I have written about iconic locations and those trophy images that we all want before. The message has consistently been to get the iconic image but to also do your best to get something different. How do you get something different from images that have been shot to death? Here are a few tips:

• Shoot the icon but from a different vantage point

• Use a wide angle lens (really wide) and place something different in the foreground

• Frame the icon with branches, cliffs, rocks, whatever you can find

• Shoot from really low down

• Explore the area

Here is an image of the famous Horseshoe Bend:

If you know anything about photographing the American Southwest you will know about Horseshoe Bend. It truly has been shot to death but let me ask you, have you seen an image of this place framed this way? This image is just a bit different because of the framing. There is the cliff on the right and the ledge on the left that bends with the river. How did I get this image?

          I simply applied the tips mentioned above. I got into this position away from the crowds (thanks to a wedding at this place) which is why you don't see many images of this place with this composition. I explored the area and played with a few different possible compositions till I found this one. A wide angle lens was used which exaggerates the size of the ledge on the left. The framing of the horseshoe complements the image well.

          Arrive long before the light gets nice. Use the time to walk around and to look for something different. Scout during this daylight time for positions that can be taken up tomorrow morning. Scouting does not work well when it is dark.

          Obviously, this image is still about the horseshoe but the foreground is different. People who know this place with instantly recognize the image but then wonder where it was taken from because of the foreground. Foregrounds can make a huge difference in the composition of your images. Always remember to be safe.