To Chimp or Not To Chimp

[Venkman]

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Anything that secures a good shot is allowed IMO.

But I'm no pro anyway - but at least I chimp quietly

[giordano]

When working contre jour I glance at the screen to check for blown highlights and see the shape of the histogram. When framing is critical I take a quick look at the image to make sure I haven't over-compensated for the M8's undersized viewfinder frames. When the shot depends on holding the camera exactly level I check the horizontals (it's easier to reshoot than to correct in PhotoShop).

 

Does that count as chimping?

 

John

[hankg]

Please understand I'm not trying to be a jerk here, I just want to know why those who feel chimping is cheating feel that way.

 

I don't think it's 'cheating' but if I'm photographing a portrait for instance and I'm looking at the LCD after every shot at something the subject can't see it would make it pretty hard to get a rhythm going and keep the subject focused and relaxed. If I'm shooting a fast moving event I like to keep the camera to my eye and stay focused. I'll check the LCD when there's a break. It's just a more fluid way to work. In any case I need glasses to chimp but not to shoot making it that much more awkward switching back and forth.

 

I'm glad to be able to check exposure or make sure I have the shot before breaking a set or leaving a locale but that doesn't require constant review of the LCD between shots which is the behaviour chimping describes.

[steich]

Right now, I sort of "meta chimp":

Take a picture, find a hotpixel, send camera to Solms ;-)

Stefan

[Shootist]

You know, I hear this a lot from photographers who have moved to digital from film and I wonder what in chimping there is to feel guilty about. Similarly, I find those who boast about not cropping or "post-processing" their digital files, as if the end result is that their photographs are held to a higher, more pure standard.

 

I don't buy it--or to be more precise--I don't really care.

 

Chimp. Don't chimp. What do we mean by "really needed" here? What chimping is necessary and what chimping isn't? What does it matter?

 

Please understand I'm not trying to be a jerk here, I just want to know why those who feel chimping is cheating feel that way.

 

 

I don't think it is cheating. I do do it some times. I just don't find the need to do it all the time. If other do then OK that is what works for them.

I do feel the auto review is a waist of time and battery power. But that's me, if you like it use it.

Different strokes for different folks.

[farnz]

Yes I do for complex lighting, unless it disrupts the 'flow'. But I draw the line at eating fleas.

 

Pete.

[Pointcolville]

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I took a walk down the beach at Santa Monica on Wednesday with a pair of Leicas around my neck. It has been a while since I used a film camera. Yes, I chimiped with my M4. And, when I got back to my hotel and picked up the M8, I actually hesitated before removing the bottom plate, thinking "did I rewind the film"?

 

I think I'm going crazy.

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