I often receive questions about how long I typically spend in one location while photographing. For street photography, I usually dedicate half a day or even a full day for a photo walk. I prefer to take my time and go with the flow.
When I see something intriguing, I might spend 5 to 15 minutes walking around to capture the perfect shot. If the scene is truly captivating, I could easily spend an hour or more. For instance, I discovered a puddle reflecting a lamp post, which created a beautiful bokeh effect. The blue hour is my favorite time for photography. The light is precious, with colors changing every minute, so I often stay until after the sun has set. Additionally, the blue and orange tones make for perfect complementary colors—how could I have missed that?
It’s a common belief that “the quicker, the better.” However, if you’ve seen this notion in YouTube videos, remember that they are often edited for a fast-paced and entertaining experience, rather than reflecting reality. In my experience working with professional video crews, spending half an hour at a single location is quite normal. For leisure photographers, my advice is simple: enjoy the process.
For sunrise or sunset photography, I like to arrive at the beach or waterfront at least an hour early. This allows me to set up for long exposure shots. I take my time exploring various angles, setting up my tripod, adjusting filters, and framing my compositions. Here is what the scene looks like and the test shot.
As I grow older, I find myself becoming more patient. In my younger years, I rushed through life as if there were no tomorrow, prioritizing efficiency and productivity. Now, I’ve learned the value of slowing down and fully being present in each experience.
Let me share an example: one moment, I’m photographing architectural features, and the next, a butterfly unexpectedly flutters in and lands on a flower right in front of me. If I had been fixated on just one idea, subject, or style, I would have missed that magical moment. The buildings will still be there after I capture the butterfly.
So, when photogenic moments arise, do you notice them? Stay open-minded and be ready for the unexpected. When you’re in the flow, you lose track of time and the world around you.
Right Place Right Time
Have you ever experienced a stroke of luck? Being in the right place at the right time can lead to capturing that perfect shot. How can you replicate the “success” of the lucky shots next time? It can be explained by the four stages of competence –
Unconscious Incompetence: At this stage, the learner is unaware of their lack of knowledge or skill. They are often overconfident, as they believe they already know it all.
Conscious Incompetence: The learner becomes aware of their deficiencies in knowledge or skill. This realization often sparking a greater motivation to learn.
Conscious Competence: As the learner begins to acquire new skills or knowledge, their confidence starts to grow. They are aware of their progress and can consciously apply what they’ve learned.
Unconscious Competence: In this final stage, the skill has been mastered to the point where it becomes second nature. The learner can do it effortlessly.
Once you reach this last stage, replicating great shots becomes natural.
If you are reading this, you are likely to be in Stage 2 or 3. The question is: how do we progress to the stage of Unconscious Competence?
With digital cameras, we have the freedom to experiment as much as we like. I encourage you to take more photos, not fewer. Even if some shots don’t turn out as expected, there’s always something to learn from them.
A significant part of learning involves recognizing patterns, including factors like lighting and camera angles. In street photography, while we can control camera settings and framing, we cannot control who will appear in our shots. However, with proper preparation, those moments become less random.
The real work you put in is not only in the field but also during the downtime when you’re away from it. Take the time to reflect on what went well, and what didn’t turn out as planned. Then think about how you can adapt to similar situations. This practice will greatly contribute to your journey toward mastery.