The Importance of Pre-visualisation in Photography
Nature photography demands a combination of knowledge, patience, skill, and an intimate understanding of the natural world. And those photographers who consistently produce extraordinary images often have one key practice in common: pre-visualisation.
In this article, we will delve into what pre-visualisation is, why it is crucial for nature photography, how to effectively pre-visualise your shots, and how this practice can help you create stunning images that stand out in a world of saturated content.
What is pre-visualisation?
Pre-visualisation is the process of imagining and planning your photographs before you even step into the field. It involves envisioning the final image you intend to create and considering in advance the elements that will complete your scene.
These may include:
- Composition
- Environment
- Lighting
- Subject behaviour (for wildlife photography)
Having a clear vision and anticipating the shot will enable you to make informed decisions about your equipment, camera settings, and location, increasing the likelihood of capturing the decisive moment.
In essence, pre-visualisation transforms the act of taking a photograph from a reactive process into a proactive one.
Rather than simply responding to the environment and subject as they present themselves, you will be able to approach each shoot with a clear vision, which ultimately will help take your photography to the next level.
Why pre-visualisation is important
I clearly remember the exact moment that taught me the importance of pre-visualisation. I had been visiting a location close to home to photograph red deer throughout the autumn, and every time there was a spectacular sunset, I noticed a prominent, lone tree on the skyline.
My mind immediately conjured an image of a deer, or perhaps a group of deer, silhouetted against a vivid autumnal sky, with the stark tree adding a sense of scale. With this clear vision firmly set in my mind, I set about capturing it.
Every time a vivid sunset looked promising, I would return to the location, waiting for the deer to align in the perfect position. It took countless visits, but I persevered, and eventually, the image came together.
As usual, I had my camera set on a tripod, the image composed with the tree just left of centre. As the sun started to sink, I noticed the top of a stag’s head beginning to appear on the skyline as it walked up from the other side of the hill with a hind alongside.
I waited with bated breath, and for a brief moment, both deer stood on the skyline, framed by the tree and perfectly silhouetted against a stunning sky. Ever since that moment over 20 years ago, I have made pre-visualisation a major part of my photography.
Here’s why I believe it is so important for every nature photographer to apply pre-visualisation to their own practice:
- Focus and intent: Pre-visualisation helps you to focus on your goals. Knowing the kind of image you would most like to capture allows you to concentrate on the elements that will make that vision a reality, rather than being distracted by the myriad possibilities that can occur in the field.
- Improved composition: Thinking about your framing in advance will help you to create images that are more balanced and aesthetically pleasing. This foresight will allow you to position yourself in the best possible way in order to achieve the most compelling compositions.
- Better use of light: Light is one of the most critical factors in photography. Pre-visualising will encourage you to plan your shoot at times when the light is most flattering to your subject, whether it’s the soft, warm glow of golden hour or the dramatic light and shadows of a stormy sky.
- Prepare for the unexpected: While pre-visualisation involves planning, it also prepares you to adapt. By understanding your subject and environment, you can better anticipate unexpected opportunities, ensuring that you’re ready to capture them when they arise.
Read more: The Essential Guide to Improving Your Wildlife Photography Compositions
How to pre-visualise your wildlife photographs
Pre-visualisation is a skill that takes time to develop, but with both practice and experience, it will become instinctual. Here’s how you can start integrating it into your photography process:
1. Research your subject
Understanding the behaviour, habitat, and characteristics of your subject is crucial.
Whether you are photographing a particular species of bird, mammal, or insect, knowing their patterns will help you predict their movements and ultimately help you to get yourself into the right position at the right time.
Read more: Wildlife Photography – Understanding Animal Behaviour for Better Images
2. Recce your location
Doing a recce of the location where you plan to shoot is invaluable. Visit the site in advance to get a feel for the landscape, lighting conditions, and potential shooting points.
Look at how the light and shadows fall at different times of the day, in addition to potential backgrounds and foregrounds.
Take note of any natural features that could enhance your composition, such as trees that could be used as a natural frame, or skylines that can be used for silhouettes.
Locations that are close to home are perfect as they will allow you to keep returning, furthering your knowledge of both the place and the subjects that can be found there.
3. Visualise the final image
After you have familiarised yourself with your chosen location, close your eyes and imagine the final image you would like to create.
Think about the framing, the lighting, the pose of the subject, and any other elements that will contribute to the shot. The more detailed your mental picture, the better prepared you will be to capture it in reality.
4. Consider the weather
Weather conditions can dramatically impact your images, so plan accordingly.
If you’re hoping for a misty, atmospheric shot, know the conditions that will likely produce that effect and plan your shoot around them. Mist often occurs at dawn following a cold but clear night, so always watch the forecast carefully.
Similarly, if your aim is to capture an image with vibrant, saturated colours, shooting after heavy rainfall can be ideal.
Read more: How to Photograph Wildlife in Extreme Weather
5. Prepare your gear
Based on your pre-visualisation, choose the appropriate equipment. Consider the focal length, aperture, and shutter speed that you will need to achieve your vision.
Make sure your gear is clean, charged, and ready to go. Nothing is more frustrating than fumbling around with equipment when that perfect moment arrives!
Read more: How to Clean Your Camera’s Sensor
The importance of location knowledge
Gaining in-depth knowledge of your locations is a critical aspect of pre-visualisation. If you are unfamiliar with a new area, it is easy to miss out on potential opportunities.
Take time to study the direction of light, where the highlights and shadows fall, and revisit the area as much as possible to see how it changes throughout the year.
Pay particular attention to potential backgrounds and consider colour, tone, light, and shadow. My local lake, for instance, is perfect for backlighting birds swimming on the water at a specific time of day.
As the sun sinks lower in the sky, light begins to filter through the trees and part of one of the banks becomes cloaked in deep shadow. This results in a dark background and water, which adds drama to images of mute swans and other birds, especially when shooting contre-jour.
I have used pre-visualisation in this location to capture several different backlit images over the years.
Location scouting also helps you avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, discovering a distracting element in the background or realising that the light is harsher than expected can ruin an otherwise perfect shot.
A thorough recce ensures that you are well-prepared to handle these challenges.
Standing out in a saturated market
In today’s digital age, wildlife photography is more accessible than ever, leading to a flood of images on social media and photography platforms.
To stand out in this saturated market, your images need to have that extra edge – something unique that connects with the viewer, conjures emotion, and tells a story. Pre-visualisation can give you just that.
When you plan your shots with intent, you are more likely to capture images that are not only technically proficient but also resonate and connect on an emotional level.
Moreover, by pre-visualising, you can push the boundaries of creativity. Instead of settling for the obvious shot, you can explore new angles, perspectives, and compositions.
This willingness to experiment and come up with new ways of photographing familiar subjects is what will ultimately make your work memorable.
Read more: 12 Ways to Evoke Emotion in Your Wildlife Photos
In conclusion
Pre-visualisation is a powerful tool in any nature photographer’s arsenal. By taking the time to envision your shots, research your subject, and gain knowledge of your location, you are setting yourself up for success.
In a field where the perfect moment can be fleeting, pre-visualisation ensures you will be ready to capture it in all its glory.
