The power of previsualization

The moment was exactly how I envisioned it.

Well, almost.

There’s one technique that sits at the heart of my photography – and it has also helped me manage anxiety and navigate life as an autistic person.

It’s called previsualization.

In my photography, it means imagining and framing a shot before I even pick up my camera.

Days before I go out for a sunrise shoot, I start planning.

First, I pick a landmark – London’s Tower Bridge, in this case.

Before heading out, I use Google Street View to get a feel for the area and mentally walk the route from the nearest metro station to the bridge.

I always feel a bit nervous in unfamiliar places, especially in crowded cities like London, so previsualizing the route helps me feel more grounded.

Then come the details:

🧭 I use an app, The Photographer’s Ephemeris, to track the sun’s direction at sunrise, helping me pinpoint where to stand for the best light.

📍 Next, I visit the location in advance to scout the ideal vantage point, marking it in another app (MapsME, which I recommend for offline use).

📷 I try a few possible frames and pick my preferred one.

⌚ On the way back, I time the walk to the nearest metro station on my watch.

🌤️ Then I check the forecast for the best chance of colorful light – ideally on a partly cloudy morning.

💨 Crucially, I also check wind predictions: for still reflections, the wind needs to stay below 10 km/h.

⏱️ Finally, I plan the morning itself – in this case, catching the first metro at 5:12 a.m. and reaching my marked spot by 5:36, well ahead of the 5:51 sunrise.

I do all this planning for one shot.

Then, planning meets reality.

I have to surrender to the moment, and let go of what I cannot control.

But having imagined the frame in advance helps me immerse myself in the beauty of the early morning sun when it arrives.

Things don’t always work out. But when they do, it’s a feeling that’s hard to describe. It’s as if the whole universe, chaotic and unpredictable, suddenly falls into place.

There are always details that don’t quite match the ideal picture. The water wasn’t as calm that morning as I’d hoped. But those imperfections become part of what makes the moment unique.

After years of honing this kind of planning through my photography, I’ve learned that previsualization can be just as helpful in other areas of life.

I use it in my work as a speaker – arriving early and imagining a full room helps me control anxiety before going on stage.

I use it when meeting new people – reading about them in advance and picturing myself asking questions helps me feel prepared, especially since thinking on the spot can be be hard for me.

Life is inherently unpredictable, and that’s what makes it worth living. It can surprise and delight us in ways we don’t expect.

But often, the magic happens when chance meets preparation.