Always check your lens for dust before you start shooting.
Power up your camera and check the battery is fully charged and that you have a memory card inserted.
Get a sensor cleaning kit - they are essential !
Pack a box of lens wipes - you never know when you might need them !
Read the manual and find out what button does what. Not only does this give you so much more freedom in taking photographs but also if you accidently press the wrong button it makes it so much easier to understand which setting you changed and how to change it back ( instead of spending ages going crazy ! ).
Set your white balance to the appropriate situation - will save you a lot of time ( and editing ) later.
If you want a clear background, use a high F number and dont zoom in.
If you want a blurry background, use a low F number and zoom in as much as you can.
When shooting very low F numbers, remember that your focal point is going to be very shallow. For a photograph of a persons face at F1.2 - F2 dont get too close to the subject or you'll have eyes in focus but the nose will be out of focus !! Fix this by increasing your F number or moving further away from your model.
Is it moving ? Aim for 1/640th on 70-200mm lenses and 1/1250th on 400mm - 600mm lenses.
Is it static ? Aim for 1/125th on 70-200mm lenses and 1/640th on 400mm - 600mm lenses.
Cant get the shutterspeeds you need ? Increase your ISO or find a location with more light.
When taking photos of living creatures / people always focus on the eyes. If the eyes are in focus the shot will always be a keeper. If the eyes are out of focus, the photo loses a lot of impact.
To avoid lens flare, when possible shoot with the sun behind you.
For low key photography, a tripod will make your job 100 times easier as you'll be able to use much lower shutter speeds than handheld. Even as low as 1/20th ! Just make sure your model keeps still !
Is the photo too bright ? Check your exposure bracket and check the marker isnt too far to the right ( on Canon models )
Is the photo too dark ? Check your exposure bracket and check the marker isnt too far to the left ( on Canon models )
To make sunsets look more dramatic, under-expose your images a stop or so.
When working with dark skinned, dark haired models, over-expose your images 1 - 1 1/2 stops.
When working with light skinned, light haired models, under-expose your images 1 - 1 1/2 stops.
When using a built in / external camera flash or strobe unit make sure your subject isnt in front of a mirror or a window as if the flash hits the window it'll ruin the photo.