Do you get overwhelmed?

I get up early and drive/hike to my spot well before sunrise. I find my composition, set up my camera and I wait for the light. Then, as soon as the light starts, I get overwhelmed and I start to panic. The light is changing so fast, I stop thinking straight and in the madness I get snow all over my filters and fumble with my lenses. I tell myself to relax, slow down and focus but it's hard. I worry that there is a better composition that I'm missing.

Am I the only one or does this happen to you too? And how do you deal with it?

In the past I was worse. I'd photograph one scene, jump in the car and hope to catch the last of the sunrise at another nearby place. Now I just plan for and stay at one place until the light is gone or I think I've got it but still I'm not as relaxed as I want to be.

It happened maybe once or twice to me a couple years ago but now I'm more interested in enjoying the experience now rather than worrying about capturing the greatest photo of all time.

I usually know what I am looking for conceptually or subject matter wise before I leave the house but I don't plan compositions then wait for the light. there's this Tony Sweet interview where he talks about being a former jazz musician and he applies the improvisation philosophy to his photography now. I coudln't agree more.

Probably the best way to deal with this situation is to already be familiar with the location and the possibilities. You may get some good images upon first visiting a place, but you'll get much better images if you come back time and again. Scouting will always pay off.

As far as the overwhelm and the panic when the light hits, for me, that's taken care of by experience and knowing my equipment. It can get exciting though, can't it?
I also try to simply enjoy the scene instead of just coming away with some decent pictures and a memory frantic scrambling.

I think it wise to stick with a location instead of playing hop-scotch from one spot to the next. You just never know what may happen right where you're at. And you can always try the other locations next time. (or the time after that.....)

Tom: I think Rod has it right.

Part of the problem with your panic might be that in the back of your mind you're always looking down the road to that next spot you're going to try to rush to in order to get the last of the sunrise light. So when the light starts getting sweet where you are, you're automatically in a hurry because you've still got to pack your kit and zoom off to that other spot.

I'd just pick a single location and dedicate one whole session to it at least, staying there until the best light is exhausted. That's what I do in any case when shooting landscapes, though I tend to shoot evenings more commonly than mornings.

And evenings might be an interesting option for you. If you're set up and ready when the sun gets low toward night, and you promise yourself to stay and shoot until the light is gone, there's no way you can rush off to another spot.

As a general rule, the faster I move and the more I try to pack into a day of photography, the worse my photography is. The inspiration to compose images for me is a lot like creative writing: The bigger the hurry the sloppier the work.

Over the long years, there have been many times when I have in fact blown it by not working as efficiently as I could or mis-timing shots, when in the heat of the battle as conditions are fast changing. And even after all these years it still happens at times and I expect that will always be the case. Like one goes to a place, at the right time, and then ten minutes later there is nothing to show for all the effort. The difference is as one becomes more skilled, more familiar with one's equipment, and more understanding of the nature of one's subject, that such problems will decrease. For the past several years I have been using a large format 4x5 view camera. And indeed it is as difficult to use and prone to mistakes as it is legend. I occasionally still waste at least one sheet of pricy sheet film in every 50 sheet box by doing something stupid. Like opening up the shutter before first removing the film holder while still holding the dark slide in my left hand...duh! Some people can become really skilled at working complex equipment quickly and consistently. So I have a great many successes where time was critical. Probably the most remarkable is the shot of Balanced Rock at Arches I shot at sunset a couple years ago that is on my gallery with a full story of how that happened. Being prepared, practiced, and knowing what, where, and how goes a long ways. ...David

What I do if shooting 35mm is hold my cable release in one hand and look around while I take shots. I observe what is happening on the mountains or whatever around my primary subject. Usually what I came to shoot is what will end up in the keep pile, but sometimes, I'll find something else to the side and I'll take a minute to shoot that, then return to the main subject. Then I don't feel like I'm missing out on something else.

