Blog
Plan? What plan?
There have been lots of words written in photographic articles on the subject of pre-planning, getting organized before going out on a shoot, having a clear idea on objectives. There is much to be said for such an approach, particularly if the occasion will not be easily repeated. In landscape photography the extent of this research can be quite wide. As well as making use of maps, some photographers go further and employ sun tables to ensure that the alignment with a particular feature is going to be just right while tide tables are well employed when planning coastal images. I utilize these tools - sometimes; other times I wing it.
As an exercise, just looking out the window and deciding to go out to see what can be found is quite useful but the chances of getting an image that is a "keeper" are not reliably high. It is quite easy just to wander about without any aim and end up with little or nothing at all. So is there another choice? Yes there is and it is one that I use most frequently. There is some planning but also plenty of adaptability, flexibility and going with the flow. When I head out on a shoot, I will know where I'm going, the type of images I'm after and how I'm going to get them. However, I'm ready to change the plan once on site if new elements emerge. So how does that work?
Knowledge of the area you are going to is very valuable and definitely increases the chances of getting the images required or desired. Where does that knowledge come from? If it is your local neighbourhood then you are already an expert. However it is always worth looking for potential subjects as you walk around it. You will soon build up a mental databank of future projects just by observing your surroundings. This can be extended further afield as you travel. Tied closely to this is the prevailing weather at the time and in particular the light. A good example of this is "Towards West Lomond" in the Rural section of the Gallery. This was an area that I know quite well but have not explored too much beyond the main road that I frequently use. On a particular day as I was passing West Lomond was bathed in light from a low westerly sun, which really accentuated the relief of the hill slope. That was something I wanted to try and capture.
Pre-planning: OS maps to establish where I can get to and tied into that is Google Earth, which really helps to establish the likely locations (particularly street view if it covers that area). The next and probably most important element is the weather and by that I mean light. A regular watch of the forecasts will help you to pick a time to venture out. That is what I did on that occasion; arrived in the general area, walked about a bit, setup and shot. In the end the light wasn't quite what I was after but I still got "Towards West Lomond". Sometimes it can be more reactive. The weather forecast may be such that you will know that a particular location will give you good images today. Fog or mist is a good example of this; fog on the River Tay = atmospheric images of the Tay Bridge and heading to Wormit will give you the chance to capture the curving tracks as they approach the bridge before vanishing into the mist.
There is a time and a place for planning a shoot like a military exercise, just as there is for taking a slightly more flexible approach. It will all come down to the situation and the desired end result and once in a while just look out the window, pick up your gear and go out; no plan, just see what you can find.
As an exercise, just looking out the window and deciding to go out to see what can be found is quite useful but the chances of getting an image that is a "keeper" are not reliably high. It is quite easy just to wander about without any aim and end up with little or nothing at all. So is there another choice? Yes there is and it is one that I use most frequently. There is some planning but also plenty of adaptability, flexibility and going with the flow. When I head out on a shoot, I will know where I'm going, the type of images I'm after and how I'm going to get them. However, I'm ready to change the plan once on site if new elements emerge. So how does that work?
Knowledge of the area you are going to is very valuable and definitely increases the chances of getting the images required or desired. Where does that knowledge come from? If it is your local neighbourhood then you are already an expert. However it is always worth looking for potential subjects as you walk around it. You will soon build up a mental databank of future projects just by observing your surroundings. This can be extended further afield as you travel. Tied closely to this is the prevailing weather at the time and in particular the light. A good example of this is "Towards West Lomond" in the Rural section of the Gallery. This was an area that I know quite well but have not explored too much beyond the main road that I frequently use. On a particular day as I was passing West Lomond was bathed in light from a low westerly sun, which really accentuated the relief of the hill slope. That was something I wanted to try and capture.
Pre-planning: OS maps to establish where I can get to and tied into that is Google Earth, which really helps to establish the likely locations (particularly street view if it covers that area). The next and probably most important element is the weather and by that I mean light. A regular watch of the forecasts will help you to pick a time to venture out. That is what I did on that occasion; arrived in the general area, walked about a bit, setup and shot. In the end the light wasn't quite what I was after but I still got "Towards West Lomond". Sometimes it can be more reactive. The weather forecast may be such that you will know that a particular location will give you good images today. Fog or mist is a good example of this; fog on the River Tay = atmospheric images of the Tay Bridge and heading to Wormit will give you the chance to capture the curving tracks as they approach the bridge before vanishing into the mist.
There is a time and a place for planning a shoot like a military exercise, just as there is for taking a slightly more flexible approach. It will all come down to the situation and the desired end result and once in a while just look out the window, pick up your gear and go out; no plan, just see what you can find.
10/01/2013