Mistakes Many Photographer Make; Example I

Looking South at Hug Point, Oregon
Much more character than looking north

One of the mistakes many of us commit when out looking to make images is only seeing what is right in front of us.  Being too focused on what is directly in front of you can cause you to miss potentially something interesting.

For example, recently on our Oregon and Northern California Coast Hybrid Road Trip, my wife and I were walking north on the beach at Hug Point, Oregon.  Nothing extraordinary to be seen (see image below).  It was a pleasant walk on a nice morning with the sun at out backs.  The crystal clear blue sky in front of us was mesmerizing and the autumn sun lit the surf making a wonderful contrast between the dark blue water and the white breaking waves.  As I said, a nice scene, but certainly nothing remarkable.

Walking North at Hug Point was pleasant, but unremarkable

However, when I turned around to look the other way, well, the result is the top image.  Behind us was a totally different feeling.  The air was heavy with mist and was back-lit by the sun.  Unlike the large sea stacks in front of us with all the erosional detail, the back-lit rocks were now silhouetted.  You would have thought it was a completely different day.  What a nice surprise!  The image I used above is one I recently sent out, but it was the best recent example of my point.

So the less is, when you photograph, don’t only look at what is obvious in front of you.  Look up, left, right and behind you also.  Sometimes a nice surprise may be waiting in the form of an interesting image, change in lighting or mood that you just might have missed.

Thanks for looking.  Enjoy!

Dennis


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