Can photographers pre-visualize complete camera settings of a scene in their heads?

Question

Can an experienced photographer walking down the street with no equipment visualize exactly what settings would work with a particular lens/body to capture a scene at that moment in time?

Similarly could they blindly (without aid of equipment) mentally "snap" photos while vocally stating the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focal length of the shot? How fast can they do this?

If this is possible, personal experiences or professionals who write about this capability would be appreciated.

Similar question just focusing in on sensor size here: How can I visualize or simulate the effect of different focal lengths?

Answer

Yes, in general with enough experience you can look at a scene and judge the settings. You wont be exactly right all of the time, but you'll be close a vast majority of the time. It's part experience, part learning not to trust your eyes.

There's a finite number of situations to deal with as human beings have a limited window of light levels that are comfortable. Provided you are constantly aware of what settings you are using in different situations (i.e. by looking at the shutter speed/aperture/ISO in the viewfinder) you'll eventually get a feel for what settings go with what situation (dusk, midday, office, concert etc.)

As I said earlier you have to learn to distrust your eyes. The eyes/brain are far too good at adjusting for varying light levels. The difference between midday and after the sun goes down but still light enough for most people to see where they're going unaided is huge. You have to override what you see and think: even though it still looks light, it's getting late and the light levels have probably dropped right off...

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