When the Photo Doesn’t Work: Lessons from Missed Shot


Wildlife photography is as much about the moments you miss as the ones you capture. My first two solo photoshoot trips taught me this lesson the hard way. On my first outing, I used a Sigma 100-400mm lens with a Canon R10 body. For the second, I switched to a Canon 100-400mm lens paired with an R6. Both setups were great, but they required entirely different settings, and I had to adjust how I worked with each one. (picture: Eastern chipmunk)

Unlike in studio photography, where I usually stick to manual mode, I rely on AV mode (aperture priority) for wildlife shoots. It is such a different approach from the controlled environment of a studio. In the field, you are constantly dealing with changing light, fast-moving subjects, and unpredictable conditions. It takes time to get used to trusting the camera to handle part of the exposure settings while you focus on other aspects, like composition and timing.

This one time, I was on a quiet walking trail, waiting for birds to appear. I had my camera set to AV mode, adjusting the aperture to create the shallow depth of field I wanted. Suddenly, a small flock of sparrows landed on a low branch, perfectly framed by the afternoon light. It was the kind of shot I had been dreaming of, where everything lined up just right. I raised my camera, pressed the shutter, and ended up with nothing but blurry photos. My shutter speed wasn’t fast enough to freeze their quick movements, and I hadn’t adjusted my ISO to compensate for the shaded area I was shooting in.

By the time I realized my mistake and fixed the settings, the sparrows were gone. At first, I felt frustrated and disappointed. But looking back, I realized how valuable that experience was. It taught me that wildlife photography requires you to anticipate and adapt constantly. AV mode is a lifesaver in dynamic conditions, but it is no substitute for keeping an eye on your settings and making quick adjustments when the environment changes.

Now, I make it a habit to review my setup whenever I enter a new area or notice a shift in lighting. I still miss shots sometimes, but I have come to see those moments as part of the process. Every missed photo teaches me something new, helping me get closer to capturing the next one just right. (Picture: Red fox)

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