I often get comments about wanting to get a photo just like that. There are a couple of ways to build your photo portfolio, one is to always have your camera ready and keep your eyes peeled or two, make a list of photos that you want to capture and look for those opportunities.

I have a bucket list of photos that I want to get over the next year or so. I made a list and am finding ways to cross them off. Last year the number one item on my list was to photograph the Northern Lights. It sounds easy but it takes perseverance.  For one the aurora doesn't happen every night and in fact the last few years sun spot activity has been low producing less Northern Lights. Two,  you have to rely on good weather and clear skies when they are active.  I used to get up at 3am to have a look at the skies to see if tonight is that night and never really got lucky. A tool I used this year is a website dedicated to Space Weather forecasting. It's a great source of info. Without it,  it's like searching for a needle in a hay stack. Possible but hard to do.

If you are like me and want to get selective photos now is the time to make that list and work towards accomplishing it. It all doesn't happen overnight so be patient and keep looking for ways to get'er done.

Paddling the North Shore of Lake Superior was second on the list

My Top 10 Photo Bucket List

1. Star trails (complete circles)
2. Time lapse photography and converting to a movie clip
3. More night photography
4. Moose in a swamp (early morning)
5. Underwater/in water photography
6. Desert sunset scenes with cacti silhouette (American Southwest)
7. Rocky Mountains and Turquoise Lakes (Banff Alberta)
8. Candid Portraits (street photography)
9. Tornado / Super cells in wide open vistas
10. Cityscapes and architecture

Once I have my list I then look to see how and what I need to do in order to get the photos. In my case I have to research and learn about time lapse photography and what software to use. Then get out in the field and practice practice practice. For my image scenes I have to make sure I get out there where the shots are . If I have to travel I can plan a holiday road trip around my photo bucket list. If they local I will  pre - scout them out for the best possibilities then return when the light is good and hope for the best. It is never easy but it's a fun journey along the way.

Your best odds are when you are prepared and know what you want.
Make that list and start checking them off one by one.

Photos and article by Mark McCulloch / www.photopaddler.com