Why Returning to Familiar Landscapes Matters

In landscape photography, the pursuit of new horizons often beckons us to explore uncharted territories. Yet, amidst this pursuit, there lies a hidden gem in revisiting familiar landscapes—a truth I recently reaffirmed at the stunning shores of Ballycotton in East Cork.

Nestled along the rugged coastline, Ballycotton boasts a distinctive landmark: its iconic black-painted lighthouse. It's a place I've returned to time and time again, each visit unveiling new wonders and teaching me invaluable lessons.

On this particular outing, as the setting sun cast its golden glow upon the horizon, I witnessed Ballycotton in a new light. Despite the absence of dramatic clouds, the sun lit the landscape with a soft, warm hue. It was a reminder that even in the absence of textbook-perfect conditions, beauty can still be found, waiting patiently to be captured through our lens.

But the true revelation came as I stumbled upon a secluded spot—a pocket of almost still, glass-like water nestled within the rugged coast. This then offered me a subject for long-exposure photography unlike any other I'd encountered along this coast. The juxtaposition of calm waters against the tumultuous sea provided a striking visual contrast, a scene begging to be shot.

I set up my camera in several positions to try and convey exactly what was in front of me. Using my Polariser to cut through the glare and reveal the rocks under the water at my feet, I set about trying to compose a shot that represented the scene. The resulting images were ones that I had never thought I would get at this wild location and confirmed my initial belief that it is important to return to a location over and over as you will always get a different shot each time.

There are several advantages to this approach.

Unveiling Hidden Gems: Familiarity breeds intimacy, and with each visit, we peel back the layers of a landscape to reveal its hidden treasures. What may have seemed mundane or overlooked in previous visits can suddenly emerge as a photographic marvel, waiting to be discovered.

Embracing moments: Landscape photography is as much about embracing moments as it is about meticulous planning. By returning to familiar haunts, we open ourselves to surprises and fleeting moments of magic, ready to be seized at a moment's notice.

Learning Through Iteration: Repetition breeds mastery, and each return journey to a familiar location offers an opportunity for growth and learning. Whether refining composition techniques or experimenting with new lighting conditions, each visit builds upon the foundation of our photographic skillset.

Cultivating Connection: Beyond the photographic frame, returning to familiar landscapes fosters a deeper connection with the environment—a sense of belonging rooted in shared experiences and evolving stories. Each visit becomes a chapter in the ongoing story of our relationship with the land.

As I bid farewell to Ballycotton for another time, I carry with me not only a memory captured in my camera but also a renewed appreciation for the wisdom of returning to familiar landscapes. In the ever-changing featherlight and conditions of nature, there will always be a shot—or two—waiting to be discovered, if only we dare to return and see with fresh eyes.

You can see the images I took during this shoot below, plus watch the full adventure on my YouTube channel if you wish, I would love for you to join my adventures on my channel, and together we can continue to learn.

Thanks for reading and your continued support

Darren