Photo How To

Earlier today we featured a post-processing tutorial demonstrating seven pro tips for achieving cleaner, sharper landscape photos. But what if the root of your problem is a dirty senor in your camera? You'll learn a safe, quick, and straightforward remedy in this 10-minute explainer from the Camera Store TV YouTube channel.

Many photographers are rightfully apprehensive about tackling this important maintenance procedure because we've all heard horror stories from folks who didn't know what they were doing. Feel free to set your nerves aside because you're about learn a safe and effective method for getting the job done in the next 10 minutes.

This episode is hosted by photographers Dave Paul and Evelyn Drake, with Drake asking pertinent questions and Paul supplying the solutions. They first explore why removing sensor dust can be so daunting, along with a few pitfalls to avoid. Then you'll learn a "foolproof" step-by-step method for proceeding with confidence.

The discussion includes "essential" tips for proper swab usage, other best practices, and the affordable accessories you need  to get started. There's no reason to experiment with the process until you first determine that a sensor is actually dirty. So how do your do that?

Paul recommends shooting two or three different shots of a bright blue sky and looking for black dots or blotches that appear in the same place of the shots. If so, it's time to grab your cleaning kit and proceed by following the simple instructions—rather than attempting to remove these ugly distractions during post-processing.

You'll begin by pulling out a blower brush and giving two or three quick puffs of air while holding the camera upside down so grime falls down on your table rather than up into the camera. It's also very important to avoid touching the sensor with this tool or anything else—especially your fingers. In some cases with lightly contaminated sensors this is all you have to do.

When dust and dirt is more stubborn or plentiful there are a few more steps required to get the sensor perfectly clean. Rest assured that these are equally easy and effective with the techniques you'll learn. The good news is that after your maiden voyage the process will be a no-brainer in the future.

The Camera Store TV YouTube channel is a great destination for gear reviews, shooting techniques, and insightful tips on a wide variety of imaging topics.

And don't forget to watch the tutorial mentioned above so you'll understand what to do if post-processing is necessary for achieving cleaner results—especially when the problem has nothing to do with the sensor in your camera.