Why I'm Moving Away From Traditional Landscape Photography
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Join Kim as she heads to the coast to photograph images that she feels a deep emotional connection to.
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A good photographer always keeps an open mind when it comes to subject matter. Follow your feelings Kim xx
Great advice Mark! Thanks 😊👍🏻
Beautifully honest message, Kim. It gives us all an insight to our own personal journey through photography, which does evolve with time, and that it’s okay to change direction if that’s what our inner voice is telling us.
Thank you Martin. Nice to hear it resonates with you
I totally agree with you Kim. I have often gone out with the idea of getting the the big picture landscape photography. Only to stand and watch as the sunrises or sets. Coming away with photographs of things that caught my eye and drew me to photograph them. I find myself more often than not photographing the landscape within the landscape. I predominantly shoot in black and white. I love how it makes you look at a scene/ location differently. I loved your black and white images of the sand.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Neil. It's lovely to read how you connect to the landscape and how you enjoy to photograph it. Black and white it certainly fun way to see the world differently
“Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual.” - Edward Weston. You seem to embody this statement wholeheartedly.
I tend to do Wildlife Photography, but recently have turned to Macro and really enjoying it as it brings me such a lot of inner peace, Never really done Landscape apart from the odd pic but I have to say watching your channel gives me lots of idea's for the future, Thank you Kim.
Lovely to hear! Thank you for your kind words and for sharing 🙏
I think they call it evolving and growing! Definitely appreciate how open you are about your journey with photography. You are a good source of inspiration. Many things you talk about go beyond photography. Thank you.
Thank you Diane. Lovely to hear you gain some inspiration from the videos ☺️
Lovely 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 being someone who seem to have “lost” his Mojo at the moment I can really relate to this video, thanks for posting it, you make a brilliant therapist, your thoughts, your insights and calming voice, I thank you for all, much appreciated 🙏
Lovely to hear you enjoyed the video Roger. Thank you also for your kind words.
it happens to most photographers , there's so much out there to see and photograph ,nice you start it never stops , enjoy it
Very true Mick ☺️🙏
Hi Kim, that's the benefit of photography we can change at any time what we feel more drawn to ...
Very true Brian ☺️🙏
Hi Kim, I lost my love of landscape photography when I sadly had to let my mode of transport go! And I also found it difficult trying to replicate the work done by the pros and their expensive gear. Good luck with your new venture.
Thank you for an honest and open video of where you’re at. I think we all move through life in a flow that changes, what used to interest me 10 years ago now does not hold that same fire in my heart. I’m not sure it’s a forever farewell to these things but moving into other areas using the skills and passions from what you have done. I found with my work I had backed myself into a corner, feeling trapped (by my own choice) and once I realised this I felt free to make other choices, flow into another area of self expression.
None of us are one thing, we are such an eclectic mix of our lives experiences - I love eclectic 😊 and look forward to watching you grow in other areas.
Just want to say a big thank you for your inspiration, I’ve only been following you a short while but grateful for what I’ve learned and grateful for your inspiration without which I wouldn’t be doing as much photography, I wouldn’t be enjoying life in quite the same way.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your thoughts. We certainly are all going through change, adapting and evolving. It's exciting to follow the path and see where things take us! Delighted that I can be of some inspiration to you in your own journey.
This resonates with me. It's the artist in us that comes out. I have changed things up over the last few years as I now capture images in infrared. It really has changed the way I see the world even when I go out and capture regular visible light pictures. Thank you for sharing your video.
Well, that's a nice house you used to live in. I love the 'drama' in the scenes, created by the changing light, which may make some nice black & white shots?
Thanks for the suggestion Phil. Glad you love the drama.
Thank you, Kim for sharing what you see and how you experience the moment. It's like seeing nature with your eyes. And camera. Poetry in light.
Having recently moved home I’m having to reevaluate my photography and one place that is giving me inspiration is a local tidal salt marsh within a nature reserve where the range of birds is so diverse and inspiring. Like you I hate the bad press the gulls get which as you rightly say is of our making.
