Hunter vs. Fisher: Which Photography Style Truly Makes Better Photos?

It’s funny how our brains function when we’re capturing images with a camera. Do you settle down and wait for something special to unfold, or do you actively seek out the perfect shot? This is a common question in photography that influences your entire creative process.

The main idea is this: Do you use Hunter vs. Fisher Photography Style for your photos?

In his video, Craig Robert from e6 Vlogs explores these two main methods. He points out that they relate not only to the fast-paced nature of street photography but also to the more thoughtful approach of landscape photography. You might be surprised to learn which style resonates with you.

Casting Your Line: The Patient Art of ‘Fishing’ for Photographs

Craig describes a street photographer as someone who picks a spot, perhaps in front of a great background or under an interesting light, and waits patiently for a person to come into view. It’s all about patience. You’ve checked the area and know it’s a good place for a shot. Now you need the right person to enter your frame.

He thinks this “fishing” method is also standard among landscape photographers. When you go out to capture a beautiful scene, you likely have an image in mind. You drive to a location you know offers a stunning view, get there, settle in, and wait, not for a person, but for the perfect light to illuminate the scene.

This approach is deliberate. The view has been selected. All you need to do is wait for the light to be just right. You have an idea of how you want it to look. When the light is perfect, you’ll be ready to take the shot.

I see a real beauty in this patience. It requires a lot of dedication to stay in one place for hours. However, Craig warns of a downside: if the perfect light doesn’t appear, you might leave without any good photos. You’ve invested time hoping for a specific result, and if luck isn’t on your side, you might walk away disappointed. Is this a commitment? Definitely. But is it the only way to capture great images? Not at all.

The Hunter’s Adrenaline: Actively Chasing the Perfect View

Craig mentions that he used to be a fisherman, but that’s no longer the case. Now he sees himself as a photographic “hunter.” This change highlights your active approach to capturing images.

A “hunter” is constantly moving, searching for their “prey” in a shifting landscape. When you spot something interesting, you take an active role in making the shot happen. You may even choose to follow that subject. You’re not just watching, you’re involved.

In landscape photography, a hunting mindset means going out to seek views without focusing on specific hotspots. Instead, you plan a hike and wait to see what you discover. Craig finds that this approach adds excitement and welcomes the creative challenge.

This brings us to the concept of “un-photogenic” places. He enjoys visiting locations that others often ignore. You might go out when the light is ideal, like early morning or late evening, but you won’t know in advance what you’ll capture. That’s part of the adventure.

His main idea is clear. He doesn’t want a view served to him. He prefers to uncover it himself. The thrill comes from discovery, as you use your skills and intuition to find beauty in what might seem ordinary.

What if you set out for a five-mile hike and find nothing worth photographing? Craig believes that’s okay because he still enjoyed the walk, so the day wasn’t a complete loss. You got some exercise, cleared your mind, and enjoyed the outdoors. The absolute failure would be not going out at all.

The Quest for Originality: Why Uniqueness is the Ultimate Prize

Craig’s move from fishing to hunting isn’t just about wanting something new. It’s driven by a wish to stand out. He believes that altering his approach has enhanced his skills and creativity as a photographer.

Craig enjoys discovering subjects spontaneously, which challenges him to use his abilities and think quickly to capture the best image. He likes the thrill of working with tough compositions, making quick decisions about framing, lighting, and focus to transform an unexpected find into a meaningful photograph.

However, his main frustration comes from arriving at a sought-after spot at the perfect moment, only to see another photographer ready to take the same picture. To him, this feels like a letdown because it means his photo won’t be special.

If you opt for an “easy, guaranteed” viewpoint, he points out, you’re likely to be among many others. While you might end up with a technically great photo, it will resemble countless others taken in the exact location.

On the other hand, a view stumbled upon during a random walk is much more likely to be unique. It’s a capture that truly represents you, one that you discovered rather than one found in a travel guide.

This, it seems, is the essence of this Hunter vs. Fisher photography style argument: the tension between uniqueness and technical skill. The fisherman bets on good lighting at a known spot but risks losing originality. The hunter takes chances with each shot, but when he succeeds, his image is likely to be one of a kind.

What Kind of Photographer Are You, Really?

We’ve all experienced both sides of photography. Sometimes you know you need to capture that famous landmark at sunset, which means you’ll need patience, some planning, and a bit of luck for the perfect lighting. Then there are days when you stroll with your camera, letting your curiosity guide you, ready to snap any moment of mesmerizing light or unexpected beauty that comes your way.

Craig emphasizes the joy of being a hunter, the excitement of the chase, and the reward of capturing a unique shot. He believes that the process of discovering and composing images on the spot is what truly improves his skills as a photographer.

I can relate to this view. The photos I cherish most in my collection are rarely the easy ones. They are the ones I worked hard for. Those shots often required me to get a bit messy, climb unexpected hills, or turn away from the usual sights to find something interesting that others missed. Earning that perfect shot feels really satisfying.

I think that photography is an active pursuit, no matter your approach. Whether you wait for the perfect moment to arrive or chase the scene with the determination of a climber, you’re choosing what kind of artist you want to be. Craig invites you to think about it: “Which are you? A hunter like me, or someone who enjoys casting a line?”

There’s no right or wrong answer. Hunter vs. Fisher photography styles need skill and commitment. But if you’re growing weary of taking the same photos as everyone else, it might be time to put on your boots, leave the tripod behind, and seek out new adventures. Your next truly unique image could be just a few miles away.

[Do you HUNT or FISH for your photographs? I e6 Vlogs; Image credits: Envato]

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