If you’re like me, you’re always hopeful that the time spent out shooting will be rewarding and productive. But sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. Sometimes we continue to be distracted or otherwise “out of it” in a manner of speaking. I’m thrilled to have Lori and Brie join me to tackle this topic on this edition of Latitude Photography Podcast, Episode 136 for December 5, 2021 Check out the expanded show notes here: https://latitudephotographypodcast.com/episode/136 Year-End Challenge: Go through your 2021 images and select 10–20 that represent your best efforts of the year. Submit them to the fb group for the show so we can see what you’ve been up to and so that we can also cheer you on. I’d also love some brief commentary. Tell us how you’ve GROWN over the last year. That would be amazing. Or tell us your challenges and tell us how you plan to grow this year. Use the Hashtag #TopImages2021 Just a quick note before we jump into the main topic with Lori and Brie… I mention in this conversation about a future episode with Greg Benz. It’s actually going to be two weeks from today that it’s released, the 19th of December. In this conversation I said “next week” and I just wanted to clear that up. Also, there will be other announcements and what-not afterwards, please stick around for that! And now,,, off to the conversation where we’re looking at this notion of speeding up the process of slowing down. Get yourself on the Globetrotter notifications list. https://brentbergherm.com/latitude-photo-school/globetrotter/ Find out more about the Palouse Shoot-n-Print Workshop https://brentbergherm.com/workshops/palouse-shoot-n-print-workshop/ The price is increasing 18% for Latitude Photography School on Jan 2, 2022. Sign up today to lock in current prices. https://brentbergherm.com Main Topic Speeding Up the process of Slowing Down in your photography Setting the stage, what’s this all about? Optimizing Opportunities for Creativity -  (Lori) Forecast potential photography events, such as weather, sunrise & sunsets, celestial events, full moon, new moon, Milky Way, etc. Consider things that might be of interest to you, local events, animal migrations, blooming seasons, etc. Put these events on a calendar and set aside time to photograph them in advance.  For weather and celestial events, pre-plan the closest locations you can get to quickly in case an unanticipated event is happening. I use a weather app called Clear to forecast sunrise & sunsets. I use Aurora Pro to forecast Aurora events. The forecast is key to capturing these types of events. Figuring out what works best for you Trying to “get into the zone” of photography Brent’s Tips If you’ve been at something a while… Take a break Great for long post-production sessions Get out and change your scenery-environment It should last at least 20 minutes, I’ve never seen it work with a shorter time frame, it often takes longer If you’re trying to concentrate on the project at hand, the shoot, or in post-production Turn off your notifications on your phone and-or computer Spend some time decompressing, transitioning to the “zone.” If your mind is racing, or constantly distracted, grab a notepad and write down all the things you’re thinking about. Use the notetaking feature on your phone if needed. Write it down and get it out of your mind. Clear your mind. If you’re doing “car-based shooting” where you don’t have to hike much you’re at a disadvantage with this process. Be patient. Don’t rush it. It feels counterintuitive but it seriously works. Brie’s Tips Same as Brent - Just actually SLOW DOWN!!  When we rush it can cause us to make easy mistakes. Rushing can stop us from focusing on the present and being intentional with our photography. We have a greater chance of enjoyment and success when we can be patient. If you find yourself rushing, take a minute to breathe deeply and relax your body. Plan ahead!  Be intentional in how you approach your photography so you can create you