SUMMARY
Extensive planning for landscape photography, including checking forecasts and scouting locations digitally, can lead to rigid expectations that prevent photographers from seeing the actual environment. This over-reliance on mental models and predetermined outcomes can cause photographers to miss subtle, spontaneous moments. The article suggests embracing 'unplanning' by committing to time rather than specific conditions, working with immediate reality, and challenging personal expectations to foster a more genuine connection with nature.
TAKEAWAYS
Over-planning landscape shoots creates anchors to preconceived images and psychological blinders.
Digital scouting tools can create mental models that are abstractions, not reality.
An emphasis on efficiency can lead to treating landscapes as resources to be mined for images.
Practicing 'unplanning' involves committing to time, embracing immediate reality, and challenging expectations.