Being in the right place at the right time

"Let's talk about getting that perfect shot. I'm going to go out on a limb here and tell you that when you jump out of the car, it's not going to be the perfect shot! Now don't get me wrong, I've gotten some really nice images close to the car, but on average you need to really work the scene. Standing next to the car isn't going to cut it!

A landscape shooter needs to be where the action is happening.

I live on the East Coast – we don't have very big mountains. So I'm looking for the intimate, more off-the-beaten track scenes. I might have to bushwhack across a creek to get to a shot. Something may 'look pretty' from 120 yards away, but it's not dynamic and harmonious. You have to build your image for flow and balance. And to do this, you might have to get IN the creek or hang OVER a ledge.

Choosing 'the right time' has a lot to do with lighting which I will discuss in a moment. This day I knew I would want to shoot early, but I also knew the soft light from the overcast day would give me a little longer window than just the hour after dawn. With any shot you have to evaluate what is there for you to work with. You need to be flexible enough to recognize the best shot may not be the one you preconceived."

Getting on Location with your Gear Intact

Adjusting the waist-belt and suspension system

Detail of stitching quality

Heavy-duty YKK splashguard zippers

Flexible and adjustable interior with padded dividers

All Weather AW Cover™ protects gear from elements

Adjustable sternum strap for day-long carrying comfort

Pack Jack tool releases to adjust to ideal torso height

Thickly padded waistbelt provides comfortable support

"Now that you know what type of gear I carry let's talk about how I protect that gear. Whether I'm traversing the banks of a river or climbing a hillside, I know with the Pro Trekker 400 AW my gear is safe. It's easy to take this for granted, but this is huge. The last thing you want is to arrive at your location to find your equipment is wet, dirty or broken.

The Pro Trekker 400 AW 'feels right'.

I've tried other manufacturer's bags where the build quality just wasn't there. I know the ProTrekker. The stitching is tight and the zippers keep out moisture and dirt. And the AW cover is there when you need a rain fly.

As a longtime backpacker, I'm very in tune with how your backpack should fit. For me, a sternum strap is a must. This pack also comes with a 'Pack Jack' tool that allows me to adjust the torso fit for better comfort. This is critical for having the right fit and being able to carry your pack long distances without straining your neck and back. The waistbelt is extremely padded and comfortable and lets me take most of the weight off my shoulders – which again is critical for being able to carry gear long distances."

Carrying comfort also plays into how you pack your bag. There is plenty of customizable padding that allows you to balance your load for your own setup. Each piece of my gear has a place in my bag so I know where it is, even in the dark.

Creating a strong composition and portraying the mood of the scene

Ed Heaton composing his final shot

"It all starts with solid composition. When I teach workshops, I ask participants what attracts them to this scene. Now look at that element and build on it. What about it catches the light in a dramatic way? Paying attention to how these elements 'weight' the image will give you clues to where you need to be to get your shot. Seek the unique perspectives that include and balance these elements and create harmony.

All of this plays into the mood you're trying to convey. For this shoot, I was looking for something that was intimate and off the beaten path. This waterfall had a sense of isolation. I saw the final composition playing with the motion of the water from top to bottom and left to right."

Composing in the Camera

I really try to take my time and nail it in the camera. I never have to crop (insert laughter here). Just kidding! But on this waterfall image, I actually didn't have to crop anything. If I can get it right in camera, I would prefer to do that. As far as post goes, most people tweak color or contrast a bit. But as far as a raw image, I know can take it and make a good shot out of it because the composition is there and the lighting is dynamic.

I'm not a huge 'spray & pray' shooter. You might laugh, but this is what a lot of new photographers do. For this scene (below), maybe I took a total of 11 shots and two of them were a set of HDRs. This one is a single frame. If I can shoot one shot I will. And composition and building the shot all are a part of getting a good result."

Ed Heaton
Nature, Landscape and Travel Photographer

Ed Heaton is an award-winning professional photographer and educator who specializes in landscape and travel images. His Creative Composition workshops, seminars, and classes are popular among new photographers and enthusiasts who want to improve their control of light. His passion for the outdoors is reflected in his images of grand and intimate landscapes and nature studies.