Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision

Wait for It

Timing is important. To arrive at a place I want to photograph and expect the stars to align, the weather to cooperate, and the locals to be in exactly the right place—all for me and my photograph—would be the height of absurdity. Kind of arrogant, too. And it never happens. But to show up, snap a shot, and leave disappointed because “it’s just not working for me” implies that some exact scenario should happen. So here’s the insider scoop: it never does. Or rarely. And to base our photographic expectations and practice solely on those few times it does happen is, well, just plain nutty. So here’s another photographic technique they never talk about and that you can’t buy at your local camera store: patience.

Kairouan, Tunisia. The ...