Camera? Check. Lenses? Check. Patience? Ummm...

When you're photographing in a target-rich environment, there is a strong temptation to snap off a quick shot or two of each subject, then move on to the next one. After all, you want to make sure your friends and family get to see everything you saw... you don't want to miss out, right?

Sort of. But not quite.

I've noticed that many photographers - from folks with point & shoot cameras to gear-hounds with the latest and greatest - seem content with rushing to get a shot and then moving on to the next subject... as if photography were a scavenger hunt instead of an art form. Oh, and before you think I'm being self-righteous, I'll freely admit that I've fallen prey to this mentality on more than one occasion.

We'll spend a lot of money on the right gear... a lot of money on the trip to the right place... and a lot of time to get there. And then we'll spend 30 seconds setting up a shot before moving on to the next location.

I want to suggest that we take our time... whether it's waiting for the right light, the right subject, or the right moment. The following is an example of what a little patience can do...

This first photograph - of a sandhill crane - is nothing special. It didn't make my final "cut" of images from a recent trip to Montana, but there's nothing particularly wrong with it, either.


The composition is adequate, the subject is sharp and well-lit, but there's nothing commendable about the photograph.

I waited. And I waited a bit more.

A few minutes later, a second crane appeared and I started to take more photos. After a minute or two with the two birds together, they finally lined up for a good shot:
The light was significantly better, the subject's "pose" was much better, and the overall impression of the photograph is significantly enhanced.

And all because I waited for a few minutes before moving on.

Patience. It should be in all our camera bags.