In photography, a vision and a solid plan are always helpful. But being too much attached to your early thoughts can prevent you from looking at good themes in front of you, especially when they are completely different in your mind.
Of course, when you go out for a picture of nature, a plan is necessary for more than one reason. First, the plan allows you to organize your time efficiently and be ready for different situations. For example, knowing when and where the sun will grow, you get to stay in the right place at the right time.
In addition, a mental list of subjects for photographs, such as specific animals or landscapes, will maintain your attention. A list of ways to shoot the subject will help you bring the right focal length. And, if you are planning to use long shutter speeds, you will need to bring a tripod and some neutral density filter.
To know what you want, it also means that you can pack lighter and leave what is not helpful at home. There is no point in bringing a 14-24 mm lens with a GND filter set after flying on the peaks of the mountain after a bearded vulture.
Or, suppose you often take pictures in mountains like me. Then, you want to monitor the weather forecast and prepare yourself appropriately for rigid and unforgivable cold.
Embrace
Despite the importance of the plan, it is equally important to be flexible and preparing for unexpected circumstances. Sometimes, the best shots are when you expect at least from them and being open-minded about the possibilities can give you amazing results.
I was in such trouble many times in my journey as a photographer. I remember that earlier this year is looking for a challenging winter cruise polar bear around the Swalbird Islands, and … I did not see anyone. But I optimized, and took outstanding pictures of Arctic scenes instead.
Last time things did not go according to the plan a few days ago, when I wanted to take a picture of the magnificent scenes of a frozen lake in the mountains. But after reaching him, I found that the lake was completely covered with Windblown Snow.
I was disappointed. It was disappointing to increase for two hours, only to come and see a snowfield without texture, I dreamed of raising with a wide angle lens with cracks and wind bubbles instead of a smooth, icy surface . Worse, despite my efforts, I did not find any creation that I could take advantage of a few lines I noticed. It was terrible.
After a few average frames, instead of leaving and going back empty -handed, I gave myself time to look around. After some search, I got another opportunity.
It was a small waterfall, even a pair of meters high, which was not touched by the sun and surrounded by skeletal tights and broken branches. Nothing is immediately striking, I have nothing compared to a grand Vista. And nothing you can portray using a wide angle. But it was cold, making beautiful ice lace. Can this be an alternative plan?
Therefore, I deployed my tripod and used my telephoto lens to get closer to the details. It was different, challenging and fun because everything was about finding the best composition. I also imagined how fast and pointed ice crystals would be contrary to the flow of water if I had to use long shutter speeds. Therefore, I added a three-stop neutral density filter, and was quite happy with the results.
In my opinion, being a photographer, is the art of observation, to look with new eyes on every detail and texture, and play with light and shadow. It is imagining what different shooting techniques can change in front of you, reveal details in a unique way. In these moments, you need to pursue your creativity and increase your imagination. After decades of photography, searching for unexpected in this way is the thing that is the most amazed.
conclusion
Photographing nature is a rich experience that requires balance between planning and adaptability. There is a plan, but be open to the scene in front of you so that you can catch stunning images. As my experience is about small frozen waterfalls, sometimes the best photos come from unexpected. So, remember to carry an open mind and be ready to search for unexpected!
I hope you find this essay pleasant about the management of unexpected situations. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to leave them in the comment section below!
