Many have described the scenes in my images as incredible. They make the assumption that I planned out what I wanted to capture and hiked for miles to be at the right place and time to capture the scene. While partially correct, there are other factors that come into play. After per-planning the other top two factors I have found are:

Frequency – how often are you there. The more you are at a place the better your odds are to capture that special moment.

Dumb Luck – sometimes it comes down to just plain dumb luck (and always having your camera). You are doing something else and suddenly an incredible scene jumps up and bites you.

Here is a perfect example:

The Slim Princess – Engine No. 18 Carson and Colorado Railway

Long story but demonstrates both the concept of frequency and dumb luck.

I currently have two of my images at an art exhibit produced by the Mono Arts Council. The opening reception was on a Friday night. I wanted to attend. Now I had just been to Mammoth the previous weekend and had a fairly big list of things to do at home and at work.

I decided to do a suicide run. I would drive up Friday afternoon, go to the reception, and head home the following morning. That way I could be home in time to get things done. I figured to take some additional fall color images on my way home but no long hikes.

There was a storm passing through and a chance of snow. Two seasons crashing into each other tend to make the most incredible images. It doesn't happen that often so you try to be there when they collide. My better half and a few other people thought I was crazy to do 600 mile up and back trek for one night. Most of you that know me would not argue the description of me as “crazy so off I went.

The ride up was beautiful, with clouds hugging the mountains, but a non-stop flight. Got to Mammoth just in time to have a refreshment at Mammoth Brewing and go to the reception. Got up early the next morning and the saw there was no snow, damn, and the wind was still howling, double damn. Neither of those conditions were ideal for picture taking so went back to sleep for a bit. Figured I would concentrate on intimate stream/fall colors shots that were not dependent on the light of the “Golden Hour.”

So went to a spot on 395 where the night before a herd of sheep was directly in front of some beautiful aspens at their peak color. Well the sheep were there but not directly in front of the aspens anymore. Should have taken the image the night before. Well that blew an hour+. Went and had breakfast at Toms Place and then headed to McGee Canyon to shoot the creek. Found some new wonderful spots and got some images I really liked.

Here is where the dumb luck comes in. Heading home, driving through Independence I noticed red cones blocking off the driveway where they are restoring a Steam Engine No. 18. The Engine has the nickname of the Slim Princess because it is a narrow gauge locomotive. Normally it is tucked out of sight n a protective structure. There are a ton of cars and people in the parking lot. Then I notice the Engine is out of its structure and it is fired up! Quickly parked and got there right before it moves on its own power for the first time since 1954. What a memory. I have my camera so I got the image.

Remember that frequency thing? If I had not gone back to Mammoth I would have missed it. You cannot capture something if you are not there.

Remember that Dumb Luck thing? If I had not slept in and taken my time taking fall color images I would not have been in Independence just minutes before they put that Engine No. 18 into gear.

I posted the image of the train moving on a Facebook group. It got the most likes, 400+, than any other posting I have had in my life.

So yes, scouting out locations and planning ahead greatly increase your chances of a great image. Sometimes just being out there a lot and dumb luck play as much of a role.

So always have a camera and get out and go places, a lot. If you do, my guess is, the world will reward you with some cool memories and wonderful images.