Our first field trip Friday will be near our houses, but what do you do if you’d like to photograph an area that is not so close, that you don’t know anything about? It is a good idea to scout out the area that you would like to photograph prior to actually photographing. Of course, you can just go and hope for the best, but a little planning will work wonders.
Get up early and travel to the location of your choice. Or get up late and travel to the location. Either way, you want to be there about the time that you plan on doing your photography, even though you may not actually take a picture that day. You might even want to leave your camera at home so you can focus on scouting the location.
Once at the site, look around and notice the various views in different directions. Try to find some landmarks that you can use to reference yourself, and take notes. Note the time that you are there, the direction of landmarks and the sun in relation to them, weather conditions, …etc. Some of the best lighting occurs just before storms, and on cloudy days, so don’t be afraid to shoot at those times.
If you are shooting at sunrise (or any time for that matter), note what is happening 180 degrees from your photo subject (look behind you). Sometimes what you are photographing is great, but what is going on behind you may be just as good, or better. By scouting an area first, you can notice these things, and be ready when the time comes.
Another good idea is to mark the area where you were standing when you viewed the scene while scouting. Sticks, stones, a line in the sand, whatever, will help you re-create the scene that you saw earlier. Also record the height that you will need the camera to be. Were you standing straight up, or were you squatted down to see under a tree branch?
Speaking of framing your subject, refer to my earlier posts on framing, and use any natural objects as framing devices. Overhanging tree branches and vegetation make nice frames for your photos. Remember your tripod, and carry a small flashlight in your camera bag, so you can be set up before the lighting gets really good.
Light at sunrise and sunset only lasts a short time, so be ready to shoot, and capture those photos quickly. Be sure to allow yourself enough time after the sun goes down, to get back to your car or house, before it really gets dark and you get lost. Always use common sense, and be safe. No picture is worth risking your life for. Have fun!