Why am I missing it?

[cwgrizz]

Probably none of you have the same problem as I have recently discovered that I have. With Scott, STM, being in AZ and seeing his photos, I have realized that familiarity can become a negative factor for the creativity of photographers. I have lived in the same area for the majority of my life. The cactus and mountains are pretty, but I have become so accustomed to seeing them that I see something that could make a good picture, but figure I can get it anytime. I find myself wanting to go other places to photograph, but ignore what I have around me. I need to learn to see the beauty in the things I see every day.

Have any of you had or realized that you may have fallen into the same trap?

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

Probably none of you have the same problem as I have recently discovered that I have. With Scott, STM, being in AZ and seeing his photos, I have realized that familiarity can become a negative factor for the creativity of photographers. I have lived in the same area for the majority of my life. The cactus and mountains are pretty, but I have become so accustomed to seeing them that I see something that could make a good picture, but figure I can get it anytime. I find myself wanting to go other places to photograph, but ignore what I have around me. I need to learn to see the beauty in the things I see every day.

Have any of you had or realized that you may have fallen into the same trap?

Yes....I've got the same problem....although Central NC is not very scenic. We have mountains about 4 hours to the west,and the ocean about 4 hours to the east. Not much here....boring pictures is the result. I constantly look for things to photograph.

 

[traceyjj]

I too feel that way from time to time. I live within walking distance of some fairly historic places, but to me they are commonplace/normal and I have seen them photographed from many different angles (mainly MUCH better than I could do). I tend to take my camera "out" with me when I am going somewhere different/doing something different...

Thanks for posting this. I have decided to TRY to capture more of my home town and surrounding area, and generally make sure I have my camera with me more often!

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

Yeah...another problem I have is I have no desire to just drive around and look for pictures. In my daily travels, I really don't pass anything photo worthy. I mean, I could stop and take pictures of buildings being built, and all the bulldozers, etc., but nothing really stands out. I could go to Duke Gardens, and I have posted pictures from there. You have to be careful there because they want to charge professionals, or those that look like they have professional gear. In the winter, not much happening there. I am going to do as Marilynne does and seek out some wetlands around here. I might get lucky, who knows?

 

[WayneF]

It is a big problem, and I certainly do not mean to minimize it. "Someplace else" does always seem better. But there are things in our backyards that we have not seen yet.

 

[Horoscope Fish]

I've been taught a big part of getting better at photography means learning to "see", as opposed to looking. It's something I'm working on, though it's difficult for me, I admit.

...

 

[cwgrizz]

I laughed at myself years ago when I realized something similar to my photography dilemma. We were forever travelling to other states to see the "famous tourist attractions" when we hadn't seen the ones around our home. For example, I grew up in Southern Arizona and still live there. I have yet to see Kartchner Caverns. I was 20 something before I saw the Grand Canyon. I have yet to go to Antelope Canyon up north on the Navajo Reservation, which many great photographs have been taken. And then for the Saguaro Cactus. I grew up literally in the middle of a Saguaro Cactus forest surrounded by mountains upwards of 11000' elevations. Sure I took pictures, but not real photographs. I think HF nailed it with his statement of "learning to "see", as opposed to looking. The other thing is to "slow down and smell the roses" when you can.

I walk the same path (1/4 mile square) two or three times a day. I do take my camera 95% of the time, but I don't always slow down to "SEE" I have not developed the vision that many of you have. Some of you can take what looks like just a stick to me and make it an interesting, attention getting, beautiful photo. One day I will get there, maybe. Ha!

 

[cwgrizz]

@Traceyjj, maybe this is something I will (if I can get the courage to try) add to the 52 in 2015 challenge, Take most of my pictures close to home. Say, within XX miles from home.

 

[Blacktop]

The mountains and rivers around here give me plenty to shoot, but I do get bored sometimes. I would love to go back to the Southwest one day for about a month. Utah,Arizona, New Mexico.
Also I have never been to Glacier National park, or to Alaska. That would be a photo trip of a lifetime.

 

[Woodyg3]

I live in a really beautiful part of Colorado, and grew up in the same area. I do take it for granted at times. When driving around, my wife, who grew up in Chicago, will mention how beautiful the mountains look on a particular day, and I'll realize I hadn't even looked.

I've much better in the past couple of years at recognizing the beauty "in my own back yard," but it's just human nature to think that the grass is always greener on the other side.

 

[Horoscope Fish]

I walk the same path (1/4 mile square) two or three times a day. I do take my camera 95% of the time, but I don't always slow down to "SEE" I have not developed the vision that many of you have.

One of my instructors gave me three "assignments" that have no completion: "My Street", "My Block" and "My City". He then shaved my head before explaining when I could snatch the pebble from his hand, it would be time for me to leave...
...

 

[Marilynne]

We have no mountains or rivers in my neck of FL, but lots of canals. Pedaling pass the canals, there's usually something different to see. I do walk Green Cay or Wakodahatchee Wetlands quite often. Right now, the wildlife is migrating to our area and the mating rituals are starting. Keep your eyes open and carry your camera everywhere. Pretend it's the first time you've been there and view it as a tourist. Most of us haven't seen your part of the world and it may be "old" to you, but not to us.

 

[wornish]

I don't get out much and I am constantly surprised at what is right in my own back yard.
I am often very envious of some of the locations that people share on here. But, you have what you have and I try and make the best of it.

there is a whole new world in macro that can be explored without going anywhere, and it really is amazing.

 

[sonicbuffalo_RIP]

One of my instructors gave me three "assignments" that have no completion: "My Street", "My Block" and "My City". He then shaved my head before explaining when I could snatch the pebble from his hand, it would be time for me to leave...
...

Well said, weedhopper!