We have all seen great photography featuring iconic elements. The iconic elements are often the main subject of the image. When we go to Yosemite National Park, for example, we prominently feature El Capital or Half Dome as the main subject. They are so iconic and photogenic that it is hard to withstand the temptation to shoot them in any other way. Once you have your iconic image however why not challenge yourself to get images containing the icon but featured as a secondary interest rather than the main thing?

Half Dome is certainly not hidden. It is an important element in this scene. However, Half Dome is not where your eyes go immediately upon viewing this image. The sun star pulls the eyes first. The backlit foliage and trees are strong compositionally. Half Dome takes a back seat here. Everybody seeing this image will know where it is taken but the image is a bit different. This is not your standard iconic shot of the icon. These images are more difficult to get. They are also yours rather than taking an image that everyone else has also taken.

          Think differently. Get more unique images. feature the icons but as a secondary interest.