By Adrian Klein
Like most people that enjoy the outdoors I like to visit new places as much as the next person. It’s the minority of folks that want to go to the same place over and over and over. There is this excitement that overcomes us getting the chance to take in foreign views, experience new adventures and photograph different scenery. It’s similar to when I was a kid growing up at the mouth of the Columbia River Gorge on about 10 acres with surrounding forest area. I could always find new spots. That “little” area is now like being out in a large wilderness exploring as an adult.
I get people asking me if I get bored going to the same locations all the time. Honestly, not that much, usually I am thankful to be healthy and able bodied to enjoy it no matter where I am. Do I try to find beautiful photogenic places? Of course. Do I try to visit new places every year? You bet. Yet I think we can have a short sided view assuming we have captured all the great images that can be had after a few trips. We have all heard the statements before… “I have photographed that place to death” or “there is nothing left for me to photograph”. I admit to falling into that trap yet I do my best to remind myself that many places really have endless opportunities.
What are some advantages of visiting the same place after being there multiple times already?
–> I likely already have a great image(s); I feel less pressure to force a composition and more willingness to explore other possibilities on return trips.
–> It can allow me to build up a portfolio of an area that might be used for a project or book. In today’s work I see this less and less because the majority get a couple nice images and move on.
–> I try my best to be on my own mission for nature photography (unless on commissioned assignment), and not to feel the need to conform to those that choose to run around “bagging” as many locations as possible.
–> Many locations I visit offer quite different photographic opportunities in different seasons.
–> I get to know the area more intimately than others. In turn can end up helping me be the go to person for imagery or tours if I have a steady stream of work from a specific location.
–> The window view in the outdoor “office” is still the best view I have found even on the worst day, and even in place where I might experience photography fatigue. If this happens the camera goes away and I take time to enjoy it.
I am sure at this point you are wondering a couple things. 1) Where are the images on this post anyway? 2) Where is your portfolio of work from visiting a location over and over and over? Well I am glad you asked. Let’s take a look at what I brought you today.
One place I have visited many times, and likely going back is Kauai, more specially the South Shore. In the last decade I have spent about 6 weeks in this area with all trips combined. This is one of the few places I travel with my family mainly for downtime as we try and avoid too much running around. With that said I have spent many weeks worth of sunrises and sunsets along less than a 5 mile stretch of ocean with most images coming from less than a 2 mile stretch. Below is a sampling of my work from the area. I tried to limit around 20 images as that is more than enough to get the point across yet I do have more.
Despite all those sunrises and sunsets I still look forward to heading out and seeing what I can come home with, stomping down the same sandy beaches and rocky shores. At this point I will let the images do the talking. I think you will agree there is diversity in this work despite the location repetition. Granted the ocean is one of the most dynamic landscapes you can photograph. That said the same type of portfolio can be built up with endless locations around the globe.
I am sure there is a place on your list that you have been before and are chomping at the bit to get back. Now you have the reasons to make it happen. What is your drive to go back to your favorite place(s) again and again?
Kauai - The South Shore
You can view a low res slideshow of the images by clicking on the image below:
Kauai - Slideshow
Location: Portland, OR
Website: www.adrianklein.com
Adrian Klein has a passion for the outdoors and landscape photography that is endless. He has traveled the parks, shorelines and wilderness capturing images that represent each area through his own artistic eye from the curbs to the far off trails.
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