Do you set up your shots?
Aug 21, 2021 14:19:59 #
Hi all! Just got back from taking some pics and I was wondering…..do you guys scout out and set up your shots or do you just go out and shoot when comes along? I always say I want to go out and shoot certain things under certain lighting conditions but I find that I do more “see what comes along” type of outings. Share your techniques with us please. Below are what “came along”.
Aug 21, 2021 14:24:30 #
When I was most active in recent years (2013 through 2017), I left home at dawn or earlier, with somewhat of a specific destination in mind - at least a turnaround point, lol - but with eyes wide open.
I love the stumble-upon moments of light, weather (fog, especially), critters and landscape.
However, I also got a lot out of a closed Facebook group that assigned weekly themes. There was room to think outside the box with many, and you could also see common scenes or elements in a different way.
I love the stumble-upon moments of light, weather (fog, especially), critters and landscape.
However, I also got a lot out of a closed Facebook group that assigned weekly themes. There was room to think outside the box with many, and you could also see common scenes or elements in a different way.
Aug 21, 2021 14:36:40 #
leatherhelmets wrote:
Hi all! Just got back from taking some pics and I was wondering…..do you guys scout out and set up your shots or do you just go out and shoot when comes along? I always say I want to go out and shoot certain things under certain lighting conditions but I find that I do more “see what comes along” type of outings. Share your techniques with us please. Below are what “came along”.
Excellent ✳️⭐✳️⭐✳️
Aug 21, 2021 14:49:24 #
leatherhelmets wrote:
Hi all! Just got back from taking some pics and I was wondering…..do you guys scout out and set up your shots or do you just go out and shoot when comes along? I always say I want to go out and shoot certain things under certain lighting conditions but I find that I do more “see what comes along” type of outings. Share your techniques with us please. Below are what “came along”.
Both. Often, a what comes along becomes a setup. The first image below was sorta a what comes along, the second was 100% setup - the variables were time of day, sky conditions and camera position. I've gone back to certain venues dozens of times, if only to capture them at different times, with different weather and lighting, etc.
Aug 21, 2021 14:53:23 #
Both, and it depends.
Locally, especially the sunrise/sunset shoots are planned, for location and timing and weather conditions, or sometimes just going for a walk may do the trick.
On vacations with family, especially overseas it is almost always unplanned and it is grab what I can. The only planning is itinerary and when to go.
My photography has dropped off a lot for the last 18 months due to family events etc.
Locally, especially the sunrise/sunset shoots are planned, for location and timing and weather conditions, or sometimes just going for a walk may do the trick.
On vacations with family, especially overseas it is almost always unplanned and it is grab what I can. The only planning is itinerary and when to go.
My photography has dropped off a lot for the last 18 months due to family events etc.
Aug 21, 2021 14:53:52 #
Gene51 wrote:
Both. Often, a what comes along becomes a setup. The first image below was sorta a what comes along, the second was 100% setup - the variables were time of day, sky conditions and camera position.
Super set.
Aug 21, 2021 14:55:15 #
Aug 21, 2021 15:02:52 #
If I'm alone, then it's more likely I will take the time to set up.
If I'm with someone, particularly a non-photographer, then try to get the shot quickly.
If I'm with someone, particularly a non-photographer, then try to get the shot quickly.
Aug 21, 2021 15:22:43 #
Nope, take as is.
To me going early/late to shoot is not so much a "setup" as would be adding a person in a red outfit to the scene.
Positioning the camera could be a setup.
Early/late would just be taking advantage of the different lighting, which will be there whether I am or not.
So is one setting up the scene itself or the shot.
To me going early/late to shoot is not so much a "setup" as would be adding a person in a red outfit to the scene.
Positioning the camera could be a setup.
Early/late would just be taking advantage of the different lighting, which will be there whether I am or not.
So is one setting up the scene itself or the shot.
Aug 21, 2021 15:26:49 #
Rather than limiting yourself to a specific genre (which will automatically limit your objectives) you should always be ready to give expression to the opportunist in you. If you have a specific type of photography in mind you should be able to decide on appropriate places to go hunting for them. I make good use of maps to help me find likely areas for landscape photography. But I'm always open to the possibility of finding unpredictable opportunist stuff. The only time I "set up" a shot is if I've already found a location and I've decided it would be better if shot at a specific time of day.
Apart from that, every shot that has a planned composition is set up in the sense that the line of sight and the framing are carefully considered and thoughtfully executed. On top of that it's always a good idea to work the scene, and when that's the case, every shot is, as you say, set up.
Apart from that, every shot that has a planned composition is set up in the sense that the line of sight and the framing are carefully considered and thoughtfully executed. On top of that it's always a good idea to work the scene, and when that's the case, every shot is, as you say, set up.
Aug 21, 2021 15:43:26 #
leatherhelmets wrote:
Hi all! Just got back from taking some pics and I was wondering…..do you guys scout out and set up your shots or do you just go out and shoot when comes along? I always say I want to go out and shoot certain things under certain lighting conditions but I find that I do more “see what comes along” type of outings. Share your techniques with us please. Below are what “came along”.
Both. I prep what I can but there shots can not be set up and has to shot as is.
Aug 21, 2021 15:50:52 #
I'm a hunter. With the exception of some flowers I shoot things that move. I plan only in the most general sense. I choose a habitat: open desert, mountains, sky islands, etc. and take what is offered. I probably have less than 200 location/landscape shots in my collection mostly taken with my cell phone.
Aug 21, 2021 16:07:23 #
Both are beautiful Gene but the second was definitely worth the return trip. I live in the beautiful White Mountains of NH and just got some new equipment. I’m looking forward to going out and playing with it. I was just curious about how others go about their photography. Thanks everyone for the input.
Aug 21, 2021 17:07:12 #
Gene51 wrote:
Both. Often, a what comes along becomes a setup. The first image below was sorta a what comes along, the second was 100% setup - the variables were time of day, sky conditions and camera position. I've gone back to certain venues dozens of times, if only to capture them at different times, with different weather and lighting, etc.
Magnificent, outstandingly beautiful shots - and the second is a dazzling masterpiece
🌈❤️🏆❤️🌈
Aug 21, 2021 17:27:18 #
rook2c4 wrote:
If I'm alone, then it's more likely I will take the time to set up.
If I'm with someone, particularly a non-photographer, then try to get the shot quickly.
If I'm with someone, particularly a non-photographer, then try to get the shot quickly.
If I am with someone, I will ask them to meet me in 20 mins somewhere that makes sense. If they are a non-photographer, well, they knew what they were signing up for.
Well, at least that's the ideal. The truth is somewhere between being polite and gracious and shooting fast or putting on a grumpy face and letting them know why you are there with a camera in your hands.
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