Slow down and look before pressing the shutter release
Shooting large format has made me a lot more aware of what's in the viewfinder or ground glass. It's also made me more aware of exposure and the benefits of the zone system. I'm retired and on a fixed income, and sheet film isn't exactly cheap, so I've got to make every shot count. Also, it's disappointing when you develop film you shot 700 miles from home and you immediately see things you should have done differently. But, the scene you shot is 700 miles away; you can't go back tomorrow & reshoot.
Here are 2 examples of what I'm talking about.
1. In Norris Lake State Park, Norris Tennessee, there's a sheer rock wall about 100 feet high at the marina. There's a lot of textures in the rock, Kudzu hanging from the top, and trees at the bottom. Looked good to me. BUT - it's early morning, overcast & hazy. A very low contrast scene that calls for plus development. I didn't, and got a very flat photograph. Even printing at grade 5 didn't help much.
2. At the Chickamauga battlefield in Northern Georgia is the Brotherton house, a Civil War era cabin. The texture of the logs and the shakes on the roof are gorgeous. The stone chimney is beautifully detailed. The light is good. BUT - it's in the 90's and I'm dripping sweat all over the inside of the dark cloth. Let's get the shot & get back in the air conditioned car. Got home & developed the film - OOPS! I cut off one corner of the roof!! I could have also used some tilt to make sure the walls looked vertical.
Two nice shots messed up. Slow down and look first.