I received the comment below regarding my recent post titled “Inspiration”.
For me, the sensory overload of being in a new place to photograph is almost too much. What to do: the light, the composition, the new colors, the new animals, birds—it’s overwhelming; it’s too exciting! It’s hard for me to settle and find my niche. That’s why I enjoy visiting a place repeatedly if possible to savor the nuances and tease those issues out. Each artist approaches those issues differently— Catherine d'Alessio.
Catherine has been on a couple of my workshops and I consider her to be a terrific photographer. She brings up some really good points and I want to respond more in-depth to her below.
I agree that if you go to a location for the first time you my feel overwhelmed as Catherine suggests and there may be too much to focus on at one time and you may miss a lot of good material. Going back to a photo spot allows a second chance or a more relaxed photo session as you have most likely gotten all of the iconic and obvious shots out of the way allowing you to dig deeper and concentrate on the soul of your subject. As Catherine goes on to point out that this is different for each artist. I agree.
That said, I do like the excitement that a new location brings. I pack and repack my bags; I anxiously go over my camera gear and wait patiently for the travel day… well maybe not patiently! When I arrive at a new spot I scout the scene looking for my target subject. I love the blank canvas without any preconceived ideas of what I’ll photograph. To me that is the time that I most enjoy…