Have Zero Expectations

When I look back at some of my favorite photos, most were unplanned and unexpected. I just happened to be there with my camera and magic happened. This photo fronting my gallery is one of my all time favorites. I wasn’t planning a photo trip that day. I wasn’t even planning on shooting sunset. I just stumbled upon the landscape and lucky had my camera with me. 

I learned when I set my expectations at a certain level and it doesn’t go as plan, I’d go home very disappointed. One winter morning when I was living in Santa Cruz, I had high expectations for a particular spot further south. The night before, all the forecasts lined up. “See you in the morning texts” were sent and everyone was off to an early bedtime.  The moment we got there the next morning, the fog rolled in and the wind turned onshore. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up at 4am to drive 2 hours to the beach for sunrise, and the second I get in the water the wind switches and I go home with nothing. 

I consider most of my trips to be spontaneous. No planning, no preconceived notions, just going somewhere completely new and seeing what’s out there. If its good I’ll take photos, if not, then just enjoy being there. I often return to the same exact locations over and over again until I can recognize the patterns and hopefully, capture it during optimal conditions. Nature is unpredictable. Sometimes even when the forecasts line up, it won’t be good for some unknown reason the day of. I believe the unexpected photos are the best photos, and the only way to truly render your imagination into a photograph is let your mind wander and let your eyes see.

The best things in life happen when they are completely unexpected. I’ve learned to never get my hopes up for anything, because if you do, and it doesn’t happen, then you’ll surely be disappointed. 

March 8, 2019 | Best Approach To Life