Here is something that has helped me out and really improved my ability to get the pictures I want. PLAN AHEAD! While its great to just keep your camera with you all the time, or just go on a walk and let inspiration hit you, planning can also yield some great images. I find this to be especially useful if I already have a goal in mind. A killer sunset, lightning, reflections, architecture etc. You get the idea.
Here are a few things I like to do to get ready to go:
1. Gear
For me, that just means getting my kit bag together, it all fits in one nice package (my AWESOME LowePro Slingshot 200AW) and I am off, but if you have lots of gear, trim down to what you will need just for this particular mission. Might be your wide angle if your going for landscapes or architecture, or an all purpose zoom if your going to go for some floral or nature shots. Just keep in mind what the lighting will be like and choose accordingly.
2. Clothing
Might sound obvious but plan for the weather and your surroundings. If your going to be walking a lot, wear comfy shoes. If its hot outside you may have the urge to wear shorts but if your going to be stomping around in the woods, you may want to consider pants and long sleeves! I won’t tell you how to dress, but just keep it in mind….I have been in a few situations already where I didn’t get the shot I wanted either because I had to pack it in for rain or couldn’t get to the shot because of my shoes…
3. Destination
This is probably the most important thing to think about and one I struggle with regularly. I can’t tell you how many hours I have driven around looking for something to shoot before I finally realized I should just figure it out before I leave! There are few resources out there to help you, one huge one is google maps. Try using the terrain view if you want to find a high area that you can get an overview from! Look for nearby parks and nature reserves. I even use the pictures feature (click the “more…†button) to see what other people have taken pictures of in my area or in the area that I am thinking about going to! It’s great for finding scenic areas.
Another thing to try here, is looking for local photography clubs online and looking for information about where they are doing their photo walks. Join in with them or scout those places on your own time, either way you are bound to discover some new areas.
When all else fails you could throw all the planning out the window and just head out into the unknown and see what you can find!
REMEMBER: Having a plan can make things easier, but don’t forget that spontaneity plays its part as well so don’t get all clipboard happy and forget to HAVE FUN!
4. Time of day
This one is really most important for certain types of shots, but when you need a great sunset, or want that misty dawn look, you need to plan ahead so that you arrive at your destination BEFORE the sunrise or sunset so that you have time to set-up and then shoot throughout the entire event…. Also, if you are planning to take a person out and do some location portraits, keep the sun in mind. You don’t want your subject starting into the sun, and you don’t want harsh contrast from direct or over-head sunlight…..  Pick a time of day that will let the light work for you.
5. Checklist
If you are headed out to shoot a few different things, make a list of things you want to get and check it off. I have found that it can be very easy to get distracted chasing one shot and then I find that I have missed my window for other things I wanted to shoot.
REMEMBER: Having a plan can make things easier, but don’t forget that spontaneity plays its part as well so don’t get all clipboard happy and forget to HAVE FUN!
If you have any other tips, please share them here in the comments!
MV