Lovely to hear you are enjoying photographing your local tide marsh. That habitat is such a lovely place to explore and seek inspiration 😊
When you talk about meaningful connections with your photography, It makes a lot of sense. Bird Photography is amazing! Love your bird shots Kim, including the Puffins! Raptors are challenging and fun to capture too.
I love your passion.
I find life likes to get in the way of my plans. So I often take the Semper Gumby (always flexible) approach. Light is always changing, no matter what time of day I like to find something unique in the moment and find a way to showcase it. One of my goals with my equipment is to use all of the tools they bring to get a fun, nice, unusual view of the world through my eyes.
This is lovely to hear! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and photographic process. The light certainly is always changing. It's great to be able to enjoy the moment
I believe that after you photograph the same subject over a period of time it's hard to get motivated especially if you do it for a living. I always photographed different subjects until I got involved in event photography, so even though I got paid for these events I basically covered my experiences, I had a full time job and wanted to do something when I retired and I did so for three years until I felt I was doing this for some one else and not me, so I'm going back to shoot for my self.
I really enjoyed this video. You can call this kind of photography "Natural Wonders." I love taking photo of clouds but when I have a bird suddenly appear as I shoot the picture, it makes it the more rewarding. As long as you are enjoying what you are doing, that is all that counts. To me, my photography hobby is a form of meditation and relaxation. Thank you for providing us with such wonderful material.
I relate very much to this, Kim. I’ve rarely sought the grand vistas as photography subjects, preferring to zoom in to vignettes within the landscape. But now, like you, I’m evolving again - this time back to my early days when I shot cars professionally for magazines and manufacturers. It combines my love of cars with landscapes, and oftentimes, architecture. We grow, we change, we evolve. In my book, that’s living on purpose. More power to you, Kim.
After watching Simon Booth's woodland photography, youtube algorithm came up with your video...and title captured my attention and watched your video for the first time. Really like your honesty and search for making an emotional connection with your shots. Really like the close up shots of the sand dunes on tbe coast, and seagulls in flight with the beautiful background of clouds with the lighting and colours. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to following your journey 😊
I remember I used to feel this weird pressure to only shoot landscapes because the internet said you should have a niche. Don't know why I blindly followed this. I like shooting what I like shooting, sometimes its landscape, sometimes street, wildlife ect. The important thing to keep it all together is making sure my style and voice is ever present in my work. To make sure it is true to me.
The process of expanding the subject matter of your photography, has resulted in more lovely images from a single outing. Thanks for sharing. Also, it allows you to appreciate outstanding wide view opportunities as they present themselves. Thanks again for sharing.
Your welcome! And thank you for your kind words 🙏
Loved this Kim! I really liked the image of you watching the beauty in the sky. That spoke to me. Poor gulls get such a bad reputation but they're a part of most peoples childhood. Who hasn't had their seaside chips stolen by a naughty gull. Thanks for another beautiful and thoughtful Sunday morning video ❤
Thank you May! ❤️
Keep following your heart, Kim and you can’t go wrong
A beautiful video with an important message I think. I started out as an aviation photographer and eventually I felt like I wanted to do something different. I dabbled in landscape photography but it didn't resonate with me as a hands on subject. Don't get me wrong there are some stunning landscape photographers and photography out there which I enjoy. Eventually I found wildlife photography and in particularly bird photography. I felt an instant connection and when I feel low I go out with my camera and I always come back feeling much much happier, more so than ever now after losing dad in March. Shoot what makes you happy.
It's lovely to hear you've found your passion in photography Matthew. Thank you for sharing. I'm delighted it brings you connection and much happiness ☺️
Photography - whether landscape, portrait, bird..architecture is a creative process that evolves over time and is very much about the “why” it provides that personal outlet of enjoyment and creativity. The answer to the why begins to guide you in different directions and over time you realize it’s a journey that may lead you to painting or something seemingly unrelated to that original excitement of landscapes. The one common thread however is that connection to nature and how it shapes your creative outlet. That’s been my experience.
Great stuff! Enjoy the evolution. I've gotten into ICM photography recently and its fired me up again.
there are Channels i can see, and there are Channels i should see. Your Channel is one i MUST see! Thank you Kim!