Mel-

The event I described above actually happened recently at a new to me location. I posted a photo I shot that morning in the ESS gallery - http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=87742&b=mp&st=0&la=2&ph=0&sid=20540&u=20540
I briefly visited the area once last spring and thought it would be a great place to shoot at.
Now that I think about it, I'm usually more relaxed and everything goes smoother once I'm familiar with a location and I know it's possibilities. I'll be going to that spot in the near future and I'm sure things will go smoother.
I'm familiar with my equipment but when I'm hurrying I sometimes fumble with the lens caps and such. I just know I have to slow down because eventually I'll end up dropping a lens or something.
Like I said, I no longer try to shoot two locations because I've realized that it's better to have one "good" picture than 2 mediocre ones. Now it's just trying to get the "best" composition at one location in the limited time the light is at it's best that trips me up.

Tom: Familiarity is the key for me. When I'm in my garden I can work fast and efficiently and have everything right at hand. When I'm off on vacation though I can sometimes experience exactly the same issues you describe. One thing that does help me is that I have a vest where just about every pocket has a prescribed function. My bag is also laid out in a specific arrangement where I literally don't have to look at it to get what I want. I don't want to waste precious time and light scrounging for a converter, filter, cable, etc. I'm not a neat freak by any means but I've found that by having good organizational discipline I end up much more productive and less stressed. BTW, I really like your shot. I don't know that I've ever made an image with a B/Y polarizer that I've liked but yours is a dandy. >=))>

Oooops, Tom, sorry about that. I missed the last sentence in your original post. Guess that sort of negates my whole reply. And yes, for those of you who wondered, I was the kid in school who would have gotten 100 on my tests if I'd only read ALL the directions first!

No worries Steve.

What a great question! You are certainly not alone. I find that with practice some things just fall into place almost subconsciously but I'm one who doesn't like to hurry, especially when pursuing a creative endeavor. I resign myself in advance to missing some things and prefer to get one or two compositions "right" rather than a slew of "ok" takes. There will always be more beautiful things out there than I can capture in a lifetime. Might as well enjoy the experience.

Guy

I do tend to get emotional when I am at great places in great light. Part of it comes from the awe that I have the privilege of being in such wonderful circumstances. Part of my emotion comes from the culmination of planing and anticipation of the shoot. That said, I still concentrate on photography enough to get the shots while still taking in the fun of the event.

You know, Ed, that brings up an interesting point.

I can't appreciate a moment as meaningfully when I have my camera, because I'm always somewhat preoccupied with making the shot.

In one way I'm like a German Shepherd Dog -- I'm more happy when I have a task to do. I feel the reward of such endeavor most intensely. But other times I'd just as soon have left the camera behind so I could abandon myself fully to the intensity of the experience.

Maybe a time will come when I feel both possibilities at the same moment. Meanwhile, I suspect I'll have to continue to balance them, because I won't have the leisure to allow the love to overtake the task unless I find a way to let art take precedence over income.

Sigh.

I try very hard to leave the "hurry hurry" mentality behind when I'm taking photos. I'm a natural scatterbrain and that sort of self induced pressure really messes me up. So, I try to slow myself down, concentrate on my surroundings rather than myself, and do things in the same order so I don't miss a step. And that was something I learned from shooting large format--do things in an order. You run through the checklist as you go. This not only helps assure that you won't screw up something, but it also calms you as you feel you are in control and things are moving along the way they should.

Tonight on my way home from up in Minnesota, I heard on my little radio a northbound train was coming my way. There was a shot I've been trying to get on a nice old trestle and I knew I'd intercept the train there about 7:15 PM. The snow was perfect and I knew the train was running at half speed. I had plenty of time. I set up five of my SB-25 lights exactly where I wanted, adjusted their power outputs, and turned on the radio slave triggers. I set up my tripod, focussed the camera, and took several test shots, then re-adjusted. All was perfect. All I had to do was wait until the train came and then snap the photo. The wait turned out to be over half an hour. I suffered out in the cold since I hadn't bothered to dress very warmly, thinking the wait would be short. The cold (12 F degrees) distracted me some and I missed a critical step in my method of dealing with long waits in the cold.

