In the photographic world there are certain landscape shots that are famous. They are the great icons on the photographic circuit that every photographer wants to shoot. They are the trophy shots. While they are great shots and make wonderful prints (they are icons for a reason) they have been shot to death. Now if your non-photographer family and friends see these shots on your walls they would probably commend you and talk about your wonderful shots. If photographers in the know see these shots on your wall they will immediately tell you where the shot was taken and tell you about their version of the same shot or their story of shooting the same shot.

          These shots are so iconic and so desirable that they are often very difficult to shoot. What makes them difficult to shoot is not always due to technical difficulty but due to the ten thousand other photographers trying to get the same shot at the same time. Here are some tips to help you get your trophy shot:

1. Arrive really early. I have been to many of these icons where hundreds of other photographers clammer for space. Arrive before them and stake you spot. Sometimes that means standing in freezing weather and waiting for two or more hours.

2. Be courteous and helpful. Let other photographers squeeze in to make room for others. During my last workshop in the Grand Tetons a fellow demanded two to three feet of space around him. That is just plain selfish. Let others squeeze in so that everyone can get a chance at the shot. Kindly remind fellow photographers who are close by not to touch your tripod and be mindful that you return the courtesy.

3. Attempt to get something different; even just a little bit difference. Make your composition really strong. Your shot is competing against millions of other shots of the same scene.

4. Plan ahead. Once there are many photographers in line you cannot move around. You are stuck where you stand. So while you have time because you arrived before everyone else ensure that you pick the spot you plan to stay at. Planning ahead will help you know where that spot is because you may not be able to move around later.

5. Visit the scene during the middle of the day before you go to shoot it in the morning. You will be arriving in the dark using a flash light. You will want to know how to get there and you will want to be safe getting there in darkness. You will not be able to see well to get your composition or your spot. Knowing where it is before you go shoot will help you get the spot you want.

This barn, the T.A. Moulton Barn on Mormon Row near Jackson in Wyoming, is officially the most photographed barn in the world. This particular morning photographers lined up standing from shoulder to shoulder in a line longer than you can image. How do you get a different shot when there are hundreds of photographers shooting this same scene every morning? It may not be possible, but then at least get the strongest composition you can possibly get.

          I choose this spot because I could use the curving stream and leaves as a lead in line. Without it the large foreground does not offer much. The other solution is to go panoramic. Either way, make the composition as strong as you can. Keep on going back until you get good light. There may be millions of these barn shots out there but if your light (and sky) is better you will have the better shot.

          See you on the iconic circuit.