A few months ago I wrote about how revisiting photo locations can help you grow as a photographer by forcing you to move beyond the obvious and find new compositions.
Last year when I visited Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park I discovered, through my telephoto lens, an interesting rock formation. Here is last year’s photo:
Since then, I have seen other photos on the internet where there is a second round balanced rock in front of the rock I found. I didn’t want to copy that composition, but I set myself on a mission to find that second rock and then see what new compositions I could create.
Here you see three rocks that stand out from the others. The middle rock is the one I was looking for that I had seen in other photos.
Please click the image to view a larger version.
While I like both photos, I think the second one is a more complex and interesting composition. I also had a great sky that day!
It makes me look forward to what I will create next time!
Awesome shots i love your angles
Thank you very much Scott!
I like the first image but that second one is absolutely outstanding, Anne. I enjoy it for the same reasons you mentioned. It’s fun to challenge ourselves to find unique compositions in popular locations. I think it’s a great way to challenge our creativity. Good stuff, Anne!
Thank you very much Brett, I appreciate your visit and comments.
Anne
I love part of last years photo. When I first scrolled down I stopped just below the magic triangle. This placed the round rock in the upper right vertical and horizontal third. To me the bottom third of the photo is distracting.In my humble opinion the upper two thirds is a very powerful capture. Give it a try. I’d like to here your thoughts.
Not the thoughts you are looking for, but I totally agree with you.
Hi Ron, I prefer it cropped the way it is. The details at the bottom of the image balance out the top.
The second image is simply outstanding Anne.
Thank you so much Edith!
Both photos are amazing! But, I do favor the second one a bit more. You are truly talented and I love how you challenge yourself. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Mary, I appreciate that!
The second image is very good. It ‘rocks’
HAHA 🙂 Thanks Anil!
Amazing how something so simple at first glance can be sometimes the subject for the perfect shot.
Many thanks Laura!
I love the 2n pic, though I really enjoy the colors of the 1st. It’s cool how different shots of the same place can be when lighting is different or even just where you set yourself up for the shot. I also like how those rocks in the first shot seem almost man made, as if they were a part of some ancient structure.
Hi Devlin, you know I thought the same thing! The way they fit together almost reminds me of an Inca wall. I really enjoy photographing the same place under different lighting conditions. You can learn a lot about light doing that. Thanks for your visit and comments.
Anne – yeah, I think most who have been there have that first shot. The second is something really special. Dynamic and interesting.
Thank you so much Mark!
Another view to the same old things – that’s what art is about.
Thank you very much Hannu.
Anne, the second one is a real winner — definitely more subtle, more sophisticated. The lighting was perfect for you that day.
Thank you very much Nancy!
Very nice images Anne! I think that looks like a location where I could spend a few hours just trying out different compositions!
Hi Michael, if you haven’t been to Joshua Tree, I know you would love it. I could totally spend all day in Jumbo Rocks searching for new compositions. Thanks for your visit and comments!
Seeing the world through your eyes is such an adventure. The second photo is great, with the angular and rounded rock formations in one shot. What an amazing place. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much Janet, I really appreciate that.
Where exactly is this in relationship to the campground? I am visiting Joshua Tree at the end of the month and want to photograph these formations.
Hi EJ, it’s right beside the Jumbo Rocks campground. You’ll find tons of rock formations to photograph there. Have a great time!
Hello Anne,
I just happened on your site and wanted to compliment you on your fine photography.
I have no criticisms. For me, they capture the pure, sheer beauty of the place. I just returned from my very first visit to JT, last night. I am a 74 year old single woman and just converted a Ford Cargo Van into a camper. I took my yellow Lab, Lily, with me. It was
our “maiden voyage.”! I was told JT camping was all first come first serve, but was disappointed to find most of the parks full and that my research was not thorough. I
most definitely plan to return in the winter, during the mid week, WITH A RESERVATION. I spent most of my time in Indian Cove and Black Mountain Campground but realize now, I have a great deal more to see. I did, however, make a few photos of which I am proud. Thank you for sharing your talent and fine work, Anne. You are an inspiration.
Hi Joan, thank you so much for the very kind comment! I am so impressed that you are out there camping on your own with your dog. Good for you! I always get emails from women who are thinking about doing it and I assure them that there are people like you out there doing just that. JT is a fabulous park, I love it there. There is a lot to see, I find something new with every visit. Your comments are much appreciated 🙂