Getting a new angle on classic photo spots

When photographic classic scenes, it is often temping to simply take the shot and walk away. Sometimes we get so caught up in making sure that we get that shot that everyone else gets, that when the light is good we are satisfied with only having that key image. A classic example is Delicate Arch, in Arches National Park in Utah. The arch is like the unofficial mascot for the state of Utah. It is on the license plates of the cars, and it seems that every photographer has a picture of it. You may finish the Delicate Arch Hike, finally get a good view of the arch, mess around with some settings, maybe wait for the sunlight to hit the arch just yet, snap the photo, and be satisfied that you have added this classic scene to your own personal collection of landmarks. You may go home and compare your image with maybe some of your favorite photographers that inspired you and be proud of it!

This is all great, but I urge you to take that classic photo, and then try to take at least two additional photos with a composition you have NOT seen many times before! For a quick example, I took the typical photo of the entire Delicate Arch, as seen on top. However, after that, I made sure to test my own eye for photography and looked for some other ways to compose the shot that I havent seen as much, which allowed me to take the photo on the bottom. When all is said and done, I ended up liking the photo on the bottom much more than that classic shot of the full arch. The photo on the bottom gives you a better feel of the surroundings of the arch, the laccolith mountains in the background, and the textured backdrop and to me is more pleasing to the eye.

So next time you are at some classic spot and see what all the photographers are taking shots of, make sure you take that shot, but then afterward, turn around and look for something new, you might surprise yourself with the result!