Have you ever taken photos when your camera suddenly did something unexpected? It can be a stressful experience to troubleshoot if this happens in the middle of your photoshoot.
What should you do now?
First, take a deep breath. We all experience this at some point. Try to identify the simple causes of the problem. Here are a few examples:
- Are you sure your battery is charged?
- Does the memory card fit properly in the slot?
- The lens is it fully seated?
- What mode has your camera dial been set to?
Now, when this happens, I’m not afraid. While I used to be so nervous that I would sweat buckets in the beginning!
Remember that your client doesn’t know what is going on with your camera, and that they DO NOT need to be informed. Tell them that you will be a few moments to change the lens or insert a new Memory Card, then leave and begin troubleshooting your camera.
Here’s a list of COMMON SCENARIOS I have experienced during photo shoots (and possible fixes):
1. SHUTTER WILL NOT FIRE
Check to see if you’re not using the self-timer. It’s easy to forget that a camera may be set on another mode.
2. PHOTOS ARE BLURRY
Check your shutter speed if your photos appear blurry. It may be set to shoot a still object and not chase a toddler.
3. Unable to adjust the aperture
If you cannot adjust the aperture on your camera, make sure that your dial is not set to Shutter Priority.
4. CAN’T ADJUST SHUTTER VELOCITY
If you cannot adjust the shutter speed on your camera, make sure that your dial is not set to Aperture priority.
5. ISO IS ALWAYS CHANGING
Your ISO may be set to AUTO if your ISO is constantly changing. This issue can be quickly resolved by changing it to manual.
6. PHOTOS ARE OVEREXPOSED OR UNDEREXPOSED
Your images may appear to be overexposed or underexposed. It could be a setting but you should first check your ISO. If your images are underexposed, try increasing your ISO. If they are overexposed, decrease your ISO.
7. CAMERA WILL NOT AUTO FOCUS
Check the lens switch if your camera is not autofocusing. Check that it’s set to AF, not MF. Check to see if your lens is properly attached and snapped into place.
8. CAMERA VIEW SCREEN HAS GONE BLANK
Try removing the battery from your camera and replacing it. First, turn your camera “off”. Open your battery door and remove the battery. Replace it. Close the battery door, and then turn on your camera.
9. COLORED SQUARES OR LINES ON YOUR VIEW SCREEN
Do you see colored squares or lines in your camera’s display screen? Your SD card may be corrupt.
These camera issues happen to all of us!
It’s very easy to bump a dial or switch when you’re out in the field adjusting your camera. I’ve had a few situations happen to me.
- The battery has shifted on several occasions when I bumped the camera.
- It was necessary to remove and replace my lens.
- I left my camera in timer mode and couldn’t figure out what was happening!
- I’ve also changed my lens from Auto Focus to Manual Focus to take a tripod photo, but forgot to switch it off. My entire series of photographs were out-of-focus in that instance.