For me in the whole process of generating useful images (for which ever reason) going out and doing the fieldwork is without a doubt one of the highlights (if not the thè highlight). The success one has in the field depends on many things. For example the hand you are dealt with regarding subject matter, the light on the day and many other things. Although being a nature photographer means that you are depended on nature to deliver a lot also depends on your planning and being open for any new possibilities that might arise. I would suggest that to a large extent your success during a shoot is directly linked to the planning that you have done in advance of the shoot. The list that follows, although in no sense an exhaustive list, will help you (it helps me) in planning a session and then also to shoot the plan. The list falls out in three categories namely:
- Planning
- In the field
- Evaluation
- Planning
- Set objectives for the shoot
- Choose a location for the shoot
or
- Choose a location for the shoot
- Set objectives for the shoot
Setting objectives for a shoot or choosing a location is both valid points. If you set you're your objectives first, the choice of a location might not follow directly but if you choose your location first you need to set your objectives there after to decide on things like what light to use, what time of the day to go etc. In my mind the setting of objectives and the choice of a location is very closely linked to each other and I usually keep them together in my planning.
- Evaluate the light through the day at your venue.
- This might be done on a day before the shoot by going to the place to do the evaluation or based on previous experience.
- Evaluate the position of the sun during the day.
- This is important especially if you want to shoot a specific subject that will be at a specific place at the location.
- For example it makes no sense if you want to shoot during the golden hours of the day and silhouette your subject and when you reach your location you have only front light to work with.
- Will a hide be used during the shoot? (if yes)
- Will it be a fixed hide or a portable or a camouflage net?
- Fixed hide
- What is the position of the hide?
- What is the impact of the sun on the hide?
- What is the impact of the hide on the photographic angle?
- Portable hide and camo net
- What do you want to use the hide for?
- What is the weight of the hide?
- Decide on a time duration and schedule for the shoot.
- What time to wake-up (for early morning shoots)
- What time to leave for the location
- The time the set-up of your equipment will take, this includes hiking to be done etc.
- What time to finish the shoot.
- Decide on what equipment to take.
- Digital or film
- If film, what type of film, slide or print, what speed of film
- Lenses
- Filters
- Tripod
- Bean bags
- What way will your equipment be carried.
Your choice of equipment and the use of a portable hide will probably depend on the availability of an assistant and the amount of hiking that needed to be done during the extent of the shoot.
- After finalising your planning, pack your equipment for the shoot.
- Also remember to decide on which clothes will suit the situation, especially your shoes.
- Go to bed early to be well rested for the shoot ahead.
- In the field
- Wake-up on time
- Leave for the location earlier than you planned to leave
- If using a portable hide give yourself enough time to set it up properly
- Organize your equipment so it is near at hand and easily accessible
- Set-up your camera to be used and also the tripod if you are using one
- Be patient and enjoy the shoot that you have planned
- Try to meet your time schedule during the day
- Stick to your objectives
- Don't stick to your objectives
These last two sounds like they are contradictory, they are not! Your objectives are very important and they help you to focus, but situations will arise that will be unique to the day and what you have not planned for. So don't be closed to these unique opportunities and see your planning as set in stone. Be open for change in the midst of your planning, that is where creativity is hiding. More often than not these opportunities are the result of the planning that you have done before hand.
- Try different photographic angles
- Use different lenses
- Use different exposure combinations
- Bracket and back-up
- After you are finished gather all your equipment. Remember the cable release and his friend the lenscap that wanted to stay behind!!
- You've taken your photo's, now leave nothing but your footsteps and respect.
- Evaluation
- Hand in your films for development, remember to clearly indicate slidefilm, cross-processing, pushing and pulling of film.
- Download photo's to harddrive or burn to cd.
- Evaluate the working of the plan
- How was the light?
- How did the time schedule go?
- How did the location perform?
These steps are in a sense the evaluation of the planning stage.
- On the receipt of your photo's, slides or the viewing of digital work evaluate the success of the shoot.
- How was the light?
- How succesful was different photographic angles?
- How succesful did you use different lenses?
- In case of a successful photo ask:
- What was done correctly?
- How could it be improved?
- Is there something that distracts from the photo?
- If yes what and how can you avoid it next time.
- Can this photo be simplified to create a stronger impact? (This is not a valid question of all photo's)
- In case of an unsuccesful photo ask:
- What went wrong?
- Natural reasons
- Human error
- How could the photo be improved?
- How can the mistakes be avoided?
- Enlarge those photo's which need to be enlarge.
- Share your photo's with others, listen to their comments.
While planning, shooting, evaluating and sharing always be attentive to new possibilities, critique that will help you grow and develop your sight and positive comments made that will confirm what you are doing. Also be attentive about your own feelings about your work.
