The mark of a professional is paying attention to the details. However, there are times when the need to get the shot is the primary concern regardless of the lighting or the background. For example, Press/Editorial photographers on assignment will attempt to position themselves for the shot to eliminate noisy or highly reflective backgrounds, open up the Aperture and increase the ISO to blur the background and increase the shutter speed. Depending on the environment they may also use flash to freeze the action and create catch-lights in the eyes of their subject. While capturing a unique expression can significantly improve the image getting the shot is critical.

     Landscape, Nature, Fine Art and Studio photographers are generally not faced with such a fast paced situation. Slowing your methodology down will result in time to plan and select your best shooting angle, composition and environment.

     Hot spots, spectular highlights and certain reflections can quickly draw the eye away from the main subject of your image...turning what otherwise would have been a great image into fodder for the trash can. 

    If I am creating nature images such as the one above my favorite set ups will allow me to shoot from a distance making it easier to make changes in my location, composition, perspective and background for my image. I generally use a Digital SLR camera set to manual mode, tri-pod, manual focus, mirror locked-up and remote cable release. Lens of choice is 80-200mm f2.8 or 80-400mm f4.0 lens

     There are a number of ways to control hotspots and unwanted reflections in your images. The first and most obvious step is to look through your viewfinder for significant bright areas in the background. Depress your depth of field preview button if your camera is so equipped and scan the background for unwanted bright areas. Change your shooting position, use a circular polarizer to eliminate reflections, opening up your lens to it's maximum aperture will keep your subject sharp and blur the background. You may also use fill flash to increase the light on your subject and darken your background.

     The next step of course is get out and create some images.