Photographer compatibility
A beautiful ending
This was my first time going on a photography shoot one-on-one with another photographer. All other out of town shoots had been done either with my family or a group of photographers.
With family, you’re pretty much on your own during the morning and evening. The middle of the day is reserved for family things. Fortunately, my wife and I are very compatible. We don’t like to be entertained, so we avoid places that are full of shows, attractions, etc. We prefer more quiet time.
With a group, you are given to the dynamics of the group. In other words, you pretty much go with what the crowd wants to do as far as photography, and you can be on your own during the non photography hours. Also, with a group, there always seems to be a few who lag behind and slow things down, in general. One of the things that I liked about Craig Tanner’s workshops was that he had a particular time to leave, you knew where we were going and, if you didn’t show up on time, you got left and had to come on your own.
The dynamics in a group of two, with a single car, are a little bit different. Naturally, you’ll have to agree on when and where to go. Also, the amount of time spent shooting in one location needs to be agreed upon. I found that Kate and I could go to a location, shoot for about 3 or 4 hours, and then head for breakfast, come back in the evening, do the same, then head for dinner. The outings were very easy. I really don’t know if she’s an early bird, but there was never a complaint about getting up at 5:00 AM. She was always excited and ready to go.
I’ve known some photographers who like to flit about, staying only in one location long enough to get a picture or two, then they are bored and want to move on. Also, I’ve met ‘evening’ photographers, who want nothing to do with rising at 5:00 AM, but can stay out all night shooting and/or partying. These, are not compatible photographers for me. I’m not a late night person and I would feel that I missed something great if I didn’t catch the sunrise. I prefer to be in the room, reviewing pictures, and winding down from the evenings activities by 10:00 PM, so that I can get up at 5:00 AM with relative ease.
I guess that a good outing is made with people who are similar in levels of patience, sleep habits, and desire. I’m looking forward to more such outings.
Beautiful shots Paul. I especially like the “low angle” with the mere edge of a dune in the forground along the bottom. The contrast is wonderful and the pale moon is certainly a bonus.
Hmmm, I wonder how compatible we’d be. I love the really early morning shoots…. I have no problem getting up at 5am and shooting for a few hours, however I’m also a night-owl, so the evening into late-night shoots are always fun. As long as I get an afternoon nap, I’m good
@Chantal: I think that we would make it. I’m a nap kind of guy myself, but then I need to catch by nightly beauty rest. The call of the bed is very strong by 11:00 PM. After that, you’d be on your own to ‘Party like a rock star!’ if you wanted to!
These are amazing and have a painterly feeling to them.
I was already delighted that you made the New Mexico trip (easy for me to say–didn’t hurt my budget), but these shots make the venture a roaring success. Up to your usual standards and then some.
One of Craig’s podcasts about twilight talked a lot about being to places early, particularly in the mornings, so you can relax and not be rushed when the light is changing rapidly. This has become cemented into my routine practically. And if shooting with someone else, it annoys me to no end to have them be late. Glad to hear you had no such issues.
Paul – I love the composition of the top image. Gorgeous landscape and I love the light in the foreground. I would be curious to see what this looks like if you doubled the layer and set the blend mode to multiply but masked it out leaving it applied only to the sky.
@Anita: Thank you! I am very glad that I made the trip, too! I’ve got my sites on the Grand Canyon, next! I have to, of course, get it approved by the head comptroller, AKA, my wife!
@Mark: I know what you mean about lateness, especially when I’m trying to get to a photo shoot! Each second is precious and the light changes so rapidly that even a miss by a minute or two can make a huge difference.
Regarding the image, I think that I’ll give that a try!
Beautiful shots Paul! Love them!
Wow, that view would be worth the entire trip in my book!
I’m like Chantel, too. I love to shoot early in the morning, and if we were out during a full moon, I’d have to try some looooong exposures around midnight. The only way to shoot predawn and late night is if you take a nappy in the afternoon sun…now that’s a vacation!
Hey – you darkened it! I like it!!!!
@Mark: I did, too, after I had a crack at it! I love more contrast, too!
@Micki: This, I think, is my favorite shot from the whole trip. I’ve been purposely not looking at them … trying to detach. When I saw this one, I said: “Wow!”, too!
This one will be printed this weekend and hung upon the wall very, very, soon.
Chuckle, just for the record, I’m not a morning person generally. However, when in a photgraphically interesting place, getting up for a dawn… no problem!
Planning a road trip to Glacier/Yellowstone/Tetons NP’s this July. Traveling with an old freind and fellow photographer. Can’t wait but I especialy take to heart the compatability issue. My friend has been trying to get the early morning jump on me for 35 yrs, so far no luck! lol
I think you are absolutely right about compatability and its important to know who your going to shoot with. I’m just glad we are family and there are no expectations we just go with the flow..I definately would have gotten up early for shots as great as these, wonderful job.