Shooting the Shooter - Lindoso

What I like about Ann’s image is that it really shows what it’s like for us when we go out on our scouting trips.  Sometimes we take broader images of an area, sort of a reminder of why that location might be interesting photographically.  Sometimes we’re a bit more careful, making test images to get an idea of what might make for a good photograph.  This is an example (not so successful) of the latter.  

If you recall, behind the castle at Lindoso were some stone granaries we explored after we’d wandered around the castle.  While the setting of the Lindoso granaries isn’t quite as interesting as that in Soajo, they are interesting structures and offer a range of photographic opportunities whether through groupings of structures or detailed shots of a granary’s details and textures.  

Ann’s image shows the range of possibilities these locations offer.  And me taking my time in front of a granary trying to position things just right (without a tripod).

I recall making this image because I worked hard at its composition, with that perplexing problem of having to manage many different and potentially conflicting components.  Among other things, the photograph is an excellent example of why using a tripod can be so critical in making a good image in a visually complex environment.

First are the things I was very conscious of while making subtle adjustments to where I was standing and how I tilted the camera (while holding it up a bit above my eye level).  Not only did I take care to include the top and the bottom of the main granary, I was also conscious of trying to include the outside roof overhangs of the granary in front of me and the one to the left.  I liked the juxtaposition of the two granaries and that was what I was actively working with.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to successfully position myself to avoid the granary on the far left, which intrudes into the left of the two main granaries  at the wall (I think I was aware of that problem).  What I missed entirely (and might have noticed if I’d been using a tripod), was the granary on the right that juts out behind the rear of the main structure.  Also, the ridgeline running into the corner of the overhang (on both sides nonetheless), is particularly irritating.  As Charlie Waite put it, every detail matters.  That’s why I call these study shots.  Hopefully when I return I won’t make the same mistakes.

Well, that’s it, a shooting the shooter where the shot of the shooter is much better than the image that was made.  Sometimes, that’s the way it goes.