Checking Boxes in Landscape Photography Plans

Do you have a “to-do” list in your career?  I know I do.  In my case, that means that I create a list of landscape photos I want to add to my portfolio.  Slowly, I’m checking off boxes for these photos as I take them.  Lately, I had the opportunity of checking off some of those boxes on my list.  I want to show you the results of my excursion.  Are you ready?

My first shot to show off is one I’d been planning for months.  Everyone shows off landscape photos of Bryce Canyon from above.  They stand on the rim or climb down partway into the canyon to take their photos.  My idea was to take a photo from below.  However, I needed to find the right place and the right time to do so.  I found the right spot several weeks ago.  However, I needed the right conditions.  Luckily, I brought my camera with me on other business.  I found flowers along the side of the road and did my best to include them.  It turned out well.

My next landscape photo was a return to a previous location.  I wanted another shot at the Wide Hollow Reservoir in a different season.  I got my chance.  This time, I found a different vantage point and the clouds blocked out the direct sunlight from the scene.  If the wind calmed, it would have been perfect.  However, the wind never calms during that part of the day.  So, I ended up with patterns across the surface of the water instead.  The monsoon clouds overhead added just the right interest in the sky.

My final entry today consists of a shot I wanted for a couple years.  However, it didn’t quite work out as I wanted it to.  So, perhaps the original idea is still outstanding on my list.  I’ll try checking off that box again later.

This shot consists of a great horse pasture with some of the horses grazing.  The surrounding landscape backdrop added the scenery I wanted for this shot.  On a whim, I decided to check out the spot because the light was good at that time and I knew the horses were out earlier when we set out.  I felt there was a good chance they would still be out in the field grazing.

I didn’t initially see the horses on the way in.  Perhaps the surrounding landscape hid them or I was simply blind.  I noticed them on the way out.  So, we pulled over and I made the trek down to where I figured I’d find the best vantage.  I didn’t bring all the gear I needed so the planned shot didn’t work out.  However, I took this shot on my way back to the car for fun.  It seemed worth the quick snap just in case.  I’m glad I took that time because I came back with this shot.

It’s so pastoral in nature.  I’m glad I gave this area a try.  The sun didn’t stay behind the cloud for long so I captured it right in time too.  With monsoon season coming, perhaps I’ll be checking off more boxes on my landscape photography checklist soon.

So, what do you think of these new additions to my portfolio?  Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.  I’d love to read the feedback.