Taking landscapes of London. Timing is everything.
I talk a lot in my blog about standing on freezing bridges in London waiting for the perfect shot. Great photographs really have nothing to do with the gear you own and how much you paid for it. Great photographs are about being in the right place at the right time.
Often a shot like the one about takes several attempts and although getting the exposure correct being in the right place at the right time is actually the most important thing. The light on the subject, the ambient light, and the light on the background all need to be spot on. Sure, you need a little bit of luck too and a good wooly hat.
The photograph above took three attempts and probably around 50 shots. It also took several hours in my darkroom. Yep, I shot it on film. I look at it now and I think it was worth it. I also went back a few days later to shoot it in colour. It took me a little longer to get the colour shot as I think I’m better at black and white.
Timing is everything whether it takes hours of planning, several visits or you just see a see a shot and take it.
I took the picture of Battersea Power Station above one afternoon while walking by on my way home. One shot, 2 minutes, no planning at all. I think apart from my photographs of Albert Bridge this photograph of Battersea has sold more than any other.
Whether you plan meticulously and stand on a freezing bridge for hours or grab a hilarious picture of your kids in the garden the two photographs have one thing in common.
The timing is everything.
