I have been exploring Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the surrounding area for twenty five years plus. This odd thing started occurring last year. Part of it may have been driven by the launch of my new photo card sets. The best way to describe it is that it feels like a battle with familiarity.
Heading into the park to take photographs has become somewhat difficult. I actually started feeling disconnected from the park earlier last year. The best reason I can come up with is the phrase “been there done that.” There are so many places that are familiar in the park that I do not get the urge to stop to enjoy them.
One of my objectives for 2017 is to start finding new ways to reconnect to RMNP. I do have a list of hikes that I have not done. Perhaps, new locations will spark a new way to capture the park. Scouting new locations may even include a few places outside of RMNP. I am already trying to figure out how to capture the solar eclipse in August!
I also noticed that some of my photos have certain characteristics that are familiar from photo to photo. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because it lends to my style. However, it does not hurt to try new perspectives and techniques to capture photos. This could include trying new lenses or accessories.
How do I make familiar places new again? The answer is simple – start stopping at them again. The other solution is to step outside the comfort zone and try something not familiar. Either way, it will be good to start overcoming this battle with familiarity.
JUST PhotographIN' 