How to break a photography rut

At times, I feel like I’m  a photography rut when I’m photographing in Bangor.  I’ll walk around downtown, put my camera up to my eye, and then remember how I’ve shot that very same spot five times before.  I’ll get back in my car, drive home, and crankily think about how I need a trip to somewhere exotic, or really, anywhere other than Maine.

But here’s the thing– I don’t need exotic locations to create great photographs.  What I need is a creative eye and a knowledge of light and composition in order to create good shots anywhere.  So I’ve given myself a challenge– when I feel hampered by my surroundings, I will, paradoxically, narrow my shooting area so that I must be creative in getting great shots that aren’t just repeats of my previous work.

These photos were all taken within a mile of my apartment.  I was blessed with a lovely sunset and gorgeous light.

If you’re feeling like you’re in a rut, try this exercise and see if it helps!