Is once enough? It depends. When you’re photographing wildlife or people, learn how to set your camera on continuous mode so you don’t miss out on the action.
You’ve landed on one of 28 posts about photography and how to improve your skills. If you’re a creative, blogger, or photography enthusiast, you’ve landed in the right spot!

The Power of Continuous Shooting
“Look, a coyote,” I said to Pedro. “You can pull over here.”
“We wouldn’t want to cause a bear jam,” he joked, as he pulled into an official pullout next to an open field in Yellowstone National Park.
“It looks like he’s going the opposite direction,” I said. “We can probably walk a little closer.” I grabbed my camera and moved to the edge of the open area, closer to the coyote.
Nervously, I checked my camera to make sure I had the camera set to continuous mode and got in position to photograph—hoping against hope the coyote would do something more than walk across the open area.
My finger rested on the camera shutter, and I repeated to myself, “Hold it down, hold it down.”
For years, I had an Olympus OM1 SLR film camera. I always longed for one of those cool auto film advancers on my camera, but as a poor student and then newlywed, I couldn’t afford one. And now, I had to break the habit of only depressing the shutter button once.
It seemed unnatural to just hold my finger on the trigger and keep on taking photos. But I determined I wanted to improve my wildlife photography, I would have to take full advantage of my DSLR’s continuous shooting mode.
At that moment, the coyote leaped straight into the air and pounced down. My finger pushed and stayed down. I heard the shutter click repeatedly.
You Can Do Something More Than Once
Growing up I thought we should pray once before each meal, and once again when we went to bed. Only as I traveled through life and faced hardships, confusions, and crises did I come to realize we don’t have to limit ourselves to only praying at set times.
In fact, Paul urges believers to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We don’t have to limit ourselves to praying every once in a while. God wants to hear from us at all times and for all the reasons. How do I know? He’s my heavenly Father.
As a parent, I know how much I long to hear my children’s voices—even if they’re calling to share a sorrow, ask for money, or vent. I just love hearing from them. Hands down, our Father’s parenting skills surpass mine. He wants to hear from you. No matter what you tell him.
Your Homework
Figure out how to put your DSLR camera in continuous mode. My Canon 6D has a [drive] button on the top that allows me to switch between a single shot, continuous shooting, a timer, or a wireless remote.
Most newer point-and-shoot cameras have a continuous shooting mode. I purchased my Nikon CoolPix in 2014, and discovered today it has continuous shooting.
If you’ve never used the continuous mode before, practice! It takes retraining your brain to keep your finger on the shutter button.
iPhones call it burst mode. On older iPhones, you can get a burst by using the timer or by holding the shutter button down. On newer phones (or those with iOS 14+) you’ll need to swipe the shutter button to your left to activate the burst mode. The shutter button will display how many photos you have taken.
No matter what kind of camera you have, go outside and practice using the continuous mode. And as you do, start a conversation with God. He’d love to hear from you more than once.
Is once enough? #fmfparty #write28days #relationships Click To TweetCome Back Tomorrow
Come back tomorrow when I share sunset photos that left me awestruck for the next installment of 28 Days Behind the Lens.

I used Kodachrome for photographs
but digital’s beyond my ken;
everyone who sees me laughs
at Mister Way-Back-When,
for I also seem to lack
the basics, like a phone,
and I hear that frequent crack
that I must soon atone
for my storied Luddite ways,
for sabots thrown in looms,
and folks wait for coming days
when I face my dated doom
and find my favoured movie picks
are now had only through Netflix.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser recently posted…Up, Up And Away
You’re such a hoot when you write your poetry responses, Andrew! I love your sense of humor.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Why There’s no Argument About the Best Times of Day to Shoot Photos
Anita, I enjoy following you as you are behind the lenses for these 28 days. I am not a photographer in any sense. But I sure do enjoy seeing your beautiful pictures. Blessings.
Visiting today from FMF#9
Paula Short recently posted…I once was Lost, But Now…..
Aww, thank you, Paula! You don’t have to be a ‘photographer’ to improve your photographs!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…How to Work Around a Photography Predicament
Such a great tip for the camera on our phones. I will try it!
Let me know how your photos turn out!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…How to Work Around a Photography Predicament
What a beautiful set of pictures, Anita. I don’t have an I-phone but I’ve seen the fantastic pictures produced.
I love Steve Chapman. I remember how he lost his little girl in a tragic accident and how he wrote his pain into a hauntingly beautiful song.
Have you heard of mindful photography? I’m sure you have. Your posts act as a reminder that I haven’t done this in a while.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Different Emotions All At Once
Thank you! I’ve never heard of mindful photography! I’ll have to do some research :).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Energize Your Photography with Excellent Post-Processing
I’m horrid behind a lens but IF I WASN’T? I’d be eating up this series – very good my friend.
Susan Shipe recently posted…Five Minute Friday: Once
All you need to do to go from ‘horrible’ to ‘proficient’ is practice ;)!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Do You Get Exasperated by Your Photography Equipment?
Hey Ms. Anita!! Love the fox photos. And YES, we can absolutely do something more than once. Often times it’s required or necessary. Thanks for sharing!!! FMF#45
The coyote montage is amazing. I need to remember to use continuous shooting mode more often when I’m photographing my grandkids; they are like coyotes jumping in the air. lol. There was a point when I had my camera set to that setting and couldn’t figure out how to change it back to single shot. I took a lot of photos unintentionally! 🙂
Lisa notes recently posted…Don’t Be Afraid of the Light—5 Quotes {Bias Day 13}
Love those coyote shots.
Visiting from #5
I always love seeing your photos. That kind of camera is way beyond my skill set. And btw, we have coyotes occasionally in our backyard in the Chicago burbs.