When learning and refi ning their skills, most photographers progress through three distinct phases. The fi rst stage occurs immediately after they get their fi rst “good” camera and begin discovering the potential of the medium. During this time, novice shooters photographically explore their world with a high level of enthusiasm. Every new batch of images they examine contains photographs that look much better than the photographer ever imagined they could. Unfortunately, this blissful period doesn’t last long and is quickly replaced by the next period.

In phase two, the shooter’s level of enthusiasm is still high, but is diminished when reviewing his or her newest captures only to discover that they are much worse than expected. As photographers continue to improve their skills by reading publications such as Digital Photographer and Shutterbug, attending workshops and seminars, and practicing their art, they eventually reach the fi nal phase.

At this level, the image that photographers see in their camera’s viewfi nder is exactly the same thing that appears on the camera’s LCD screen or computer monitor. Although reaching this phase can be fulfi lling, some of the magic is gone. If you would like to experience some of the same thrill of discovery that occurred during the fi rst phase of your photographic education, we would like to suggest that you photograph when the available light may not be so available.