Hold that Shutter-Release Button!

Before pressing the shutter-release button, there are questions that you might ask yourself:

1. What mode will I use? Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Program Mode?

2. Am I concerned more on the depth of field? Should it be shallow or deep? or Am I more concerned into the motion? Should I freeze or show the action?

3. What ISO should I use? Do I need to increase/ decrease my ISO to compensate my exposure?

4. What is my white balance settings? Is it a sunny day, cloudy or lights are affecting my images?

5. What's my autofocus mode? Should I use, AF-A, AF-C, AF-S or Manual Focus? What type of scenario am I shooting?

6. Should I use matrix/ evaluative, center-weighted or spot metering? Why would I use matrix/ evaluative, center-weighted or spot metering?

7. Am I shooting JPEG or RAW or both?

8. How will I frame my subject? Should it be portrait or landscape?

9. What lens should I use? 

10. If I'm gonna get exposure properly with certain settings, what are my exposure reciprocals?

11. Do I need a flash? Why and when do I need a flash?

12. Do I have a memory card installed? 

13. Is my subject in focus?

14. What's my meter reading? Is it overexposed or underexposed?

15. Will this image I'm going to capture can tell stories or is it going to be different from other photography enthusiasts, forum or groups?

With these questions running into your mind, it will help you decide what settings should you use and have a better understanding of your camera and scenes. It takes patience, practice and it's all worth it in the end.