In the fall of 2006 I drove to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a weeklong photo shoot.  It was my third time to visit the area for photography, having shot there with a group of others in 2002 and 2003.  This time, however, I was on my own.  It would be my first overnight photo shoot alone.  Since then, heading off for extended photo trips by myself has been the norm rather than the exception.

I feel that there are clear advantages, at least for me, that come with solo shooting and I want to share them, as well as some of the disadvantages that are an inherent part of heading into the field by yourself.

The most important benefit, as I see it, from going out with my gear by myself is…I end up with better images, on balance, in comparison with when I shoot with others.  I presume that this doesn’t apply to everyone, but it certainly was self-evident to me when I returned from that Upper Peninsula trip in 2006.  When I’m out by myself I’m able to focus entirely on photography, with no concerns about anyone else’s needs or desires.  I decide where to go, how long to stay, when to quit, whether to wait out the light, whether to go around the next bend in the trail, whether to see if I can find a better vantage point…you get the idea.  I’m in full control of everything, and I find that incredibly enabling and an undeniable boon to personal creativity.

If I want to return to a certain spot at a different time, no else has to agree to it; I just go.

If I want to skip dinner to take full advantage of evening light (something I almost invariably do when I’m on these shoots, by the way), I just skip it.

If I want to spend the “bad light” time in the middle of the day scouting a new location, I simply head off.

If I want to hike to an overlook in the dark to be at “the spot” at civil twilight, no one has to approve.

I never have to wait on anyone.  There’s no one to blame for arriving “late” at a location.  There’s no one to inadvertently wander into my shot.  If I want to change plans at the last minute, there’s no need to consult anyone.  If I want to linger somewhere, I don’t have to clear the idea with anyone else.

Not incidentally, the opportunity to experience the grandeur of beautiful places in complete solitude can be indescribably wonderful.  All of the images accompanying this writing were photographed under such circumstances and simply viewing the photos allows me to return to the moment of capture and all of the associated pseudo-spiritual emotions.

Of course, there are some definite negatives to going it alone.  If you’re not the kind of person who enjoys solitude, you’re going to get lonely and bored pretty quickly.  There’s also a potential safety downside associated with being by yourself; if something happens to you when you’re out at some remote location, for instance, you may have a long wait for assistance.  Some people simply don’t feel secure being out by themselves.  And being with others can, in some instances, mitigate the expenses incumbent in shooting excursions.  Depending on your personality, circumstances and predilections, the negatives of shooting by yourself may outweigh the positives.

I don’t want to oversell the point.  I’ve had a good time shooting with small groups in the past and I occasionally head out on a day shoot with one of several friends with whom my shooting style is entirely compatible, mitigating all or most of the “negatives” listed below.  But I invariably find that my best shooting—and my most memorable moments—come when I’m alone in the field.

If you’re of like mind, give it a try.  You may find yourself as enamored with the experience I am.

Thursday Tips is written by Kerry Mark Leibowitz, a guest blogger on 1001 Scribbles, and appears every other Thursday.  To read more of his thoughts on photography, please visit his blog:  Lightscapes Nature Photography.