Good photography is about patience in more ways than one. From start to finish, from pressing that shutter button to post-process-
ing. You need to study your subject and work it. Things are always changing: your subject, surroundings, lighting and even your thoughts about the particular scene you have chosen to photograph. What you picture in your head and what your final results are could be very different. Really, you have no idea what’s going to happen. Situations change, especially if you are shooting outdoors instead of inside a studio where you have more control. So yes, the importance of patience in landscape photography in maintaining perspective and focus can not be understated.
I take the following approach; I use my outdoor shooting time as my zen time and take the amazing opportunity to disconnect. That’s right, no texting, no calls, just me with nature. Relax, unwind and use the air to cleanse all your thoughts and worries away. Be in that space you have chosen and look around to find what moves you. Open up and let each moment sink into your consciousness. Patience isn’t the easiest of virtues to master, but it can be done. It will also give you a sense of calmness and control that can’t be beaten. Let photography be that path to practice and embrace patience.
Once you have enjoyed your “now” and studied your surroundings, it’s time to capture the moment! Why do I mention studying your surroundings? Because you can often end up capturing something totally unexpected. I’m sure you’ve had moments where you just happened to be at the right place at the right time. That’s when you have to remain calm, observe and be patient.
Timing and patience go side by side. Something that I have learned is not to make the mistake of continuously looking down at your camera monitor. I’ve done that so many times only to realize that I just missed a great capture opportunity. You can’t turn back the clock or rewind. You must stay in the moment, ready for the next shot. Not to mention that you really can’t see everything on a small camera screen anyway. The moment of truth is when you download and view your images back in your digital darkroom. Exercise your abilities to be calm and focused so that nature can approach your space. Breathe. Great nature photographers have mastered patience and the ability to observe their surroundings, which takes practice and dedication. If you love photography as much as I do, you won’t find it hard to practice and apply yourself.
Photography is an art, a form of expression. We all have different approaches to how we photograph our subjects. Keep your rule of thirds in mind, but don’t be afraid to break the rules from time to time. It’s fun and can often lead to you capturing something completely different.
Be yourself and create photographs that inspire and move you every time you view them. When that happens you have truly found the artist within you. There will be some who love your work and others that don’t. That’s ok too. Just don’t forget to enjoy the art. Be aware of that awesome space you are in while photographing. Don’t miss the moment through your camera lens. Take the time to enjoy your surroundings and calmness. It will bring you closer to your inner self. Breathe, Live, Love the art …the shot will come. Never underestimate the importance of patience in landscape photography.
Remember a good photograph shows you places and events. A great photograph evokes feelings and emotions. I hope you enjoy my insight and images.
Rebecca Shellhamer is originally from Brooklyn, New York. She moved to Sedona, Arizona three years ago, where her passion for photography has truly taken flight. Her interest in photography started in High School. It was there that she picked up her first 35mm camera and was elected High School yearbook photographer. Although her passion was looking through a camera lens, she was encouraged by her father to take up business in college. She took his advice but continued to dabble in photography when she could. Today, Rebecca’s primary occupation, with her husband, is mobile game development. In her spare time, she dedicates her energy to the art of photography. In that space, she feels most fulfilled. She also loves traveling to US National Parks where she feels nature offers its best. Capturing beautiful sunsets is a newfound love of hers. She is currently working on sunrises despite not being much of an early bird.