Maintenance time: Preparing for spring photography

Biwon, April 8, 2016. All photos by Tom Coyner

• Published Mar 8, 2018 2:34 PM KST
• Updated Mar 8, 2018 2:34 PM KST

By Tom Coyner

There is nothing subtle about the changing of Korean seasons. As we finish off the last of the cold weeks of the year, we anticipate the sudden advent of warmer days and accompanying spring blossoms.

But right now we are in the short middle period between winter and spring. This can be a time of preparation for one of the special seasons of Korean photography.

At a minimum, this is the time to go through one’s gear and give it some maintenance. For example, review and clean the front elements of lenses and filters and check/replace batteries in accessories.

If you know how to do so properly, clean your camera’s image sensor or, better yet, go to an authorized after sales (AS) service center to get the sensor professionally cleaned.

If you have bought your camera in Korea, there is usually no charge. Otherwise the fee is small and the work can be done while you wait a few minutes. But if you do, be sure to hand over just your camera, since some AS centers may swap out your filters, batteries, etc. in their back room without your permission.

Some preparations can be good for your health. For example, take walks, observing how plant growth is resuming and how mature leaf and blossom buds are. Consider how these same places may appear when spring is in full stride. Also, note where the sun is at what time of the day, taking into account how hills and other obstructions may block it at various times.

I often go back to favorite locations and shoot the same scenes during all four seasons as well as at different times of the day and during various weather conditions.

You can also look at earlier photos and plan when to revisit those locations but this time with spring blossoms, etc.

One of my favorite locations is “Biwon” or “Huwon” of Changdeokgung Palace. The palace grounds and gardens seem to reinvent themselves with each season.

Finally, how well do you really know your camera?

This is an excellent time to study and practice using the features you have been ignoring. You need not read the boring manual these days. Often YouTube has multiple videos regarding the setup and use of your camera. Just search on the camera's model name, and you may be surprised how much you can learn about using your camera before spring has sprung!