There is Shooting and then there is Shooting

Digital cameras are reasonable versatile and almost everyone has one.  I am seeing more and more great shots by people as they use their camera's more.   Not that many years ago if you shot a picture you would have to complete the roll of film, take it to be developed and then see your results.  In many cases it might be years before you take your film for processing.  I recall when I had a dark room processing as many as 30 rolls at a time.  Not that I took that many pictures at a time, it was I had let them build up over a year or so.  Then there is the expense.  It was at least 3-6 dollars to get a roll of film developed and even the dark room had expense.  Now we shoot see the results and adjust and keep moving.

I spoke with a person who went on vacation to Europe and had taken over 1000 photos in only 7 days.  This isn't necessarily bad if you have tons of time to review them and edit them.  In this case the individual ended up with about 140 shots they liked and kept.   I define this a "Persistence" photography.  You just keep shooting hoping you get a good shot.
Then there is "Lucky" photography.  I have some of these.  You see a shot at the right time and right place, there is no particular planning it is just there.  You grab it and  you got lucky.  You wont take as many shots this way and you will always have to be prepared with your camera to get these shots.  Certainly this is still photography and you can capture some great shots and photography can be more challenging....
Then there is the "intentional photographer'.  This is where you fully integrate the understanding of your camera, photography, and lighting to take the picture you choose when you want it.  You understand terms like f-stop, apeture, shutter speed, white balance, and more.    And know how to use your equipment to achieve your desired results.
Many people are happy to stay in the Persistence mode and that is fine, as is staying lucky.  I find the biggest challenge is to move into intentional photography.   I am finding more time is spent studying, my equipment, lighting, and sun location at different seasons and times of day.  The photograph becomes the result of a reasoned disciplined approach.   It is the ultimate photographic challenge.