There are thousands of photos in your own backyard

Old Tire Swing

Vacant Home

We might end up calling this week’s collection of blogs “inspirational thoughts by John”…;) I must admit, I’ve been slightly pensive this week. It’s probably because I’ve been visiting family and handling a few other responsibilities, but it’s made me realize a few things about myself. Every time I visit my hometown with a “fresh pair of eyes ” it reminds me of all the images I’ve taken for granted throughout the years. I find myself saying, ”hmmm, I didn’t notice that shot before.” I have a tendency to take some things for granted and to write-off familiar locations. I know it sounds crazy but how often have you said, “there’s nothing to shoot in my town?” Hell, even in Chicago I can fall into the trap of thinking there’s nothing interesting to photograph. I know it’s laughable, but it happens. We all know it’s human nature to think grass is always greener on the other side. As photographers, I think it’s our nature to believe there’s always a better shot anywhere but in our own backyard. The reality is there are thousands of photographs within 100 yards of either direction of where you are sitting right this moment. Here are few suggestions that will work better than eye drops in giving you fresh view: 1. Change up style; if you like shooting landscapes/people, consider shooting macro/architectural shots. 2. Do you shoot primarily color? Then consider BW or vice versa. 3. Google images of your area and see what other people are taking photos of in your region. 4. Go out with a friend and let them lead the way. Your friend might surprise you with a fresh perspective on the area. Lastly, break your habits. Do you drive everywhere you go to shoot? Well consider walking. Go down a new street. Venture into a neighborhood you’ve never visited. Change the times of day you shoot. Go to a train station. Go to a bus stop. Visit a new park. Take a walk on campus. You get the drift. There are tons of photos right in our own backyard. It’s just seeing them for the first time that takes a little work.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 9:07 am. It is filed under General, Inspirational and tagged with backyard. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.