Happy Accident
In the world of photography, a happy accident often refers to some unintentional action that result in good shot or makes a shot better. There are number of ways this can happen. First, accidentally pressing the shutter button without fully composing the shot or adjusting the settings may result in a photo that’s really good. Likewise, a random selection of post-processing software option can make a dramatic improvement in a photo. It feels good to have the resulting great image. However, can you really take pride of “authorship” if your involvement is solely accidental?
A second type of a happy accident is unintentionally being at the right place at the right time. Imagine simply walking down the street and an interesting set of unforeseen events unfold right in front of you. It’s exhilarating and really gets your heart pumping. You were at the right place at the right time. But were you prepared enough to actually get the shot? No one wants to hear the story of the fish you almost caught or the fantastic photo shot you almost got. After all, no one wants to violate that semi-serious photography rule; “Pics or it didn’t happen.”
Intentionality
A good part of the joy that I get from photography is knowing what I made is a result of my practice, skill and planning. It’s what drives me to improve my craft and to try new things. So, if I get a photo through the first type of happy accident it’s not all that exciting for me. I believe in making a photo with intent; visualizing what you want to achieve and then making it happen. That’s true even for spur of the moment shots. I don’t believe in “spray and pray” shooting where you shoot blindly and hope something turns out. Just to be clear that’s not the same as using burst mode when executing a quick action shot with intent.
I know others may feel differently and that’s ok. To each their own. You cannot completely discount the positive effect of a happy accident in photography. But you don’t want it to be your most used technique. It’s better to be known as skilled photographer rather than a lucky photographer.
You cannot completely discount the positive effect of a happy accident in photography. But you don’t want it to be your most used technique.
Another way to think about intentionality in photography is to consider how you determined the meaning of your photo. Is the meaning determined after you’ve taken and processed the photo? You determine the meaning of the shot based upon the results. Or do you look at the scene and determine the meaning you want to express before you take and process the image? For my way of thinking the former suggests a happy accident while the latter suggests intentionality.
Being Prepared
The second type of a happy accident brings in to question of preparedness. Were we prepared to take advantage of an unexpected opportunity or did we squander it?
There are two parts to being prepared for the right time/right place opportunity. First, it means being “present” in the environment and open to recognizing the opportunity. Second, it means being ready to take the shot. Imagine you come across a fantastic but fleeting street shot opportunity. Then imagine having to take off your backpack, pull out your camera, change the lens and adjusting the settings to be able to get the shot. What are the chances you’ll get it?
In an earlier post I told the story of a fantastic opportunity I missed in Paris. While there were some equipment issues the truth is I wasn’t prepared to seize the opportunity. I should have recognized the potential; scenic Paris, a major fire, etc. I wasn’t “present” in the environment and I wasn’t prepared to take the shot. This happened in 2008 and it is still fresh in my memory and still frustrates me even now.
Perhaps, famed scientist Louis Pasteur said it best, “dans les champs de l’observation, le hasard ne favorise que les esprits préparés”.
In the field of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind.
Louis pasteur
He wasn’t referring to photography but it still applies. After all, aren’t photographers really just observers with the ability to record their observations?
Luck Had Nothing To Do With It.
“You were lucky to get that shot.” That’s a comment that stings a bit. But if you shoot with intentionality and preparation, you’ll have the ability to respond, “I may have been lucky to find the shot but in regards to getting the shot, ‘Luck had nothing to do with it.'” Now, who doesn’t want to be able to say that!
Leave A Comment And Share
What’s been your experience with “happy accidents”? I’d love to hear your comments and feedback. Please leave a comment in the comment box below.
