07.26
Wildflower abstract, Tehachapi Mountains, California
In the past I’ve talked a lot about previsualization in landscape photography – the process of researching a location, determining perspective through lens selection and framing, and forming a solid image in your mind’s eye before ever arriving at a scene or tripping the shutter. Ansel Adams referred to it often as “the ability to anticipate a finished image before making the exposure”, and it was a favorite expression of other luminaries such as Minor White and Edward Weston.
There is a lot to be said for this approach and it’s certainly the route I take whenever possible. If all goes according to plan, you do your homework, arrive at the pre-determined location, setup the shot, then wait for the ideal light and the image falls into place. This technique works quite well much of the time (assuming you’ve done that homework), but there are those moments when mother nature simply won’t cooperate. The golden light has been replaced with drab overcast, the wind is determined to keep every leaf or flower in motion, or the road has been closed by an avalanche and you can’t even get to the desired location. Fear not, it’s happened to everyone.
This is the time to give in and go with the flow. There are still great images to be made, but now you need to throw out those mental notes and let that right brain have a little fun. When the flowers and leaves are blowing make abstracts. If the light is anything but exciting, avoid the sky and look for the soft even lighting illuminating the ground cover. And even if that avalanche has closed the road, this is the perfect time to take a detour and explore someplace you’ve never seen before.
So the next time that great image you’ve envisioned isn’t working out as planned, try an alternate approach - just go with the flow and you might find your masterpiece was there all along.
Fantastic abstract Russ, and great tips!
Thanks Alex – I appreciate your comment!
I can admit that, on more than one occasion, I’ve returned home (or to my tent) discouraged by unfavorable light, etc., without ever having pressed my camera’s shutter button because what I saw was different from what I “saw”, if you take my meaning.
This has to do partly with expectations I’ve set in the past for my outings, namely to get a “keeper”.This is hard to let go of, considering the effort that is sometimes involved in landscape photography. However, as I’ve matured (I’m a kidult and use “mature” in the loosest possible sense) as a photographer, my objectives have evolved toward expression and creation rather than capture. I can think of at least one image I recently created that fits this bill — something born from my desire to have fun, be creative, and express experience of place — rather than to create the keeper.
Russ, your advice is great, and so true. Thanks for the post!
Thanks for your comment Wesley! You’re right, it does take practice to let go of those preconceived ideas when the conditions aren’t favorable and seek out new possibilities.
Like defining your own style, it’s something that can take years to develop. But learning to see in new ways is always an asset, and ultimately becomes part of your creative vision. You have some fine images, and the sample you selected shows you’re on the right track!
Excellent thoughts Russ, and I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve gotten to the point where I rely on the ‘flow’ much more than I do my own preconceptions. I find the results to be much more rewarding.
Thanks PJ – I appreciate your comment. It’s true that whether or not the planned images happen, the real joy in photography often comes from letting go of the structure and letting those visual gifts come to you.
Excellent outlook, Russ. I agree that going with the flow can be a really difficult thing to master, especially when you may already be in a foul mood if your original plans were dashed. But, it can pay off in spades if the photographer is patient.
Beautiful image, BTW.
Thanks for the comments Greg! Patience is the key (that, and a willingness to switch gears when the need arises).
Beautiful Russ! Very well done.
Thanks Jim! I appreciate your comment.
Great point you make here Russ! Related to this is trying to keep you mind/eye from fixating too much on your pre-visualized target.
I’ve seen so many popular photography spots where an army of tripods get setup for the sunset/sunrise photo from that spot and photographers then stand around for 30-60 minutes waiting for the perfect light. Meanwhile, I’ll be taking photos of other things (sometimes those same photographers for kicks) just to keep the photography juices flowing. Many times I”m happier with these “waiting” photos than the “epic” scene we all fixated on.
Hi Greg – thanks for your comment. I completely agree – it is humerous those moments when we find ourselves planted with the masses at those iconic spots. And sometimes that scene does override the primary reason for being there!
Hi Russ,
I agree – make the best of the situation. Since you’re out there with your gear at least get some images to make the most of the day’s opportunities.
Will
Great post Russ, I love to try this kind of thing myself. I certainly agree with your thoughts, it is only by pre-visualizing, experimenting and trying different photo techniques can we really discover our true ‘photographic identity’.
I did a post a while back entitled Seascape Impressions that conveys my thoughts on the subject along with a few examples that may be of interest.
Love the photo as well!
Phil
Thanks Will and Phil for your comments. Loved your post as well Phil.
Great post and gorgeous abstract Russ! A definite wall hanger!
Thanks for all your comments Patricia – here and on G+!