Train came, I made sure the camera and radio slave sender was turned on, and pushed the shutter button to wake up my flash. When the train hit exactly the right spot, I pushed the shutter button a second time. NOTHING HAPPENED! I panicked and rechecked the camera was on and hit the button again. Nothing happened. Train rolled by, engineer tooted the horn and waved at me. I had missed the shot! The reason was my camera battery had succombed to the cold and went dead. Usually when I have a long wait, I take the battery out and stick it in my shirt pocket to keep it warm.

--->It helps a great deal to have a set plan and stick to it.


Kent in SD

I went through a phase such as you describe after watching an interview with Galen Rowell about the capture of his "rainbow" image, in which he described runing for some great distance in order to get things lined up just right while the rest of his party stayed behind. Throughout the video he cited example after example of his fairly aggressive approach to getting the light he wanted.

That turned me into a nutcase for a while, but I finally decided to be the ultimate contrarian. If I start feeling like the conditions are getting ahead of me, I take a deep breath, step back from the camera and just enjoy the moment. It is just too precsious to clog it up with photo worries. I may only stop taking photos for a few seconds, but that short or long pause really improves subsequent photos. No running for the shot for this kid. If I guessed wrong in my scouting, tuff. I'll come back another day and apply the lesson, but for the time being I'm going to enjoy the moment.

I don't recall being overwhelmed to the point of feelings affecting my photography. Perhaps this is due to careful preparation and anticipation of what the light will do. I usually scout a location where I have several shots in mind e.g. shooting the warm late light on a subject, then shooting into the sun at the point it dips below the horizon, shooting away from the sun after it sets to catch what is often the most colourful part of the sky and finally in the direction where the sun has set at twilight to make use of the last bit of colour. When the light is awesome the heart certainly thumps and the adrenaline flows but I've been through the drill enough times now that I can usually watch in amazement and wonder while the photography proceeds in autopilot. Sometimes there's the odd bit of fumbling for the right filter when the light is changing quickly but it all adds to the excitement I suppose.

As many have said before...scouting is the key...too many times I have known generally where to be and then just before the light starts I find myself wanting to move position (because that's when you can see). I don't move anymore because I find I always miss the "good" light. The other thing is to know your equipment...have your filters out to grab...know what lense you want to use as your first choice (thank goodness for zooms)...if the sunrise or sunset turns out to last longer, then I mix it up with other compositions with different lenses (but I only have two). I also have all the settings ready with cable release in hand...and leave enough time to set up...nothing worse than rushing to beat the light. Also, one of the best investments I've ever made is bubble level that sits in the hot shoe...this item has taken all the hesitation out of whether my composition is "straight" and I don't spend time adjusting things when it's time to take the photo...also bracketing has taken the pressure off too, because I know one way or the other I'm going to get it...it's kind of a well rehearsed, choreographed dance when the moment arrives. (Another aside, but in the cold fingerless gloves are nice...they keep your hands just a little bit warmer so I don't get distracted with numb fingers and fumble around putting gloves on).

Your not alone as you can see by the reply's. Years ago I used to experience the same feelings you described especially shooting Sunrise shoots.(first light on mountains) The light only last a short time and if your not ready its over. Last year I started shooting digital along with film. I was set up for the first shot with my film camera which I have used for years. I then switched to my digital body and forgot to adjust the ISO and everything went to pot in a hurry, and those old feelings of panic came back. I guess the main thing I would suggest is to arrive at your location early and walk yourself through your shot and check out your anticipated settings especially when using filters etc. And as already suggested BRACKET .

Considering you were fumbling with your lenses and getting snow on your filters, that shot looks damn good!

And on the serious side: Yes, I know that situation very well. It's even worse in "grab-shot" type situations. Happened yesterday: Saw that perfect composition, and before I had changed the lens (had tele, needed wide), fog was all over the place and the composition was gone...

