Embrace the Unpredictable: Tips for Creating in Any Weather
Why You Need a Plan
Hey,
Isn’t it just like the weather to change plans? Over the past couple of weekends, I’ve faced the classic Colorado switcheroo—spring-like days turned into wet weekends. For someone who loves being outdoors with a camera, this is more than just a weather report—it’s about adapting our plans and equipment to continue capturing great shots, no matter the conditions.
Weather or Not – Let’s Shoot!
With unexpected rain covering what was supposed to be a green landscape, the decision isn’t just about whether to go outside, but how to protect our valuable gear. The question arises: Do we risk the equipment for the perfect shot? For those moments, I turn to my reliable, albeit not weather-sealed, APS-C cameras or perhaps cautiously use my A7 III, ensuring it's shielded from the elements.
Planning vs. Spontaneity in Photography
Every outdoor photographer faces this at some point: Should I meticulously plan my shoot or embrace spontaneity? Here’s how I approach it:
Plan Enough but Not Too Much: It’s tempting to plan every detail, but remember, some of the best footage comes from unplanned moments. Have a basic outline or a storyboard ready, but be ready to toss the script if something more exciting comes your way.
Tool Tips: Whether it’s jotting down notes in a simple notebook or using an app on your phone, choose tools that don’t disrupt your creative flow. Sometimes, I even ask ChatGPT to draft a rough outline that I can improvise on while filming.
Just Start: Many of us get stuck in the planning phase. If you’re debating whether to shoot photos or videos, or whether to use a camera strap, my advice is—just start. You can always tweak your approach once you’re in the middle of the action.
Why Planning Your Videos Is Crucial
Despite advocating for a flexible approach, having a plan is crucial. It sets a direction and ensures you don’t end up with just random shots. Here’s why planning your videos, even loosely, is beneficial:
Direction and Focus: A plan helps you remember to capture all essential elements and moments, especially in dynamic environments.
Efficiency: Knowing what you need to shoot reduces the time spent on unnecessary footage, helping you stay productive and on track.
Creativity: Paradoxically, some constraints can boost creativity. By setting boundaries, you challenge yourself to think within a framework, often leading to innovative solutions.
In Conclusion
Weather challenges, equipment dilemmas, and planning hurdles—they all add up to the life of a photographer. Each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and adapt. So, the next time you’re faced with a wet forecast on a planned shoot day, remember, flexibility is your greatest tool.
Let’s Discuss
How do you deal with sudden changes in weather or plans when shooting? Do you have any tips or tricks that have worked for you? Hit reply and let me know—I’m always looking for new strategies to handle the unpredictables of outdoor photography!
Keep Creating,
Larry G.