National Geographic Masters of Photography

Lessons 3–4: Stephen Alvarez—Adventure

Work closely with experts who are taking you to a site or with the subjects

you’re photographing to get an idea of how much time will be available to

shoot and to choose the best position for yourself.

Of course, there are many situations and conditions that you can’t plan

for in photography, particularly those related to the weather. But don’t

automatically think that bad weather prevents you from shooting. Weather

can change a scene quickly—even from one frame to the next. You may,

in fact, make some of your strongest images in harsh weather conditions.

Nighttime also presents challenging conditions for photography, but with a

tripod and a cable release, you can shoot well after dark, opening up the

magic of the night sky.

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   subject doesn’t have to be the feats of a caver or a mountain biker; it
   could be a child’s birthday party. Fill your frame with the action.

Assignment