cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

I wonder if anyone can supply a copy of what must go on in every competent photographer's mind between the thought, "I'd like to photograph that" or " Could I capture an image that would show whatever" and analyzing all the exposures taken.

For example, using a flow chart, does the thinking start with an image in your mind as to what the end result looks like then which camera / lens selection to use followed by composing then dealing with all the various settings on the camera? Are there other steps I haven't thought of but I do intuitively? Also, once you get to the camera settings is there a single progress line with no loop backs such as 1. Set aperture. 2 Set ISO 3. Set focus type. Etc.

I'm asking so I could share with some newer photographers if the concensus is this is a good approach but also to take along for myself to use. This would hopefully prevent some of my past blunders wherein the shots are too dark, a little out of focus or the wrong part of the photo is in focus or totally missed shots that were available for only a short few seconds and I did not have the proper settings to get it.
Thank you for any wisdom you can bestow.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

For me it starts with checking my equipment. Thinks like charged battery, spare battery, spare cards, what am I going to photograph? What lenses do I need to take. In creating the image, I ask myself what am I trying to say. When my mind and eye agree, I check my viewfinder/lcd screen that it matches up. I then look at my histogram and tweak the exposure. Possibly do a HDR on a tripod.My reference is to analyze what I want to photography. If it is action I use a shutter priority. If it is a landscape, I use Aperture priority. My preference is for manual focus. My preference is for an ISO to match the light and what I am going to photograph. We all have a different flow chart.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

My series of steps is the following. Research a location within 50 miles near me. Determine the best time of the year to visit. Drive to the site allowing ample time before sunset to drive around, park and throughly hike around looking for the right compositions. Usually, pick two or three sites from this hiking. Begin setting up my tripod about an hour and a half before sunset at my first site. Determine which direction that I will shoot.Determine what filtration is required to highlight my shots in the best light. If the shot is 90 degrees from the setting sun I will use a CPL filter. If shooting toward the sun I will use a Lee graduated density filter. Look at my Live View after framing the shot to ensure that my composition is what I want it to be. Meter usually using matrix metering. Take my first shot, study the histogram, make adjustments and take a second shot. I simply repeat this sequence at all of my hand picked sites that I located before my shooting. I always stay shoot at least one hour after sunset because this is when, usually, the best colors appear.

I have learned the hard way to limit my shooting and to apply considerably more patience to my photography. There is a great tendency to want to shoot a lot because the sun is waning and we begin to panic and shoot and shoot. I have learned to be considerably more purposeful in my photography.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'll reply with my approach to going out to photograph. This is different than simply taking a camera with me everyday, just in case, sort of thing.

First and foremost, I keep my equipment ready to photograph at all times. Lenses are clean, filters are clean, batteries fully charged, etc. Notebook and writing instruments packed. I don't have to get ready to go out and photograph, that was done when I returned home from the last outing. I can just grab and go. If you want a flow chart for all of that, I'll post it, but it will be a long one, considering I usually take 4-5 cameras with me if I'm going out to photograph. On occasion, just for a challenge, I'll pick one camera and that's all I'll take.

Upon reaching a place where I think a photograph would be a good thing to do,
1. I evaluate the scene and picture, in my mind, how the final image will appear. Noting any issues with which I may have to manage in processing.
2. I then set the camera on a tripod, adjusting the position to capture the composition I visualized. Choosing a lens, filter, etc. is included in this.
3. I then meter the scene. This will be different depending on whether I'm capturing the scene with film or digitally. For film, where do I want to place the shadows, where will the highlights fall. From that I know what my processing will entail. For digital it's just the opposite, where do I wish to place my highlights and where will that put my shadows. The entire capture, to my way of thinking, is system management.
4. During the above procedure, I note everything, yes written notes. They are handy back at the lab when I'm post processing.

I hope this helps. If you need any clarification or expansion an any of the above, please let me know.
--Bob

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

My goal has always been to have the print look like what I have in my minds eye. This may be a quick snap or an hour or so setting up lights, aperture, ISO, swings, tilts (view camera), etc. etc. Each photo has a different "flow". - Dave

Quixdraw Loc: x

Seems like a lot of complexity, at least for a hobbyist. If just go out camera in hand, I make certain I have a fresh battery, that the sensor and lens is clean and that I have a clear SDHC card. I check white balance and other settings and off I go. I photograph anything I find of interest, attempting to capture the image I "saw", that triggered the urge to photograph. I "chimp" shamelessly and adjust as needed. Rarely takes more than three exposures, often get it right off the bat. If I am out with the bag, I may add a filter or change lenses or cameras. If it is a targeted shoot, say Eagles, then I drag the big lenses and tripod or monopod. No one is paying me, I get my reward in the satisfaction of a high percentage of worthwhile and competent images achieved. Once I have the shots on the computer, I self grade the effort, do minor tweaks and crops, and on to the next thing.

I will add, on the "off I go" I always seek early and late light if it isn't night shooting.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I'm with you, I shoot wildlife if I used all the above steps I'd never get a shot.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I don't use a flowchart because I'm so smart and experienced that I don't need one.

Speaking of flowcharts, there are lots of free flowchart programs available. I forget which one I have, but they can be fun to play with. I made up a lengthy cart for cleaning up. For example, when I pick up an item, does it belong inside or outside the house. If inside, does it go upstairs or downstairs. The chart I made fills an entire page. It's a good mental exercise designing one and using the correct boxes for each step.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

If only you could remember where you left the chart.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I saved it on my computer, so it's always ready to go - in case I feel the need to straighten up the house.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

The flow chart in my mind is your approach to creating images. What you do and how you do it without a "Flow Chart" in front of you.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Settings depend a lot on the subject and type of photography, but in all cases prep and planning ahead is key.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I carry a extra battery, set white balance, ISO max 400 auto, auto AF, manuel shutter/f stop, afc, center focus and BBF. I take a lot of photos from horse back and ATVs of wildlife. I think it all depends on what you shooting. This works well for what I enjoy shooting.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some humorous photography flow charts have been posted here before. See some more.

https://www.google.com/search?q=flow+chart+for+photography&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS710US710&espv=2&biw=1680&bih=920&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjW37H9m_HPAhXLaT4KHcEZCUUQsAQIGw

londonfire Loc: NY to NC

quikdraw , I like your system. Unless it's your livelihood don't make a job out of it.