Basic ways I take pictures

Types of settings to use:

Try different ISOs

Variety of shutter speeds/apertures

-/+ compensations

Changes of light 

Use variety of focal lengths

We have so much equipment to choose from to aid in our shooting.

First of all, it is all based on the type of shooting you want to do 

and how much money you want to spend.

Body...

Sometimes I joke saying

"It's Chevy/Ford/Toyota/Honda"

They all do the same job

Depends on what you grew up with

Or your friend's recommendation

What you feel comfortable with

It's a tool

Lens...

Most important part is the lens!

Rule of thumb is the lower the f:stop the better f:1.4-2.8

Usually cost more

Fixed or zoom lens

Again, it depends on what type of shooting

105mm is great for portraits

14mm for shooting star fields 

500mm for the moon

300mm for wild life

50mm f:1.4 general shooting/low light

14-24mm

24-85mm

85-200mm

These can get all the focal length you want

With all the zoom lens out there, the possibilities are endless

Tripod..

Lightweight VS application

I have several sizes of Bogan

Airplane travel size or back pack (lightweight)

The bigger the lens size and weight, the more sturdy the tripod will need to be

Use a self-timer or a remote

If you touch that shutter bottom, it WILL move the camera!

Tip: When you need a real steady shot, use a hanging center weight that pulls

the tripod down heavier. Hence, a steady shot.

A good camera bag is important..

It protects your investment

Small ones for light shooting

Bigger ones when you need different focal length lens and gadgets

Backpack bags are the best

When traveling with lots of gear, Pelican cases are #1

Crown Royal bags are great for extra protection for lens

Remote self-timers

Helpful stuff...

Check list:

Polarizer 

UV filter "Which you leave on your lens as to protect it"

Neutral density filter

Cross filter

Gradient filter 

Extra batteries

Chargers

SD cards

Lens cleaning cloth

Ziploc bags

Hide an extra car key

Flash light

Lighter

Mini multi utility knife

Sharpie "for autographs" 

There are as many different kinds of photographers as there are stars in the sky. 

Have an eye to see things

Things that capture light and life

Moments in time that will never happen again

Hence, a Chronicler

Advice that my mentors gave me..

GO OUT AND MAKE MISTAKES!

As for errors, on your next best pic you get, it was from what you learned from previous trying.

Never give up on your dream, even in dark times.

Take one picture at a time, focus on that. Not literally one picture, but in that moment.

Meaning, that by the time you get old, you have lots of images.

Patience.

Perseverance.

The drive is in your heart.

Explore.

Understand your lighting.

Study Meteorology.

Sometimes you have to hide to get that shot.

Do things that may be dangerous.

Seek out the hidden.

Watch your back.

A safe photographer is the best photographer.

Don't get lost.

Situational awareness can never be under estimated.

Remember, you also have to  stop and enjoy being in the moment.

Without thinking about the shot, just enjoy being in that time. The here and now.

Sounds weird, but is refreshing to the soul.

The best image is yet to come.

Take lots of pictures.