Location, location, location
Wayne Lorimer (wjlorimer)
Keywords: inspiration, practice, landscape, creativity, theory
It is said that “familiarity breeds contempt”. We live in a world that demands constant change if we are to remain engaged or interested. Today, children’s attention spans are measured not in hours or minutes, but in seconds. As a culture, we are continually bombarded by imagery designed to challenge, confront or confuse our senses. We are part of the ‘been there, done that’ generation of adrenaline junkies always on the lookout for the next big thing or latest fad. Photography is not immune to this constant wave of challenge and change. Social media sites like Flickr and 500PX, as inspirational as they may be, only fuel the fire of constant image bombardment. As a result, most photographers struggle to find their own style, their own ‘voice’, which will help them to stand out from the ever-expanding crowd.
Lake Mahinapua Sunrise. Nikon D300. F16 @ 6th sec, ISO 200. © Wayne Lorimer 2009
Click for an enlargement
With this in mind, it’s no wonder that many look to far off lands for visual inspiration. We tell ourselves that our photographs would be so much better if we could travel the world, visit exotic locations and capture strange cultures. Variety, then, becomes the spice of life. Shoot as many different themes, topics or locations as you can in as short a time as possible, and you’ll end up with an amazing portfolio of images. Really?
I want to suggest that there is a different approach that we can take in the journey to becoming a better photographer. One that will help us to slow down, see creatively, and build up a body of work over time. And it all happens in your own back yard.
Lake Mahinapua Dawn. Nikon D300. F11 @ 10th sec, ISO 200. © Wayne Lorimer 2010
Click for an enlargement
To read the rest of the article, please log in. This article is available to all Silver, Gold and Platinum Nikonians members. If you are not registered yet, please do so. To discover the world of Nikonians and the advantages of being a registered member, take our short discovery tour.
More articles that might interest you
G
8 comments
Marsha Edmunds (meadowlark2) on September 15, 2017
In putting a few articles together for Nikonians I have found people often expressing hesitance as they photograph mostly in their local area. Turns out that they have wonderful collections and have the advantage of seeing their world in such a variety of conditions they take some real fantastic shots. Sometimes we take for granted what is around us. Nicely put together article and a great message worth reconsidering often.
Claire Archer (Carcher) on September 15, 2017
I enjoyed reading this article and being reminded, I the lake nearby offers many perspectives if I'll just take a look from a different perspective.
Hennie Kotze (Rooihennie) on September 9, 2017
Great article Wayne. Reading it reminded me of what the French novelist, Marcel Proust, once wrote: "The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
Bonnie Christensen (BChrisRad) on September 7, 2017
Very nice article, Wayne. It is a good reminder that one does not have to travel to exotic places to get great photos. I also totally agree with photographing the same location gives one practice in a way that constant change does not. On the other hand, you are fortunate to live in a very scenic place. I remember being quite content to take photos from my rented apartment (always during NZ winters) in Wanaka of Lake Wanaka and the mountains. Thank you for the article and timely reminders.
Geoff Baylis (GBaylis) on September 6, 2017
Thanks for the article Wayne - you've given us all food for thought. I experienced a 'snapshot' of that approach last year for an exhibition where each photographer chose a 100m by 10m section of the Exmoor National Park and spent a whole day photographing from within that perimeter. Geoff
John D. Roach (jdroach) on September 5, 2017
100% agree with your statement, "Photographing the same location on a regular basis gives a photographer the chance to hone their skills in a way that constant change does not allow for". I have done that for years like a local lake or lagoon in different seasons, time of day, weather, etc. and it is rewarding with different options created, etc.. Nice article....thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Andy Stowell (The Shooter) on September 5, 2017
Nice article Wayne. Although, I thought it ironic that you live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. :-)
David Summers (dm1dave) on September 5, 2017
Another great article Wayne!