Practice PlanSection 13 of 17
Training
Pre-Trip Practice Drills
Arrive with muscle memory already built for setup, exposure, motion, behavior, support, cold workflow, and backups.
| Drill | Proof before travel |
|---|---|
| Camera setup baseline | Reset both bodies from travel mode to flight mode in under 30 seconds. |
| Exposure modes | Photograph the same moving subject in aperture priority, shutter priority, manual with Auto ISO, and full manual. |
| Shutter speed ladder | Create a contact sheet from 1/3200 through 1/60 and circle the slowest speed with a sharp head. |
| Handholding mechanics | Track 20 moving subjects for three seconds each without firing, then repeat with short bursts. |
| Behavior prediction | Watch local birds for 30 minutes and call the launch cue before the bird moves. |
| Cold and dust workflow | Run a timed driveway simulation from parking to a correct test frame in two minutes. |
- Complete three local bird sessions: one flight, one exposure, one panning or blur session.
- Build two custom camera presets or a written reset checklist.
- Practice backing up cards to the exact travel drive, iPad, or laptop workflow.
- Pack the field bag once, then remove anything that does not earn its space.