Landscape Photography without a Plan

[@tonyhales-BigT]

Great video Chris. Phil hit the nail on the head that many don't do, and that's look where you've been.

[@ashstubbings2603]

Yay! No.1 Numero Uno!!

[@hoodoo_taco]

I really liked the B&W of the island!! Weather changing, now good to get out!

[@gordonmelrose57]

Hi Chris. Another good video. I gave up planning a long time ago as I always seemed to fail! I now just enjoy taking time and see what catches my eye.

[@clintwood1983]

Good video, thanks for sharing.

[@timrosenburgh9485]

I enjoyed the video Chris, I don't always plan the potential of a location but go there an see what is there. As you know it can be disappointing ot exciting and makes you look around more for a composition. It was nice to see Phil with you and i loved the little nudge you gave him off the wooden walkway. Nice images you managed to capture.

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

Chris, I have been in the same boat. Prior to the last couple of years, I have researched and planned locations to photograph during Shelley and I’s travels. While I still plan my photography outings, I have learned that by slowing down and taking in my surroundings, I am finding more interesting compositions. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels -Craig

[@jimwlouavl]

Great video. You really seem to be having fun. It’s sometimes fun to go out with just one prime lens to see what I can get.

[@keithratcliffe5576]

Ah ha! I see a device that I sometimes use there at 3:07. Using a bridge or fence as one point of support for the tripod with only two legs on the floor. One thing I was taught on a mountain leader training course was to regularly stop and look back to where you came from especially at junctions. This is good for photography as well and is the point you were making there. Thanks for this video.

[@MSmith-Photography]

I love it when planless plan comes together. 🤣

[@jonfletcher147]

Love your vids Chris! keep them up!

[@idollphaminephotography108]

nice work, still engaging to watch - im going to have to book in with you when I get some free time - I had a great day last time and learned a lot.

[@elixirpixels778]

Great video fam

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Excellent video as ever chris. To be honest you just need to get out there and shoot. Thanks

[@hughwolfe1176]

Chris I’ve often thought “I don’t know what I’m looking for until I see it”. It holds true in my photography as well as when I’m shopping for groceries… BTW I’ve not watched any videos in almost a month due to our moving from Arizona to New Mexico. It took perhaps three months to pack, and it may well take that long to unpack.

[@nickliveseyphotographingth5050]

Hi Chris, another very nice video (I watch them all...eventually!). "When it comes to landscape photography, careful planning dramatically increases your chances of success". My view on that statement has changed as the years have passed. While I still think it is really good advice for those starting out (along with using a tripod in order to slow down and hone a composition and other such tried and tested maxims), it can stifle creativity and lead to frustration when the pre-visualisation and planning fails to match the reality of the conditions we are presented with. This fixation with pre-visualisation and planning blinds us to what is going on in the moment and forms a barrier to achieving a reactive conversation and engaging with the landscape around us. In order to have a meaningful conversation we must be willing to listen, or in the case of landscape photographers, 'see', beyond our preconceived notions, lest a curved ball leaves us immobile and unable to act past our personal dogma. It's good to see you bucking the trend and growing with such honesty and enthusiasm :)

[@robertschlomann776]

Great video! As always. A number of photographers of some, or in the first case, significant renown (Jay Maisel, Vincent Versace, Charles Cramer, Cole Thompson) caution against over-preparation. I believe more than one of them has said, "We don't take photos; we're *taken* by photos). And if your attention is too focused on fulfilling your plan, there's a greater chance that you'll miss the interesting images that turn up in completely unexpected places and circumstances. Maybe photographing in nondescript places where you wouldn't expect to find interesting images is good practice. Because in those "boring" places there's no dramatic scene that everyone shoots, or that you should shoot, you're forced to look harder at what really is there. And the theory of the photographers listed above, is that if you can open yourself to what's there, you'll find interesting pictures everywhere. I've tried and found it difficult. But then photography *should* hard if it's to have any value. Thanks again and look forward to your next video!

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Chris: I enjoyed seeing you out in the landscape, and it was nice to see Phil in this video as well. You captured some lovely images. We me, when I am shooting landscapes while travelling preparation is critical and pre-visualizing the potential image is key. That being said, it is equally import to take advantage of what the landscape could be telling you at the the time. I am continually guided by the words of National Geographic photographer, Dewitt Jones who say to remember to look behind you with you think you have a composition in front of you. Often times, what is behind you can be just as impressive as what is in front of you. Keep well and we will see you soon. Cheers, Keith

[@Chris-NZ]

Hi Chris, In my long and almost forgotten work life we had a saying which was “ to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail’, thankfully that’s largely (minus forgetting your camera) a load of bollicks in the real world of photography, as your friend said if you stop and take a look around there are images everywhere especially if one is willing to take a step outside our comfort zone. I think with the right lens and lighting I could make that huge tangle of wires under my computer desk look interesting if I felt sufficiently motivated :) Never the less those islands with the trees are really really beautiful and I’m sure it looks different every visit.

[@Runningonthemind]

Awesome video Chris, I think most of us try to have a plan in advance but the reality is that we often want also to find something a little unique, and that sometimes requires us to have no plan and act as we go. Really enjoyed this, lots of great info and helpful to me as I continue in my new ventures from landscape photographer to KZbin photography vlogger 👍

[@RiccardoPareschi]

I'm the master of unplanned landscape photography 😂 Good planner for my work but, as a photographer, I am a total disaster. I tried many times, even buying apps for the phone to help me, spending hours on google maps. Great video Chris. Thanks !

[@timnewby1546]

If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice! Great video and am I allowed to say that Phil’s bit of advice was very good?