Patience is a Virtue

Today I was scanning through old folders, looking for something and came across this post idea which I had planned a while ago... and then forgot about.
I always say that you can't overstate the importance of planning... and even more, of allowing yourself enough *time* (and the patience to use it), when dealing with nature.  How often can you just drive or walk somewhere, set up and get the optimal shot right off the bat?  Hey, it happens and it's great when it does, but pretty rare, right?  Sooo many times, I have been all alone in a crazy-beautiful spot enjoying perfect light and shooting like mad after everyone else has left (or yet to arrive)!

I shot these two versions of one scene about 5-6 years ago at the Grand Canyon in Arizona and I think they make a good illustration of being rewarded for taking some time to analyze what is happening, or about to happen. I was with family here, sightseeing, and tempted to settle for the first shot and just move on.. I mean, it's not horrible, but I knew the sun was low and bound to peek through a break in the post-thunderstorm clouds, if I could hang with it for a little while. Luckily in this case, it was only about 3 minutes later... and I was quite glad I waited. (Slight change in composition, too, as you can see). I had probably less than a minute of sweet light before it was gone for good. This kind of late afternoon side-lighting has a particular character that I really love... and I would have to say it brings lot more impact and life to the shot than the flat shadow lighting of the other version, don't you think?