Are you having problems getting that shot?

Here's something to get your teeth into. When you go out looking for that shot you're after do you get there and see great stuff but NOT the shot you want? I'm sure you've all been there, you're at the side of a stream with some lovely trees and maybe even some interesting rocks. BUT WHERE'S THE SHOT? You can see some great snapshots or even some postcard shots, but not THE shot. You know it's there but where is it and what do you do to find it?

Answers on a postcard below please.

Ray

If you take "set up" photos at home or in your studio (I wish) you are more likely to get the shot that's in your head. The trouble is when you go out on "location" with pre conceived ideas they rarely happen......
The day I went to Durham cathedral to take pictures there was a 10 ton curtain side truck unloading at the main entrance and no matter where I stood a part of the truck could be seen or it's shadow.
Many is the time Ive been driving along and seen a great photo opportunity but with no where to stop. Other than closing the A1 these shots remain elusive.

I know what you mean about trucks and not being able to stop. There are a number of shots I'd love to get but cant stop on the road anywere. I think my problem might be, I don't want that postcard shot, I want something a little different. I've been to some beautiful places and just looked about and thought "where's the shot?", "I've seen that on a postcard" or "My missus will get that wit her P&C". There's always a photo there, even if you have to look like a fool bending over a wall or hanging from a tree, It's there. :-)

Maybe my mind is more suited to indoor lighting and tabletop or macro shots. Maybe I'm just to fussy and looking for something that's not there.

Some thoughts -

- Get down on your hands and knees
- lie on the ground
- Look for completely different point of view - even Dutch angles, perhaps.
- look for a way to get something in the shot that doesn't immediately look like it would get in there
- climb one of the trees and take the shot
- wade into the stream

Simple, obvious ideas but along the same lines as 'look behind you' instead of always looking at what's in front.