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If you are using a digital SLR camera for your photography, you may know well that it is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment, capable of producing fantastic results. But you need to know how to handle it and you need to prepare well before using it. That's why I have created a Digital Photography Pre-Shoot Checklist. Follow the checklist and it will help you get the best out of your digital SLR camera and you will also avoid having great shots ruined by incorrect settings or poor camera set-up!

Digital Photography Pre-Shoot Checklist #1: Check the Battery

First of all, you should check if the battery of your camera is charged. Digital SLR cameras are fully battery power dependent. Suppose you have gone out with your camera and suddenly find that your battery is low or dead, you will find yourself heading home earlier than expected! So, charge your battery after each time you use your camera. Make it a habit and you will always find your battery ready. It is also great to have a spare battery in your camera bag. But be sure this one is also charged fully.

Digital Photography Pre-Shoot Checklist #2: Format Your Memory Card

If you do not have a memory card with a huge capacity, you should format your card every time before going out to shoot pictures. Formatting wipes clean a memory card. If you format, it will remove all old images and you will have as much storage space as possible. But be sure you have safely transferred or printed all the important images before formatting or you'll lose everything on the card. So, before you go out, make sure that your memory card has sufficient capacity.

Digital Photography Pre-Shoot Checklist #3: Check the ISO Setting

The ISO speed, which plays a vital role in digital photography, will allow you to take pictures of moving subjects, or take pictures in low light conditions, by altering the sensitivity of the cameras sensor. However, it does have a bad effect, the higher the ISO, the more 'noise' is visible on the final image. This is a grainy effect seen on the picture. So, it is best to use as low as ISO setting as possible, although higher ISO's are needed to do some action type photography such as sports for example. Make sure you know where you will be going, what the weather will be like and consider what this means for your ISO setting.

Digital Photography Pre-Shoot Checklist #4: Select the Correct File type

In digital SLR cameras you will be able to select different file types for saving your images. JPEG is the most popular setting for many amateurs and professionals. Most digital cameras also give you a second setting option for the size of the image. This is normally small (S), medium (M), and large (L). This primarily affects the size at which the image can be printed at, whilst retaining its quality. Be aware that larger images take up more memory space on your card. Again, it's all about being conscious of these things so that you do not get nasty surprises afterwards due to incorrect settings.

Digital Photography Pre-Shoot Checklist #5: Choose the right White Balance

The white balance and its artistic effects are a great issue and cause of much debate between photographing enthusiasts. A lot of this comes down to individual taste and artistic effect you want to get. For now just be sure to select a white balance that isn't completely inappropriate for your subject. It is a good idea (and often reliable) to let the camera select the white balance, using the Auto WB setting. Then use that as a base, take a few pictures at this setting, then start playing with the white balance. Then do not look at your photos again for a few days, come back to them and consider what you think has worked and what hasn't.

That's it. Five simple digital photography tips and tricks that help you get to the right outcomes. Of course, you could make this list a bit more comprehensive and include additional checklist items like which bag, tripod and lenses to take. But I deliberately did not want to overcomplicate it. The tips above are all about becoming conscious about your photography. You will find, as with much in life, that when you do things with a purpose, you will achieve better outcomes. So let this digital photography pre-shoot checklist be a start of your own checklist to which you can add as you wish!