How to take exposure notes

[Doug]

I can usually find an unused check register to make notes in... inexpensive and it fits in pockets. 🙂 This would be mainly for travel, as I make notes in a computer database when getting back home from local shooting and the recollection is fresh. The main thing for me (after date/camera/lens) is the location/subject identification. When returning from travel, I'll transcribe the check register notes into that computer database and add commentary as needed. I assign a "roll number" to each batch of shots. So at this point I can search the database later to get close to a specific shot if I want.

 

[johnnyrod]

I always take notes with a camera that's just been fixed, or first time I've used it. I note frame, subject, f/stop, shutter speed, and sometimes range, also if flash is used. if I'm trying something out then I'll try to note what the metering is. I just use a notepad but it's not very convenient to be honest - I sometimes take a phone pic of the shutter dials and sort it out later. Analogbook looks nice, I was expecting an app when I googled it. Maybe there is one. Pocket Light Meter app can take a pic and log the metering on it, but that hinges on you using the metering it displays.

 

[JoeLopez]

Thanks to this forum, I've procured a mint-as-all-get-out Minolta CLE with a first-gen m-rokkor 40mm, and I've run a few rolls of Superia 400 through it. Sent them off today, waiting now to see scans of my first 35mm frames in 14 years. Love the camera, and I'm very excited.

But, one question remains: What's the best way to take notes on my exposures? I've looked around for this on the internet, but it seems to be something that everybody knows so well that no one bothers to write about it.

First--What do you include in your notes? Date/aperture/shutter/film/lens. Anything more? What do you find to be the most helpful thing to write down about each frame you take?

Second--How do you take notes without interrupting the flow of your photography? When I feel like I'm in the zone, I don't want to stop shooting to take notes. Is this something I'll just have to learn to deal with?

I use Field Notes notebooks and capture details such as date, camera, lens, shutter speed, aperture, film type, general location image was took and any other pertinent details 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/Field-Notes-3-Pack-Dot-Grid-Notebooks/dp/B00GC5QTR0

There are apps for phones and tablets as well, I haven't used those yet.

 

[karateisland]

I sometimes take a phone pic of the shutter dials and sort it out later.

This has been my strategy. As it turns out, it is all I use my phone camera for anymore!

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Rite In The Rain brand pads and notebooks come in all sorts of handy sizes.

Chris

 

[David Hughes]

I wonder if I dare mention that my notebooks came in a bundle of 9 or 10 for a pound...


Regards, David

 

[Livesteamer]

I keep a notebook with details about every roll. I write them down when I get back home. Comes in very handy when your lab sends you someones negatives, not your own, and then wants to know what was on yours. I only shoot about 50 rolls a year but it happens about once a year and from several different labs. Joe