Love from Ontario, Canada! Watched this video on our TV screen a few days ago. Both of us, i.e., husband and wife, thought that you have carved out a niche for yourself in landscape photography. Especially, showing wildlife to augment landscapes can be very appealing for people like us who enjoy both wildlife and landscape genres. The fusion in any shape or form can be visually pleasing.
It's nice to spread your wings, I love the calmness of your wonderful channel, but I will miss your stunning Sea Scapes. Thanks for everything ❤
Kim, I have had the same feeling . I was on cruise some time ago when it was the formation of clouds, especially storm clouds that made me wake up and if there was an orange sunset thrown in or sunrise then what a bonus that turned out to be.. Keep up the good work and follow your path.
I agree Kim. While I'm trying to push myself to do a bit more landscapes, I think I might be more drawn to walking around and finding textures or vignettes rather than sweeping vistas.
Hi Kim always fun to do photography with someone else.........
From Australia 🇦🇺
Beautiful images and message. I’m still very early in my photography journey, but one of the reasons I love your channel is that you photograph everything. Feeling connected is what it’s all about. Mostly I photograph wildlife, but if anything moves me, that becomes my subject for the day. I’m really interested in macro these days, as there is so much to see if you look closely. If the spirit moves you, I’d love to see more macro!
As a landscape photographer l did not fall out of love with it but l found l could do bird photography without having to travel. It is challenging as they are not static scenes. It is possible to make a beautiful photo of the most common bird but my love is for raptors.
Wow, I’m excited for you and what you can do with your new direction in life and for this channel.
Maybe some urban landscapes?
Or capturing Scottish traditions before they fade into history/oblivion?
Of all the images you took, I liked the portrait. It gave a human interest which juxtaposed or complimented the skyline, depending on your perspective. The purple jacket worked well.
I can’t wait to see how you visualise Scotland next.
Just be true to yourself and be happy.
Thank you for your thoughts Frank
Kim, Looking forward to your journey.A most important fact "life is change".This is only one more step of many in your photographic career. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
You have to follow your heart Kim, I feel the same at the moment with landscapes. I was stood in the Peak District the other week setting up a composition and actually thought "what the hell am I doing here", as you say it just wasn't speaking to me, there was no connection. Anyway keep up the good work and I'm sure what ever images you make they'll be compelling. All the best Russ
Connecting emotionally to nature is so important for us, as we lose so much of ourselves in our daily grind. It's sad that this grind tends to push human's into the mindset that creatures are pests and not worthy of even living. When we are the very reason for their new behaviours. I am so glad that with your photography you can show the delight of the gulls in flight. They were my favourite images and emotional connections is what photography and art is all about
Thank you Dianne 😊🙏
I used to photograph landscapes and fell out of love with it. I now photograph nature and wildlife
Good video! But I don’t think that there is such a thing as ‘traditional’ landscape photography. It might be that we think that way because those sort of shots end up in books, magazines and on TH-cam videos. But I believe that most photographers, like myself go out and photograph everything from wide angle landscapes to the patterns created by the bark on trees! We all experience the ebb and flow of enthusiasm in our photography, but if we are blessed to be able to just please ourselves in our photography and not have to earn a living through it, then we can take all the time in the world to experiment and adapt our photo journey. The big secret is - to be always ‘out there’, as you never know what you might come across!
Yes!!! Literally wrote about this a couple of weeks back.
Brilliant Jarred!
Awesome video, Kim! Both the images and your commentaries make me think of a book by Richard Bach, "Jonathan Livingston Seagull", a philosphical novel from the seventies about following your passions and fullfilling your dreams. It seems to me that you are very good at just that, and you are an inspiration to others as well!
Thank you Ivar! I may need to look into the book you mention. Sounds like a great read
@@kimgrantphotography It is! I actually had to order a new print of the book after watching your video, as my old one seems to have disappeared😄
Brilliant and inspiring video. You are moving from photographing landscapes to imaging LIVE, in all it's forms. I also lost my love for drawing portraits, and now, your video gave me new ideas. Thank you. And God bless you.
