote shutter release is the best bet for making the sharpest image possible, and although there are definitely times in which both techniques can be used, wildlife photography is a hands-on activity. You never know when your subject will move, and if you have the mirror up or are fumbling for the remote release, you will miss some great shots. Instead, by incorporating proper long lens technique, you can achieve sharp images even while panning with a moving subject. Here’s how:

1. Mount your longest lens to the tripod using a gimbal head (gimbal heads improve your panning skills with their smooth operation) so they are perfectly balanced when you’re not touching them.

2. Loosen the knobs on the head so they are loose enough to move with some tension.

3. Loosen the rotating collar release knob so the lens rotates freely.

4. Place your left hand loosely on the barrel of the lens directly over the center of the tripod (Figure 2.18).

Figure 2.18 Resting your hand on the barrel of the lens dampens vibration caused by mirror flop and the shutter opening and closing.

5. Grasp the camera in your right hand.

6. Press your eye against the rubber eyecup with some constant pressure.

7. Gently squeeze the shutter release button as you exhale.

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Tip

Your left hand also acts as a guide for steering your lens when panning.

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Proper Panning Technique

Using the same techniques described in the preceding sections, you can incorporate panning into your image making and capture action in a still photograph. Whether you want a tack sharp, stop-action image or one that has a romantic blur to it, using proper handholding and long lens techniques along with some panning skills, you’ll be working