Many photographers find many of their images within an hour or so from where they live. When I lived in Hollister I certainly found many of my images close to where I lived. Now that I live in Fresno I have found it more difficult to get landscape images. So I decided to drive around a bit to see what I can find. When I drive around I do so not to get images right then and there but to explore in search of images that can be taken in future. So what goes on in the mind of a landscape photographer when he or she is in search of images?

          Firstly, I start looking for compositions; elements to place in a shot. I look for mountains, water, foreground elements, etc. I may take a few images, yes even in poor light just so that I can plan better for the real shot which I may take months later. When I find what I think to be interesting elements I shoot it for reference and planning purposes. I make notes of where these shot are so that I can come back when the light is good.

          Secondly, I use The Photographer's Ephemeris to plan (Just Google the program). I now consult this software and drop a pin where I found my image. The software now tells me where the sun will rise and where it will set (it also provides the same information for the moon). You can change the date to see on which date the sun's angle or position would be where you want it to be. I make a note of the dates that would work best.

          Thirdly, I visit the site again. This time I know where the sun or moon is going to be on the date I plan to come shoot. I now refine the composition. I start figuring out exactly where I need to be to get the shot I want. Do I need more height or must I be lower? I may seek out property owners to get permission to shoot from their land. If I need to hike or climb I do it to find the best route. I search for the best place to park as many places where I want to shoot just has nowhere to stop and park.

          Lastly, as the date draws near I start watching the weather. I love shooting on the edges of storms. Often the exact date is not that important, a day or two on either side of the best date will also work (when shooting the moon you do not have this luxury and the right date is often the only opportunity for that month). When the weather is good and it is close to the magical date I go out to go shoot the shot.

          Here is an image taken on one of my exploratory trips:

Next weeks' blog will show an image taken when going back to this area. Go out and find the shots, plan, revisit and then go get that image you saw in your mind.