Great video Kim,follow your feelings to wherever they take you I’m sure you will grasp and succeed in whichever direction you go I will continue to watch you on your journey😊
Have just come across your video, I do enjoy taking photo's of Land and Seascapes but I also take a break every now and then to photograph old unusual churches, I will be travelling around Norfolk from Thursday next week for 3 days to photograph it's range of unusual churches, have got about 90 picked out including many ruins. Am staying away from the coast due to the school holidays but will hopefully take some stunning morning and evening shots
I'm planning a trip to Skye next year for a week, hopefully to photography it's churches, land and seascapes and anything else that catches my eye
I too began moving away from traditional landscapes focusing on more minimalist image. Many times when I head to the coast before sunrise I watch the light dance across the moving water thinking about different musical pieces who describe the scene. For instance, the opening notes to Rey's Theme. The play between flute and oboe. Many times I'll watch the light mimic the music.
Lovely pictures! Really like your compositions - the big sky and tbirds
Kim, it's swings & roundabouts..no doubt after this change, there will be another
⏳️
That was less radical than I expected. More evolution than revolution. It's long been my mantra, "Any lens, any purpose." That can mean long telephoto for landscape, ultrawide or fisheye for a portrait.
Keep on having fun. I'm adopting blur and unrealistic colour.
I'm right there with you. I haven't been out all summer to shoot landscape. I have been searching for the right subject that catches my eye. Not sure what it will be, but I'll find it.
Excellent video and good for you. Made the same decision with my own little channel this year. You have to shoot what you love. Thanks
Thank you Alex. And great to hear you're on a similar journey
Well I'm glad TH-cam algorithm threw this video my way. Lovely video. Despite the tendency towards poor weather I've always found the clouds and light around this part of the world (I'm in Ireland) produce some amazing scenes whether you just want to take it all in or picture it doesnt matter. The scene can change in minutes too adding to the attraction.
Another great video from Angel voiced Kim. I love all your videos. I went away from landscapes, tried my hand at more wildlife stuff. Ultimately, I see anything moving now, I shoot it. I have, in my own opinion, gotten loads better at it, it's an art to which I strive to improve, but I know it will never be perfect. But I have found myself gravitating back to landscapes. It's what I know best. They both compliment each other.
I agree with you, to the point that when ever I walk to our local Orewa Beach , I keep my mind open for what may show up ,and like you on this day I always find the Gulls and other bird life very often become my subjects of interest. As aside note the name Orewa is the name given by the Maori people of New Zealand ,meaning "Of the Rewa Tree" .
Interesting to hear your thoughts. Good luck with your journey!
after 26 years of lanscape adventures the same happened to me. Thats natural path I guess. Good luck!
Morning Kim. Would love to be able to communicate the way you do and create what you do. Stay strong , stay positive and enjoy life 😎
We're all different but keep going and you'll find your way of expressing yourself truly through photography
@@kimgrantphotography photography is the story I fail to put into words ❤
I enjoyed this post a great deal and thanks for it. I too am a landscape photographer and at times I get burned out especially at this time of year. I live in the USA and in the state of Nevada in the Mojave Desert. The only photography I do during the summer is Milky Way shots. Too hot when the sun is up!
Keep following your path, where ever it may take you. Ni ce to have diversity.
I really enjoyed this one, Kim. All the very best, Gordon
You had some very nice images in this vlog! I think it’s always good to start with the long lens! Then, as time progresses in your shoot, photograph whatever presents itself! Thanks for taking me along!
I understand your journey Kim, went out this weekend chasing some severe weather with landscape in central U.S. and really struggled putting anything together. I enjoy your thoughts and ideas surrounding photography also the podcast have been very uplifting and positive. Take care
Great video as always Kim. Oftentimes I feel it's a pity that photographers label themselves (landscape, street, wildlife, etc.). I understand that you might need to specialise if you do this professionally. But the moment you label yourself, you also limit yourself and your potential to that label. Why should it be wrong to be a photographer and just shoot what you feel like?
