Adaptability—The ability to be adaptable is one of the key parts of being a photographer. There are a few different ways to look at this, too. Being flexible can apply to the vagaries of daily life, to the things that we photograph, and even to the techniques and styles that we use to create our photographs.
On the day-to-day level, being adaptable means being able to roll with whatever the day throws at you. Sometimes, this means that you were expecting the day to be sunny and warm, but it actually turns out cold and rainy—thus, you need to adapt, which could mean bringing extra gear along to accommodate different lighting conditions or to protect your equipment against moisture.
This can also mean your car breaks down on the way to your location. For most of us, the hassle and annoyance of such a thing would stop us from taking photographs. But is it possible to explore your immediate area while you’re waiting for the tow truck? Being flexible means not coming home empty-handed, no matter what happens to alter your best-laid plans.
The intent is another way in which we can be flexible. Most of us head out into the field with a definitive idea of what we will photograph. Suppose you’re going to a particular neighborhood, for example. In that case, you probably intend to take architectural photographs of various buildings there, or to take pictures of some other facet that draws you to this particular neighborhood, like street lamps or signs.
But what happens when you go to this place and find a block party? Or perhaps you were examining signs when you noticed a hidden archway leading into a beautiful garden. This is another way in which we photographers can adapt. Sometimes it’s better to abandon the initial plan and go with what we’re seeing and experiencing. Not only because these fleeting events can be rare, but also because when we encounter the unexpected, it often proves more inspiring than that which we’d initially set out to do.
This is true of things like techniques and styles, too. You may have intended to spend the day creating black and white images, but perhaps you’ve encountered things so colorful that it would be an injustice to mute that vibrance with monotone shades. Such is the nature of photography. Plans can change. Sometimes, it’s because of external factors, and sometimes, it’s simply because we see something that inspires us more than our original ideas. Once in a while, you’ll discover that your favorite techniques and styles aren’t serving your subject material, so you’ll have to add something new to your repertoire to capture it just right. It pays to have an open mind, be ready for whatever the world can throw at you, and dispense with your best-laid plans if they’re just not working out.
Now go and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation through your lens.
