I feel more confident in using the workflow after completing my second exercise. Trying the two different approaches (detailed plan and open-ended) has given me a headway start in finding the right balance between planning prescriptively and being totally flexible and open-ended. A quote from Fil Hunter comes to mind: 'The more you accomplish with your head, the less work you have to do with your hands - you can think faster than you can move.' I am in agreement with Fil.
In my own practice I find planning and visualisation very useful. I also understand that any creative media including photography would require a sufficient level of flexibility. I’ve learnt through the exercises that having some unstructured time and space set free creativity and imagination. I’ve also learnt that some advance planning keeps the technical elements in order. The combination of the two approaches gives a winning combination.
After completing my second exercise I feel I can achieve satisfactory results following the workflow process. I am also confident that it will further improve with practice.
Lessons learnt:
1. An open ended approach might better suit those types of assignment where there is less control over the environment or subject and / or where there is a greater need for flexibility, e.g. street photography. It worked really well for my trip to Scotland
2. There are some differences between the two approaches but essentially the same structure can be used for both, as long as there is an understanding that the process is applied flexibly. Always be prepared to depart from the plan if necessary.
3. For outdoor workflow, some extra steps / reminders might be used to aid composing shots on location. These may include:
- Find suitable foreground interest
- Identify and use lead in lines where possible
- Consider applying the rule of thirds to compose the shot
