If someone was to ask me if I was a patient person, my answer would be “situationally.” I think that’s true for all of us.

Photography is an activity that requires patience, and I enjoy that aspect of the hobby. Nothing in the natural world happens on demand. Sunrises and sunsets are not perfect every day. Animals do not hold still (if they appear at all). Clouds don’t always provide an interesting sky. Lighting isn’t always complimentary to your scene. But those are all traits that landscape and wildlife photographers appreciate. Each outing is unexpectedly unique, and we’re best served by slow walks or pauses along the way that offer opportunities for observation and give potential experiences time to unfold.

A common mantra in many of the landscape and wildlife photography videos I’ve watched is that a bad day photographing is still a good day if you get to be outside. Yes, we all want to capture something amazing or grow as creatives by stepping outside our photography comfort zones. But even if that doesn’t happen, experiencing the warmth of summer, a crisp autumn day, or a rainy spring walk can help you feel connected to the living world and provide an escape from the rush of our modern life.