Lovely words! Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙏
Kim, I see the world a lot like you. I originally wanted to get into landscape photography but I discovered the beauty of macro and even "boring" flower photography. With macro, I can really slow down and connect with and appreciate all the things people normally walk by never noticing. Recently, I was standing in a section of flowering sumac trees with hundreds of bees flying around me as I watched them carefully inspect each flower and collect their pollen. Not one bee was interested in me. I had people comment that they could never do that while it's obvious that I am no threat to them and I'm taking photos of their "work day".
I am definitely a seer because I was recently taking photos of these lady bugs and I waited for one to get to this particular spot to where I knew it would make an interesting photo. I could see the shot. I just had to be patient. And I was rewarded by not only that shot but another extremely timely shot of a beetle laying an egg on the stem! THAT is just one thing I love about photography.
I do a lot of landscape photography I could not fall out of love of it😢
You will be back taking landscapes, I did the same as you and ended up going back after 12 months. Nothing wrong with trying other things.
Hi Kim, I really enjoy your videos. Watching this video it reminds me of the book Jonathon Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Also the song Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Neil Diamond. If you get an opportunity to read the book and listen to the song, they are both worthwhile. Thanks for sharing your time with us.
Thank you for the suggestions Greg 😊
As the saying goes, To each their own. Enjoyed the images you created Kim.
It’s really touching, reminding me lots of things I often overlook. Thanks!
Love this! I can totally relate. There are so many more opportunities than traditional landscape types of shots. There is so much more art to be made once you develop that viewpoint. Thank you for sharing!
Myself does all sorts of photography from taking photos of dragonflies in flight to astro landscape photography which I like the most as I do stare trails over lakes etc and the photos are something special, also I love using my old canon 6d its a bit heavy but built like a tank, also I taught myself and take photos from the way I see the world and not like the people that have been taught and copy off what they have learned from someone else 🏴
Hi Kim, Thanks so much for showing us around Burghead. We really enjoyed the evening exploring a new area of the coast. Lovely to see your video and images and how you interpreted the changing conditions. Great to meet you and share the experience. Take care Adele & Max 😊
Well done Kim, I feel that connection with animals but landscapes are background, for me, behind my animals.
Brought back great memories of my visit there with you, lovely to see…
Six month ago I wouldn't have watched this, then I discovered the images of Rachel Bigsby which I found ridiculously inspirational (and which via the eldritch and slightly evil power of Google is probably why TH-cam recommended this video to me). Your sharing your thoughts on the subject has helped me clarify my own; thank you.
I've probably gone a bit the opposite way this winter. I normally photograph birds in summer and fungi in winter but this winter fungi have been scarce so been trying some traditional landscape and taken some of my best photos. But loved going out and taking them so was definitely feeling the connection
Thanks for sharing. I can completely related to what you were saying. Not unusual to loose your mojo about landscape photography. It can be very difficult when theres nothing 'new' to take photos of in your local area and chasing sunrises/sunset/weather related shots. My own way of dealing with it is via travel in the motorhome around Scotland for a change of scenery, taking photos now and then of things which interest me, mixing it up with some event based photography, flying the drone and at least one trip a year with a walk to bowfiddle in the dark to watch the sunrise from down at the shore and take some photos, findhorn for sunrise and sunset, rosemarkie for sunrise. Get yerself down to the fringe for some wandering around street photos, soak in the street performers and a different change of scenery!
Interesting Kim, your a talented photographer, so enjoy your photography.
I’m not an expert in landscape but I do like taking them and your videos help. One thing I’m trying is no straight horizontal lines. Most people eyes go directly to that horizontal line and not that great sunset or reflection. Sometimes in post I just smooth out if I can.
To shoot and record what most may miss, that's exciting and, challenging! Great program!! Ps. In your initial opening, your camera settings suggest, (I don't shoot Nikon so I could be wrong) that you had your white balance set to "cloudy?" If so, why...based on the day that presented itself? (See first 3 seconds of video)
Thank you 🙏
I really enjoyed the video Kim - so inspiring ❤
Thank you Aileen
Cool shoot Kim! "Girls and Gulls" LOL!!! Thanks for bringing us along. It's fun to practice different types of photography. I recently experienced some Sports Photography and found it very fun.
