Lesson Learned

[John 2]

It's not just mirror slap that can be a problem with a long lens. That initial jerk of the Auto Focus can also produce unwanted movement and if the lens is fairly heavy, I doubt that there are many tripods (even sandbagged) that will compensate. But I suspect that we are talking about slow shutter speeds not long exposure in this context. But as many have already pointed out, being aware before you shoot and prepare accordingly is the answer (and I don't always either). Letting the camera do it all for you isn't the answer.

[Colin Southern]

It's not just mirror slap that can be a problem with a long lens. That initial jerk of the Auto Focus can also produce unwanted movement and if the lens is fairly heavy, I doubt that there are many tripods (even sandbagged) that will compensate. But I suspect that we are talking about slow shutter speeds not long exposure in this context. But as many have already pointed out, being aware before you shoot and prepare accordingly is the answer (and I don't always either). Letting the camera do it all for you isn't the answer.

Unless there is a "real time" time pressure, I just 1/2 press the release and let the camera focus for a second before releasing the shutter.

[ajohnw]

And while he might have got his whites right and his blacks too the photos were dreadful and inelegant captures which is what the job is all about ... flattering the customers.
But for somebody obsessed with the technicalities I guess endless checking the whites is important. Photography means different things to different people.
As Colin put it ... he knows he has got it right before he presses the trigger. The mark of a competant photographer.

Yes and as Colin has also just explained getting it all right in a studio is one thing out in the field is another. Artistic aspects are an entirely different matter but technically decent shots are a good start.

Afraid this is a touchy area for me. My wife showed our wedding photo's to a few recently married friends and then stopped. A couple of them looked a bit uncomfortable about them and the last one burst into tears and said her's were no where near as "nice". Over the years I have seen many even expensive ones that just aren't up to standard and find the ones that check often do a decent job what ever they charge. I suspect that is because in part at least they care about what they are doing and also realise that the shots can't be taken again.

John
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[John 2]

Unless there is a "real time" time pressure, I just 1/2 press the release and let the camera focus for a second before releasing the shutter.

Of course Colin. I learned my lesson when using the timer to release the shutter in an effort to avoid any contact with the camera during exposure but you are right, if you can avoid moving the camera as you press the button, then that is the way to do it.