Great stuff EP. Let me simply share some additional thoughts on a few points, you don't have to agree, but what works isn't necessarily right or wrong, just different. On #3, I stick to ND, ND Grad, and CP filters. I'm generally a "get it right in the camera" kind of guy, but in the case filters that introduce colors, like warming or tobacco grads, I'd rather do this later. Maybe the results aren't as authentic as using a filter, but if I don't like the effect after all, I can simply omit it. The compromise is for my own flexibility.
This links to #4. As I said, I'm a "get it right in the camera" man, and getting the WB right from the get go fives you a more realistic preview on the camera when your in the field, and I wish more would understand that WB does actually have an influence on exposure and color saturation, especially in the red and blue channels. However, I rarely find the need to fine tune it with the use of an WhitBal or Expodisk. A plain white sheet of paper or a gray card works fine for me.
5. I think this often overlooked. I've blown more photographers' minds with actual tests using apertures and hyperfocals gleaned from a DOF chart. So many don't realize what the best settings are, and blindly set it at f/22 and focus at their feet. Go to
Hyperfocal Distance and Depth of Field Calculator - DOFMaster and print up a few for your lenses. You will be surprised.
8. I do have tripod with carbon fiber legs, and this move actually got me to use the darn thing
every time I go out to shoot - usually just brought the beanbag. I know using a heavier tripod is better, but I wasn't carrying the heavier pod when I should have been, so carbon fiber is better than nothing.
10. All I can say, know that you are breaking the guideline, and show it with power and intent. I love breaking rules.
11. This is one of my goals to improve this year, not because its weak, but your example picture shows how I want my images to look. I want them to tell more of the story than just the documenting the land.
That's all, and like I said, these are just my thoughts, and I'm in no way trying to contradict you here. Very good work!