I would have to say that I agree with some things you covered in the video and disagree with other things. On the agree side, I do find that after almost 20 years being a photographer and being primarily a landscape photographer, I find myself getting a bit "bored" for lack of a better term, with "traditional" landscape photography, I enter a LOT of photo contests and watch loads of photography tutorial videos and find that I see many of the same images from the same vantage point over and over and over again. This is the part that bores me. Once a popular photographer takes an amazing photograph and posts it on the various social media channels and does a few videos on where they took the shot and how the came about it and how they processed it to get the fabulous end result, it isn't long before everyone and their brother is at the same location trying to get the same shot. That being said, I will never abandon landscape photography and finding the places the famous photographers shot but in finding them, I will always strive to find a different vantage point to make my own image and hopefully do it better than the famous folks. Also I will never abandon getting up early to catch a sunrise or stay out late to catch a sunset, those are at the core of fantastic landscape photography. But like you, I will also strive to shoot during any hour of the day trying to find interesting elements to photograph during that time so I don't just limit myself to 2 times of the day.
Haha, Kim. Chasing gulls hand held with the big lens will build up your biceps! I wil enjoy your transition away fro traditional landscape, as I am doing something similar with more intimate stuff, street and abstract. Wild flowers with macro. But if the traditiinal shot comes along, I will grab that too.. Cheers
Thank you David
Being a landscape photographer isn't (or shouldn't be!) finding well-known locations and photographing them at the start and end of the day. It is about forming and cultivating a bond between ourselves and the natural world and is therefore an exploration. The world of other photographers and what others do can be interesting and a source of learning and inspiration, but should never intercede. So I agree with the sense of boredom you describe, but not with the premise that the activities described at the start of the video constitute something called "landscape photography". Just be yourself in nature and all sorts of things will happen (like becoming fascinated with storms and so many other things!) and your journey (which has inspired many others) will take you to so many places you could never predict, all will be a source of constant fulfilment and excitement and a means to explore the connection with nature.... thank you for all that you do and I have no doubt you will continue to do.
Very wise words - thank you 🙏
Interesting video Kim.
I can understand that you want to change your type of photography as you have probably photographed nearly every sector of your coast.
Interesting B & W image of the sand.
Still you managed to capture some really nice image's as you went along.
Thank you Tim
Hi Kim. While most of the time when I go out it's with the intent of finding a landscape type image, I try not to follow the crowd. I'll try anything that looks like it might make a decent photograph. Last week I was in Rocky Mountain National Park, at a lake that is visited by thousands each year. I found a composition of a couple of logs partially submerged at one end of the lake. It's something that I doubt that any of the usual hikers there would even look at, almost an abstract which isn't my strength. I think that it will hold it's place right along with along with any of the landscapes that I shot that day.
Thank you mum for a lovely video
And some brilliant imagine's.
I can relate to what you have dead about being with nature
Thank you Kim
Hello Kim, I have been following your videos for a while now. I think you are performing a valuable service for people who are interested in exploring landscape photography, and I've enjoyed looking at your beautiful photos. Photos that remind me, I need to get to the seashore myself (I live about 1 1/2 hours inland in North Carolina). I wouldn't call what you are doing here "moving away" from landscape photography, just exploring it in more depth -- and a telephoto zoom lens is a great tool for that purpose. I too love animals and like to photograph them. Thanks, Robert
Thank you for sharing your kind words and thoughts Robert. Enjoy your trip to the sea
Thank you Kim, for this not really an inspiration, a new idea, but something that I can’t quite put into words, but something I believe all photographers come up against!!!!!!
My Bride got me a deck of cards for Christmas and each card has a unique and different idea on it, for something to photograph!!!!
The first one was take an image of wildlife. But I was so excited about it that I took an image of wildlife at the “Golden Hour, High Noon, and The Blue Hour”.
It’s been invigorating and mind expanding!!!!!! I’ve done wedding, portrait, landscape, Astro and everything in between!!!!!! But just taking images is the most important and fun!!!!!!
I’m like 85% of “us” photographers, and I’m shy as “ HELL”, but I’m also now trying to get into street photography!!!!! It’s scary but we will see how it turns out!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!
