My Great Uncle was born and raised on small farm in the Angus Glens. He worked in agriculture all his life and was very skilled in the countryside ways. One of his specialities was making walking sticks from material he came across. Asked when was the best time to pick a branch to make a stick his reply was, "when you see it" and I think that can apply to photography quite often. Now I don't just mean the photo journalistic opportunities that might happen as you walk down the high street - car accident, bank robbery or alien invasion, but also in areas such as mine (landscapes).

I've mentioned before in this blog how I don't play this photography game like chess, as some others do, but I do acknowledge that to capture good images regularly a certain amount of planning is required. Elements like the weather forecast, sunrise/set times and directions all have to be considered if you want to get a particular shot. However sometimes the weather can throw in a fast ball and you have to be ready if you want to capitalise. Mist or fog is an example. Yes, you might have some warning from the forecast that it could be around, but you will not know how much and exactly where until you are in it! These Autumn mornings are great for producing fantastic photo opportunities if there is fog or mist, BUT you must have your camera to hand or you have lost your chance. My camera bag is in the car when I go to work, so I'm ready to take the picture "when I see it".

03/11/2012