If you’ve ever watched any of Brian Peterson’s short photography instruction videos then you’ll recognize the tag line in the title of this post.
What actually went through my mind as I was reviewing photos from this evening shoot at Rialto Beach was ‘I should have kept shooting’. In my defense the circumstances were challenging. The tide was doing odd things. It would recede and seem like it was going out, but then the next wave would come 2 or 3 feet higher up the beach than it had for the last five minutes. I was getting caught out by this every time and I was getting wet. So what I had was a set of images where the log rolled and was blurred, the tripod moved as it sank in the sand and on and on. It wasn’t until I got to the last image in the set that I had the one at the top of the page. In hind sight I should have stuck with it at least a little while longer. I could have taken my shoes off and rolled up my pants, or just embraced getting wet and dealt with it. Whatever I did I should have kept going.
A lesson for next time – commit to getting the image and stay with it.
Love the photo anyway. But the ‘keep shooting’ bit is true. That’s the joy of digital cameras
Nice shot. I’ve started to just plan on getting wet, wearing my older ratty boots, wool socks and light dry-quick pants when I go landscape shooting anywhere near water. Very freeing if you can avoid worrying too much about dropping your camera in the water.
Such a post comes in the right time because I’m having the same “patience” problem – but with a tabletop photography situation. Anyway, with my situation maybe it’s a different a bit since I had to stop mainly because the object got damaged. However, I do indeed lose my patience in such situations and just pack my stuff back.
Welcome! I hope all is well.
Good to stick with it but you are wise if you can recognize when it’s best to stop and start again tomorrow.
I often do the same. I have big visions when I’m on my way somewhere, and I often have a pep-talk with myself on how I’m going to focus on doing something different, and then afterwards I realize I never really followed through with my intentions. I always feel like I could have given some extra effort somehow. I think it’s just part of the game.
This image looks fantastic.
I really like this moment. It’s right on the cusp of change whether it’s the moving water or the changing sky. 🙂
I really like the photo, but I get your point, too. The times when I’ve kept going and put in the time are the times when I’ve made my best captures. Still, I often forget and might quit too early the next time.
Thanks Glenn. Always good to push beyond the point at which you think you have the shot in the bag. I think we all forget to do it – must be part of the process!