Brilliant Terry!
Kim, I’m interested to know what you carry in your seemingly huge backpack. I carry a camera, three lenses and three batteries in a bag half that size and still find it a bit of a hinderance. Admittedly I’m 70 and tend to hike 10-20 km three of four times a week.
I have an Olympus system which allows me to seldom use a tripod, so that saves a lot of weight and bulk.
I understand you completely, Kim! Landscape photos are beautiful, but unfortunately they do bore me a little. But there are so many other things to do with a camera and so many other subjects. I think a lot of the less obvious things can be more interesting and get our minds going in a different way, including challenging out minds. That is much more interesting, I think… PS! I think seagulls are beautiful too. They regularly come on our lawn, obviously the soil is good and after rain, there are lots of worms there which is a feast for the seagulls… They are so beautiful! i get forest doves visiting too, from the forest close to us. I love hearing them, makes me think of warmer places… We didn’t use to have them, but suddenly a few years back, they moved into the forest close to us. One just came onto my balcony. Usually I only get magpies on my balcony, they come to drink and bathe (I can offer water, but feeding is forbidden as it causes rat problems). Early this morning, I had two deer on the lawn, unfortunately they were in between plants and too far away for the lenses I have, and tired me couldn’t find my tele extender, LOL. I got a few shots, though only proof that they were there, not photos to enjoy! I’ll find that extender and another lens I didn’t even think that I had and put them ready tonight, so if I get lucky again, I’ll have better chances…
Burghead is my favourite place! From a Manchester man! 😍
I think evolution in one’s photographic journey and in life is natural and healthy. Sometimes I put things aside for a long time and move in a different direction and unexpectedly come back to something I’ve left behind years earlier. Photographing something you feel an emotional connection to is definitely important and quite liberating. You may disagree with me, but I think now and again, you should print one of your photographs. I know you made a video a year, or so, ago about you not doing anything with your photographs and not printing them. I think a print completes the process, but not everyone will agree. If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t have the wall space for your prints and may not want to hang your own work on your walls. I do not print often, but choose carefully the photographs I do print and make a personal book once every four or five years and choose what I and my family think is my best work. Every time I see one of my prints, I am instantly reminded of what made me make the photograph, including the emotional response at the time that made me commit to it. What I print is a fraction of what I photograph, but I much prefer showing people the prints and seeing their reaction - good or bad - than sharing them on social media. I would rather show a print to just one person and see their response to it than get hundreds of likes on social media. It makes me want to continue on my photographic journey in whatever direction it takes.
P.S. As an aside, even though my family do not believe me, I have long forgiven the herring gull that stole a cheddar cheese sandwich out of my left hand in Dartmouth, Devon in the summer of 2014, although I was miffed at the time. It saw its opportunity and did what came naturally to it. You realize how big they are when they are at arm’s length. As people, we have all too often encroached on the natural habitat and territory of wildlife. Here in North America, bears near human dwellings become nocturnal to avoid interactions with people, whereas they would normally be diurnal. The human desire to live on, or near, the coast puts us into direct conflict with herring gulls and other sea birds. All of us only have one home: Earth.
Sure...do both traditional, if it is of interest to you, and also break free and see where your inspiration and creativity leads you. I think a break from traditional landscape could refresh your art so that when you do return to some traditional labdcapes, your work incorporates what you've learned, and is reinvigorated with new perspectives of the natural world.
I feel like "Traditional" ANYTHING in photography eventually makes people feel locked in to adhering to a thousand little rules that force us into stereotypes. Far too many photographers, and especially TH-camrs, put far too much emphasis on getting the perfect "iconic" photo. It seems a lot of true creativity gets lost in the process. I guess you could call it the "Instagramification" of photography, but I was noticing it decades ago, even before the Internet became a thing.
I personally like the photo of our old house... 😂 😂 😂
Creative lapses happen to all of us, whether you are a Photographer, a Song Writer, an Artist, a Poet or a Dancer. You are not alone, just know you will find inspiration. Try taking a break from it here and there and using another part of your brain or take on something you have not done in awhile! My thoughts are with you!