Someone once said that serious amateur photographers make better images than professional photographers.  He went on to explain that amateur photographers often go back to the same scene many times until the light is right and they get the shot they want while professionals cannot afford to "waste" the time to shoot the same scene over and over.  While I do not agree with shooting the same shot over and over (work the scene and shoot different shots of the same scene) I do agree that there is benefit in going back to the same scene.

          I often go back to the same place to shoot and have been blessed for it.  The same scene can present it very differently depending on seasons, conditions, and light.  Think of Yosemite, for example, and compare spring and winter shots.  Find a few spots you like that you can get to easily and quickly.  When the light or weather show up run to your spot and shoot.  Look at these three shots.

          These shots are yet another example of working the scene to harvest different shots from the same scene.  However, I saw the light was going to be nice and I needed to get on location soon so I visited this scene again.  Once you see special light you already need to have a place in mind you can quickly get to or the opportunity will be lost.

Country Sunset, Hollister, California           Here you see the same scene during a different season under different light.  Pick a few spots and just keep them in mind for when you see the weather or season coming together for something nice.  Visit the same place over and over but shoot different shots under different conditions.  This practice is part of making shots and pre-planning.

          Happy returns.