It doesn't happen too often. All the stars alining when it comes to capturing an image. More than often I choose a location and my mind wanders to the prospect of conditions elsewhere. It's a source of frustration and doesn't lend itself to being completely relaxed and immersed in the act of taking the picture. As landscape photographers, we can procrastinate over the weather and the location, being indecisive and creating a noisy mind. Trying to master a better mindset, leaving the FOMO behind can be as much of a learning curve than photography itself.
The image below was one of these rare occasions when everything came together. Autumn was in full swing, my mind was not thinking of anyplace except this spot, I had perfect conditions and a scene that caught my attention. The landscape in front of me seemed to be sharper, the noises of the woodland clearer. A gentle breeze blowing through the canopy above, and the birdsong creating a perfect sound track to this simple act of taking a picture. I spent a good hour focused on the small patch of woodland, enjoying every minute trying to piece together the elements and unlock the view. My mind was quiet and completely clear. I've found that letting the landscape find me rather than planning and worrying about trying to be in the right place at the right time has led me make images I am happier with. These times are rare, but trying this tecnique is the enjoyable part of photography.
My Images are memories of being out and about, and when that zen moment has happened, looking back at the picture taken reminds me of the experience and senses I felt, as clear as the moment I was stood with the camera. The trick is to try and remember this the next time I pack the camera for a trip out.
