Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

In essence, photography as a multifaceted question that because the true limiting factors in all its aspects are variable, i.e. tools, skill, weather, events etc., there are really no right or wrong answers. I (we) just tend to propagate to what feels comfortable and acceptable outcome.

Many photographers, me included do imaginative recon. Often, a camera is already at hand during this walkabout, and mostly it would be shooting at what gets presented by the moment. But, this is also about looking for possibilities and planning for those. I then return in a better weather or time with the needed gear to capture the idea or vision.

The foundation of what I want or may encounter and the variables surrounding it, I set as parameters for preparing myself and the tools to bring. As for the actual shooting, I include options or lee ways for post production or artistic treatments should those be needed. This allows me to tackle most of the challenges within those ideas or situation.
From planned events like product shoots or weddings to semi planned shoots like portraits, sports, BIF etc., the same system and way of thought works.

On the other hand, if I was just mucking about, or if something crops up that is not a part of the preparation, then I would try to influence the scene/situation to fit the capability I brought, or adapt and look for instances where I can get a decent outcome. This then is treated as a learning process and experience to be aware of in the future.

In a nutshell, I prepare and bring something to fit a task I am bound to encounter, or look for a task I can solve with what I have.

CliffMcKenzie Loc: Lake Athens Texas

Complex question but I do have an easy answer. Find one or even two camera clubs in your area. Almost all offer a variety of shooting opportunities, education, and meaningful exchanges with fellow members. You will develop a core group and have available master photographers.

BrHawkeye

I like to be surprised by outdoor scenes that seem to compose themselves before I capture them on my camera. I like candid photography when other people are involved but I try to anticipate what is going to happen next (or soon) so I can position myself to get better photos. I've had lots of cameras and lenses over the years but nowadays, I'm limiting myself to an iPhone Pro Max and a Canon with an 18-200 zoom lens.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I plan my work and then work my plan.

recb

You are giving me way too much credit assuming I have a thought process. That aside, if I am heading somewhere new or not sure what I will encounter then I will take lenses for landscape, "macro" and telephoto requirements. For "macro" I use a 100-500 with or without a 1.4 extender.

richardsaccount

Sometimes one has to take the approach of the Zen of Yogi Berra.
"You can't hit and think at the same time". Sometimes this applies
to picture taking.

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

Saturday was my granddaughter's first soccer game of the season.

I attended, equipped with my 70-200mm lens that I have used in the past with great success. This year, because she is 10 years old, she now plays on a full-size field. I had the wrong lens. I really needed the 100-500 mm lens. It wouldn't have been that much extra trouble to take a camera bag with several lenses.

I guess it it wiser to carry too much gear than not enough.

The big field was a challenge to those young players. During the last part of the game they were exhausted and the pace of the game really slowed down.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Always plan ahead, but when you don’t, it’s always “f8 and be there”

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

There are two approaches: go out with a plan or go out with no plan. I usually do the latter, use my walk-around gear, and take snapshots, some of which turn into decent photographs. That’s about it.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

ƒ8 and ...

For me it's "take the camera".
(I take all the ƒ-stops.)

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

That's why I always have my 18-300 or 18-400 lens on my camera. Typically I shoot what pops up in front of me.

Chuck

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Learn your camera and find out how to use it. Get comfortable with the settings you use. At that point you can concentrate on the picture.
Don't get discouraged, you will learn, you never stop growing.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

anotherview Loc: California

Yes, your gear should support your intention for your photography.

You could, however, take along a full-frame camera with a general utility zoom lens with a 24-105 mm range. This setup could fulfill 90 to 95 percent of your photography.

When I do landscape photography, I also take along a full-frame camera with a range of 100 to 400 mm. Maybe one in ten of my photographs will employ this combo.

You are right to consider your intention for your photography. Then you will go out prepared.

You may test yourself by traveling light with one camera and one lens. Seek interesting subjects and attractive compositions with this setup.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Since I got my Sony RX10m4, the objective/logical side of me will tell you that most concerns about having the "right camera and lens" with you goes away when you have this one camera !

Having said that, for now, I still do have lots of cameras and lenses that I still carry in my car that I play with - but soon, these will mostly disappear - leaving the RX10 and maybe a RX100 to go with it.
Sometimes I have a definite plan for a specific image I have in mind - but mostly, especially with wildlife, the scenarios are more spontaneous/extemporaneous .
.