What is the best thing about digital cameras?
Easy answer – the LCD screen!
No, really. The ability to see the image you just created is something that not enough people use. I am not even referring to the histogram, which we will cover in future posts, but just the ability to see the image.
Look at the following example.
Not a bad image.
Nice detail.
Interesting light.
But something is missing…
The tongue!
It makes the image pop and come alive. It gives a slightly flat image a more dynamic feeling.
It might be a very small thing but when you start taking your photography serious you will find that it is the small details that can make the difference between a good and a great image.
The above two images are a part of a series of about 8 images I shot specifically with the intention of including the tongue in the image. I knew from experience that including the tongue of a drinking animal lifts the image to the next level, so after every couple of frames I would check the LCD screen to see if I nailed the shot.
In the days when we were still shooting film this was impossible and you would have to wait to see if you captured the moment. That precise moment.
Here is another example.
The bottom image is the shot I wanted, even though I would have liked the big guy to open his eyes a little more.
The top image was the result of me just aiming and shooting. I was convinced that the lion’s eyes were open when I clicked the shutter but when I checked my LCD I saw that he closed them at that precise moment. It’s amazing how often wildlife subjects subjects seem to do that! 🙂
So, what is the bottom line?
Always check your LCD screen before deciding whether you have your shot. Just because of that, digital rocks!
I’m off to Bangkok for a few days, but I’ll be back again next week!
Get out there, photograph wildlife, check your LCD and then post your images to the Bush Warriors Photo of the Day contest.
See ya next week.
Gerry van der Walt
