Getting to know your favorite "Friends"

Confluence, Lewis Creek,
Sierra National Forest, California 2010

1.6 sec at f/22, focal length: 26mm, ISO 50, Aperture Priority, +1/3EV,
- 23 March 2010 4:38 pm PDT. Photographed with Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4L, tripod mounted.


I decided to go for a short hike yesterday after work along one of my favorite nearby trails. If you've been following this blog for a while, you may recognize that I photograph along Lewis Creek quite often. A couple of images have even made it into my 'Luminous Spirit' portfolio. My reasoning for mentioning this is to express the importance of returning to a location over and over again. Familiarity with a subject or location raises your chances of success when the right moment presents itself.

Remember though, that familiarity is not an excuse for laziness. It is just as important to not become comfortable. What I mean is that while returning to these locations repeatedly you should also be pushing yourself to try new compositions, return at various times of day in different light, making an effort to see things with a fresh set of eyes each and every time. It's OK to repeat a composition, especially if it is a good one and in better light than what you'd done before, but don't get stuck returning to that composition over and over again.

And finally, PAUSE, BREATHE, LOOK, LISTEN, ENJOY. Remember why it is that you like to return to your favorite spot again and again. Hold on to that thought dearly.