Checklist before going to shot photo

Sometimes, I just forget everything (maybe lazy, or maybe too excited to shoot photo) before I taking any shots. And after shooting half way, I just realize that I select different WB or Picture Style or profile etc.
Below are steps that (I) need to check before going to shot:
1. Is the camera ON?
2. Is the focus on manual or auto? This is what I do most, having set to manual and just realize that the focus isnt working.
3. Check the Picture Style or profile, and check if I modify the setting. It's the best idea to have non calibrated Picture Style before shot, especially shooting outdoor. Although you think it's easy to correct WB if you shoot RAW, but make it a habit will make your life easier in long run.
4. Check the metering, what metering did you use? I use Matrix/Evaluative all the time, but in some case, I change to Spot. Make it a habit to set it to Evaluative.
5. Check is your memory card inside? It's better to now allowing taking any shots if no memory card exist (I believe you can seek the configuration in every DSLR camera). Better to take preventive rather than you cry and realize that what you already done are not recorded at all and just wasting your time.
6. Check your metering compensation, is it 0 or you already shifted it to other than 0. This should be the best practice before taking any shots, IMO.
7. Checking batteries to ensure you are not having half powered battery in the middle of a venue and run dry before the venue end. Shame on you!

I will add more if I can think of others. I'm exhausted right now. More tk...

Quick tip for removing color cast using Photoshop

Actually, it is not just Photoshop, any graphic manipulating enabled software can do this, as long as it can use Level adjustment.

Steps are:
1. Open up your picture/photo.
2. Add Level adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels...)
3. Change the upper Channel to Red and drag/pinch the most left(shadow) and right(highlight) arrow sliders so they are placed where the information begins in the histogram view of the dialog.
4. Do it for the rest of the channel Green and Blue. Voila, your picture will be color corrected.


Originally appear on Layers magazine online.

Burning Passion

Originally uploaded by Rudy Suyanto
I really like to shot model these days. I dont know if that is related to the fact that I just bought a speedlight. Past times, model are not my passion at all, nah, I kind of not enjoying to shot them. However, it's different nowadays. Most of my shots are model + landscape environmental portrait, style that I idolize from Joe McNally. I love his style, though not many persons are enjoying this style.

Holiday on Lake Toba

Whoa... just returned from my holiday on Danau Toba (Lake Toba). It's so beautiful. And they right to say that 'Indonesia is dangerously beautiful'. :D

Anyway, I shot couple pictures, not much, enjoy.

Shot several strobist shots, and a small amount of landscape. The first one is shot in the pier, while waiting for the ferry to come.