I was thinking along the same lines as Dan's comment. Knowing what photo should not be made - or when another plan is needed is an important skill. Everyone can get a great shot with a great subject and perfect light. But knowing that head position is wrong, there is the wrong wind direction or lighting, or similar ideas that prevent a first rate image is also important. But it's also important not to give up and overlook seeing a good opportunity because it's not what you pre-visualized.
The issue for a professional or top amateur is knowing what to do for Plan B and C. What do you do when it's hazy and the light is really soft? Choosing to shoot backlit subjects for an entire session because the light and wind are from opposite directions. I had to photograph an important awards ceremony at a PGA event a few years ago and they staged it so we were shooting directly into the setting sun. The shooting opportunity was immediate with little time to figure out the settings or take many test shots. It required flash. If you could pull it off, it made a fantastic photo.
Steve ran into this just recently when he had a chance to use the new 800mm PF. The weather and subject matter were not very good - but it was his one chance to try the pre-production version of the lens. Going home or trying another day was not possible.
The issue for a professional or top amateur is knowing what to do for Plan B and C. What do you do when it's hazy and the light is really soft? Choosing to shoot backlit subjects for an entire session because the light and wind are from opposite directions. I had to photograph an important awards ceremony at a PGA event a few years ago and they staged it so we were shooting directly into the setting sun. The shooting opportunity was immediate with little time to figure out the settings or take many test shots. It required flash. If you could pull it off, it made a fantastic photo.
Steve ran into this just recently when he had a chance to use the new 800mm PF. The weather and subject matter were not very good - but it was his one chance to try the pre-production version of the lens. Going home or trying another day was not possible.