I've seen so many video tutorials, particularly concerning landscapes, where the photographer takes ages to get anywhere near pressing the shutter and to be honest, it really annoys me. Now I agree there are certain aspects of this photography game that do need time and thought. If we consider a landscape shot, after the pre-plan it is important to take a wee walk around the location to check the view points and how the light is playing out on the day. However, one photo expert went on to say that it was important to set up the camera on the tripod, check the image through the viewfinder, then take the kit down, move to a slightly different position and set the tripod up again, re-mount the camera and the re-check the viewfinder - really? How about just handholding the camera at tripod height and look through the viewfinder? Same result but much less mucking about. That is one example of the excess faff that is rife in landscape tutorials. Yes you need to think about lots of aspects relating to the image but it is not a game of chess for goodness sake! It is almost as if the photographer is hesitant to finally press the shutter button.

For me, I like to walk the location and take a good look around. It is worth just stopping and letting the place soak into you. But after that, I tend to work quite quickly and start capturing images. Sure, you might have to wait for light, might have to wait quite a while for light, but that has nothing to do with your kit setup.

I'm not a fisherman and I'm not a chess player and I certainly don't go about my photography like one. Pity many others do.

30/09/2012