Living in Iowa and trying to become a photographer specializing in landscape can be quite a challenge, mainly because the corn state lacks geographical variation.

Although landscapes in the Midwest tend to be quite similar, either farm fields or highways, sometimes I find distinctive character in the hills or lakes. To make some of my landscape shots, I have traveled up to four hours away to shoot within a 10-minute time frame. I tend to travel with a few of my friends to state parks or to the countryside to go on adventures and take photos along the way.

Being at the right place at the right time is decisive in any style of photography. I often leave early to seek the right destinations so I can set up early to avoid missing the moment I am attempting to photograph. I have missed plenty of beautiful sunsets/sunrises due to being on the spot only five minutes before the best moment.

One time my friends and I drove three hours to Devil's Lake, Wisconsin, to climb the purple quartz rock around the lake. After we found a crazy-looking road that hung over a bunch of rocks, we decided to photograph the scene at sunset. The position enabled us to look over the lake with the sunset in the background. We managed to leave this spot to climb higher because of the spare time until sunset. However, we did not mark the route so we ended up almost missing the sunset entirely. Once we found the place, it was stressful getting lights and cameras set up in the limited time. Still, looking back on the photos, they are some of my best shots though they could have been so much better if I would have been prepared and managed my time wisely.

Questions:
question_stem: How does the author deal with the challenge as a landscape photographer in the Midwest?
choices: tag: A
text: By teaming up with other photographers.

tag: B
text: By shooting in the countryside or state parks.

tag: C
text: By studying the geographical conditions.

tag: D
text: By creating settings in the corn fields.
answer_key: B

question_stem: What is the key to successful landscape photography according to the author?
choices: tag: A
text: Proper time management.

tag: B
text: Good shooting techniques.

tag: C
text: Adventurous spirit.

tag: D
text: Distinctive styles.
answer_key: A

question_stem: What can we infer from the author's trip with friends to Devil's Lake?
choices: tag: A
text: They went crazy with the purple quartz rock.

tag: B
text: They felt stressed while waiting for the sunset.

tag: C
text: They reached the shooting spot later than expected.

tag: D
text: They had problems with their equipment.
answer_key: C

question_stem: How does the author find his photos taken at Devil's Lake?
choices: tag: A
text: Amusing.

tag: B
text: Satisfying.

tag: C
text: Encouraging.

tag: D
text: Comforting.
answer_key: B