Luck v Judgement

[MadFrankie]

Hi,

I'm currently in a bit of a rut with my photography, (similar photos, same locations, lack of time etc), so I'm using it to do a bit of re-evaluation and try some new things inside and take stock about what I've learnt over the past year or so...

The question I'm struggling with is how much of each photo is luck and how much is judgement? Now forgetting 'studio photography' which is mainly skill and artistry where you have time to recompose models etc, what percentage do you think on your photos?

I've been looking through my best shots and while I check weather, understand the location and always have my eyes open for a shot, so many times have I been to the same location and shoot completely different images. Sometimes I can take a one image and another 10 minutes later and one is significantly better than the other.

I'd say personally for me it's 40% luck and 60% judgement, getting better the more I learn. Where does everyone else sit?

 

[Merc]

I couldn't put a % on it. I do mostly landscapes and seascapes so i'm very much dependent on the weather and tide but usually do a lot of research and check the weather and check the weather again and check the weather again etc.
I think mostly we make our own luck. Quite often though with the best will i still come back with crap

 

[specialman]

I'd say for anything other than studio-based work (where you're in total control of everything) it's 99% being in the right place at the right time; photographic know-how and skill is just what lets you get things absolutely perfect.

I've had several dips in confidence and creativity in recent years, both professionally and personally, and trying to evaluate your own work and direction is worthwhile, if a little bit of a pressure-cooker environment if you start looking too deeply at stuff. I honestly believe that trying something new can do wonders for you as a photographer; getting into the whole off-camera flash thing has taught me tons and really has got me thinking more about shots. It's different for everyone but if you throw yourself into something that's outside your comfort zone then that can be beneficial also....

 

[Lufbrarunner]

As Gary Player said "The more I practice, the luckier I get."