Fergus, a bit late to the game, but--
Some days and some places are just better than others. Some shots I just know are good when the shutter is pressed, a kind of a feeling. Experience is terrific, takes time.
Some times it just seems you encounter photographs that you can capture, you need to do your part, but it is possible.
Other times, there is just no real possibility.
Once you get to an acceptable level of technical competency, you can continue to develop your eye, and think about photography.
I am jealous of several individuals I know who just seem to have more of those good days, in fact, they seem to do well every day. They are better than I am. Some days, some places, I am good.
If possible, insert yourself in to situations of good opportunity.
I am always interested in finding those places, sometimes you stumble upon them, sometimes you hear about them.
So -- your photographic work is affected by external factors and internal factors. Control over those is variable.
I enjoy hearing about places where you encounter good external factors.
I would not mind seeing a list, or book, of good places to find opportunities to shoot.
Wandering about with a camera forces you to look more, and there have been many times I have seen excellent photos, but I could not get the shot because I had no camera, or the situation was too fleeting, or some other problem. I remember them a long time.
Someone mentioned Mexico, there are many opportunities there, a favorite place for me. I have traveled around with an excellent local photographer and artist there who has some ideas of the day's settings before we head out. Prepare your mind to take advantage.
A good photograph involves things coming together, and the technology to capture it.
Your photography will evolve.
I am reminded of several people I have given cameras to, and they were good with the first roll, I have had to work harder, and still need to do so.
Regards, John
