Back To Basics – An Exercise in Simplicity and Gaffers Tape

Red ribbons and chain, Dihua St Photowalk, Dadaocheng, Taipei, Taiwan

In the digital age, learning photography has never been easier. Sophisticated cameras, quality zoom lenses, automated software, a plethora of books, videos and online tutorials, and of course instant feedback via the LCD screen on the back of the camera. Sometimes though, it almost seems too easy. I first learned photography as a child using a fully manual SLR and it’s probably been years since I’ve shot in that way. Yesterday I organized a photowalk in one of the older parts of Taipei, Dihua St, and decided that it was as good a time as any to go back to basics.

While I didn’t go all the way and use a film camera, I did head out with a single prime lens (50mm f1.8) and I covered the LCD screen on my 5D Mark II with black gaffers tape so that I wouldn’t be able rely on the screen for any feedback. I actually got the tape method from photographer Zack Arias who recently mentioned it on Twitter. Thanks for the idea Zack.

Dried Squid hanging outside a store. Dihua St Dadaocheng, Taipei, Taiwan

At first, I found myself automatically glancing at the screen every few shots, only to find a piece of black tape covering it. It didn’t take long though to stop myself from doing this and just shooting. There was a certain sense of freedom in not being able to see what I’d shot and in not knowing whether I’d got the shot right. There was also a great expectation when I got home as I copied the photos to my computer and began the import process into Lightroom. It was very similar to the feeling of picking up a developed batch of chromes and pulling out the light table and loupe in anticipation of seeing the slides for the first time.

Fabric Sample Swatch book Dihua St , Dadaocheng, Taipei, Taiwan

During the afternoon I shot a little over 100 exposures, and my rate of keepers was about the same as it usually is. My exposure was generally spot on, although there were a few where I was 1/2 to 1 stop under. Looking at these, it seems they were the ones where I was rushing a bit. All in all, I’m very happy with the afternoon’s experiment and it’s something that I’ll be repeating again in the future. I urge anyone interested to give it a go and see how you do – and if you do, leave me a note telling me of your experiences. I’ll leave you with a couple more shots to round out the post. Enjoy.

Colorful facemasks hanging on a sale display. Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan

Construction equipment near Taipei Main Station, Taipei, Taiwan

This entry was posted on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 06:00. It is filed under Learn. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.