April 07, 2026

024 Does Hit Rate Matter in Nature Photography?

54 minutes

In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey talk about nature photography hit rate, keeper rate, and whether taking fewer photos actually means you are becoming a better landscape photographer.

They dig into the difference between intentional landscape photography and the old spray and pray approach, how culling photos after a trip can shape your view of success, and why a low hit rate is not always a bad thing. If you have ever wondered how many photos you should come home with, how many should be keepers, or whether your process in the field is actually helping you grow, this one is for you.

This episode also gets into creative experimentation, slowing down in the field, using your phone to test compositions, revisiting old files, and why comparing your photography process to someone else usually is not very helpful.

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Highlights

What photography hit rate really means

Whether a higher keeper rate actually matters

The difference between intentional shooting and spray and pray

Why experimentation can lower your hit rate for good reasons

How Michael and Jeffrey think about culling after a trip

Why revisiting old images can change what counts as a keeper

Why your photography process has to work for you