Finding the Time

Taken back in February, this was one of those 'race to make it in time for sunset' shots. It was also one of those times I felt like I was just going through the motions. I was going to the same old spot, photographing the same old subject.

But I am learning something about myself and about creativity and feeling good about photography. It has little to do with "the same old spots" or "the same old subject". What it IS all about, is time. If I have time to wander the beach (or where ever I am), if I have time to watch the conditions change and unfold before me, I become more in tune with my surroundings. The landscape becomes more meaningful because I am not rushed into a formulaic style of photography.

In this day and age, many of us lead busy lives and taking the time to do photography can be challenging. Setting aside ample time to explore your landscapes will undoubtedly improve your photography. Even if the location you visit is one you have spent numerous hours or days at, you will see things you may have missed on all your previous visits. When you are rushed, you tend to see the same things you saw before, the obvious choices.

Growth in photography, and life, comes from the wealth of experience we draw from the past. But don't lose sight of the new experiences to add to that wealth. Take the time to explore and enjoy every minute of those precious moments we strive to capture with our cameras.