During our recent photographic workshop in Namibia, I was reminded how important it is to be ready. Many people miss once in a lifetime images because they were not ready when it occurred. We went into this Cheetah enclosure which has two male Cheetahs. It is a very large enclosure in which the animals run wild. We walked well into the enclosure without seeing the Cheetahs. The owner called and called them but they did not come, at least not at first. We were all standing there looking around to spot the Cheetahs. All of a sudden they came running towards us. You know how fast Cheetahs are, well, we had to react in a split second to get the shot ... (and he is braking to slow down by now)

This is not the time to be fiddling with settings. This is not the time to wonder if your autofocus is set on single point or whether your drive is set on single shot. Oh wait, you are only getting 1/15 of a second shutter speed with your 600mm lens? Now, where do I bump up my ISO again? Look, if you want the shot you have to be ready. Imagine taking the first two images (which are still out of focus as your camera is getting the focus down) only to find out that your memory card is full.

          Here are a few tips to help you to be ready. Please implement these tips prior to the shoot:

• Make sure you have a fresh battery installed

• Make sure your memory card has much more storage space available than you plan to need, or better yet, insert an empty one

• Anticipate what you are going to be shooting and set your camera accordingly before the shoot (AF mode, Drive mode, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO)

• Put the right lens on for what you are about to encounter

• Set your lens up right (stabilization, panning mode, etc)

• Clean your sensor

• Once you get on the scene, prior to the action starting, evaluate what the best position is and get there quickly

• Pay attention to your background and move if you need to eliminate something

• Have your camera out and ready

• Be aware of what is going on around you, focus your mind and get into your shooting zone

• Focus your lens on a spot at a distance where you anticipate the action to take place

• Take a light reading and make sure that you are satisfied with your settings

Now you have fewer things to worry about and you can calmly shoot the scene without panic or drama. You want to focus on your shooting not all of these things right now.