Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, the availability of low priced memory cards at one's fingertips and explosive shutter speeds can lead to rapid-firing of photos by loads of photographers. The concept is this - the more image captures I make, the higher chance there is that I come back with a prize winner. And this may ring true for some, but not for me.

I tend to subscribe to the school of thought that it's important to take a little time to set up a shot. Now, when I'm talking about this process, I'm mostly referring to shooting nature photography, since setting up for a portrait involves thinking through things like off camera lighting. But, when I'm in the field shooting nature, I spend a lot more time with my camera at my side just looking and envisioning shots than I do hammering away at my shutter. I take the time to frame out a shot and think through what I want out of it. Now, when I settle on a shot I like, I do experiment with bracketing, ISOs and depth of field. In other words, I don't limit myself to one or two exposures. But, at the end of the day, I generally come back with a series of "scenes" that I've chosen instead of thousands of disparate images.

One of the best ideas I've heard was from a photography professor who, for an assignment, challenged his class to go out and shoot, but only take 5 photos. This forced his students to be judicious with each capture - making each one count. And there are other ways to encourage constraint, including only venturing out with a small memory card. Personally, I think anything that forces you to stop and think is worthwhile.

Anyhow, that's my preferred method. Your mileage may vary.