What does it take to create an image?

As a photographer, I love taking photos.  It is easy to “click” and capture a moment, but much harder to capture an image that is set apart from others. Sometimes it is a matter of being in the right place at the right time (and recognizing it), but more often than not it takes planning and creative insights  to come up with a photo that has impact. It usually starts with an idea or a vision.   

The Vision

As our ship approached Bear Island, I surveyed the coast. When I saw the sea stacks, an image came to mind.  I envisioned a sea stack with the light coming through the clouds above, highlighting the sea stacks and creating a contrast of light and dark. 

The Light

I had the sea stack, I had clouds, but there was no light. The scene was flat. One moment the sea stack was lit, the next moment the clouds moved in and it was barely visible.

Light can change quickly and it can make all the difference. 

Lack of light flattens this image. Although the light on the little bird shows promise.

Composition Challenges

I’m on the front deck of the ship awaiting the light. I have an open view but the ship is being repositioned as the currents and the wind shift. I run through the ship to photograph off the back deck.

Now on the back deck, I find the image in my head doesn’t match what I see through the camera lens.  I see the sea stack but not the clouds above, I need a wider lens.

 The lens I have on the camera is too long (300mm). I am unable to include the light coming through the  clouds above.

Knowing the light is fleeting, I run back to the room for my wide angle. Moments later I discover the lens I have chosen (24-105mm) does not have enough reach. Now the sea stack looks too tiny and the interesting light is fading. 

The wider angle lens is too wide and the sea stack appears small. Of course, the clouds have also changed and the composition is no longer as interesting. (Shot at 45mm).

Lost Opportunity

I run back to the room, yet again, for the 100-400mm lens knowing I’ll be able to nail the shot now. However, when I return, the light is gone.

A Second Chance

I’m scheduled for a Zodiac ride along the coast. I adjust my thinking. There is another opportunity for a slightly different perspective. I take the camera with the 100-400mm lens with me and hope the light cooperates.

The light breaks out, and I ask the Zodiac driver to stop so I can take my photo.

Finally, an image that matches my vision

After coming up with the vision, waiting for the light, waiting for the opportunity, getting the right composition, I still needed a bit of luck to create the image. 

 

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Bear Island is roughly half way between Skarsvag (The top of the world) and Svalbard.