Basil

I think everyone has found themselves in that predicament more than once, and lots of good info has already been mentioned. I found that by standardizing things as much as possible it reduces stress greatly. Do everything the same every time, keep everything in the same place every time, and even go over it in your head while waiting for the sun to rise/set. Knowing your polarizer is ALWAYS in the inner left pocket and your soft grad GND's are ALWAYS in the outer left pocket, etc. helps when the time crunch factor is bearing down on you. Also, think of the possibilities, then think of your solutions BEFORE the time gets tight and you'll react in a less frenzied manner. Then relax and enjoy the experience!

Oh, yes, it happens to me all the time. I tend to get so excited that I can't remember I've used a camera ever! It really helps me to remember to breathe. You'd think that'd be automatic, huh, but when you get excited, panicked, whatever, you tend to stop breathing. Also, I have a small bag for my accessories so I don't have to fumble around in a bigger bag or backpack with a lot of pockets. Invariably, even though things are where I always put them, I forget where they are at the precise moment I need them. All my GND's are the larger, hand-held ones so I don't have to screw them onto the lens or place them in a holder-- just grab it and slap it in front of the lens. I take all the caps off my lenses and converters, again, for grab and go purposes. Everything is out and ready to use. And then I consciously think about breathing and slowing down.

The main reason why I took up nature photography is to relieve the daily stress of my "regular job". So I LOVE to go for a hike into the wilderness, plot out composition, wait for the right light and take the shot.

Happens to me all the time. And, that is precisely why I hate the part of photography which deals with operating a camera.

If I'm reading right then yes it happens to me. I can know where I'm going,what time I need to get there and be all ready and when the show is happening all of a sudden Bam I'm all thumbs and my tripod will not straighten,I drop filters,can't find my remote release in my pocket and the cussing begins... :

Oh, yes, Leann! I forgot the cussin' part! And even when I have my cable release plugged into the camera, do you think I remember to take hold of it and use it? on me!

Great thread! We can all have a good laugh at ourselves.

Great post!!!
I've had this problem to the extreem, and I hope it never goes away... It's all about living the in the moment.

Can you say "Buck Fever"?? Well, I can....

I was in Glacier Park last Summer and had the time of my life!! This happened on my last evening in Montana and I hadn't gotten any decent photos of the Grizzlies on this trip...
I had staked out an area where they seemed to appear almost every evening just before sunset. and was waiting for the Grizzlies to come down the mountain to get some water. I got there early and got all set up. My tripod, 500mm lens, camo, Bear Spray, backpack with lenses and filters out and ready to change, etc... and about a half hour later, saw 3 of them comming down the side of the mountain, right on time...
This particular evening, the bears were on a different trail. It looked to me they had decided to drink quite a ways down the shore... I decided it was too late to move, so I watched them through my binoculars until they were out of sight. I figured I had missed the boat again and might as well go do a little fly fishing so I started packing up. As I started walking out to the car I heard something crashing through the trees, about 150 yards from me. It was the Grizzlies!!! The two adults and a cub had circled back, right to where I was. They were running toward the lake and passed within 50 yards of me.
I was so in AWE I never thought to raise either one of my cameras, or run myself.... All I could do was just stand there and take it all in... I was frozen in time.

No I didn't get the shot, but I had the experience of my life. There's no way to capture what I saw with an SLR and big glass. It was all happening too fast to compose anything let lone set the rig up again. I'm convinced that I wouldn't have gotten one single good shot, even if I could have raised my big guns.
I don't hunt, other than with my Nikon's, but now, I understand what "Buck Fever" is all about.
Here it is, 7 months later, and I can still see everything as plain as if it happened this morning... It's all imprinted in my mind's eye, and has me planning my next visit to Bear Country, and hopefully some more awsome experiences.

Happy New Year to all!!

Dave

LIFE IS "FUN", if you let it be...

www.flaigphoto.com

If your mortgage doesn't depend on getting the shot (and even if it does)...

There are more important things in life than getting the shot. Slow down, enjoy the scenery and deliberately take 1/10 to 1/3 as many photos. They'll be a lot better and you'll be a lot happier.

It took me too long to learn that from things that have nothing to do with photography and everything about why I do it.