For some, photography is just about getting that award-winning image. For others, it is all about the experience. Neither is possible if you are not out there. You are not going to get an award-winning image every time you are out there. Similarly, you are not going to have the greatest of experiences every time you are out there. At times these two objectives are even at odds with each other. Getting that special image might be a horrible experience filled with miserable weather, long hikes, getting cold or too hot, and the list goes on. When conditions are perfect for a great experience they are less than ideal for great photography. Still, to get the image or the experience you have to be out there.

With being out there I mean regularly and going to the same places, over and over again. I have been on this beach more times than I can remember. The reason I go there is not because of the beach. As you can see, it is just a beach. There is normally nothing about this beach that would get a photographer excited. There are no rock formations or logs, or anything of interest. In fact, of all the times I have visited this beach, this was the only time it was like you see it here. But that is the point. Other than this time I have never seen water on this beach. Going over and over resulted in this image and this experience.

          So you might ask me why I frequent this beach when it has nothing to offer the photographer? I go purely because of the experience, to visit friends who live here. But, my camera is always with me.

          The point of all of this is to show you that even the most ordinary beach (any place) can serve up something different and beautiful once in a blue moon when conditions work out. Now, of course, don't waste your time going back forever if the place has nothing to offer unless it is for other reasons like visiting friends. Go back to places that have something to offer. Just put yourself out there. Go when conditions are predicted to produce something special. If conditions can turn a totally boring beach into this then imagine what it can do at a more promising destination.

          Do more photography and have more experiences.