That makes a lot of sense — the off-the-beaten-path moments often surprise us the most. They’re less obvious, less photographed, and somehow more personal. No wonder they tend to become the real “keepers.”
That’s a great approach — keeping an open attitude often leads to the most unexpected photographs. It’s amazing how much reveals itself once we let go of looking for something specific and just stay curious.
I’ve created diptychs from places ranging from Athens to Venice that show a grand scene on one side and a small, charming side street on the other. Interestingly, friends and family almost always ask “where was this small street image taken?”, and shake their heads in amusement when the answer is “just a block or two away from the other image”. 🙂
Thank you, Tomasz. 🙂 Some of those individual images are online, but the diptychs are prints (my main focus really is the printed image). I’ll see if I can arrange some of my online images as diptychs, but to me, side-by-side images really shine as a print. 🙂
I can’t wander (or drive) at the moment due to eye issues. When I can take an arm to lean on, I gravitate towards laneways, unusual or hidden buildings - my favourite is an old service station or rundown hotel
I’m sorry to hear about your eye issues — wishing you a smooth and steady recovery. It’s wonderful, though, that when you do get out, you’re drawn to those laneways and hidden gems. Old service stations and rundown hotels have such character; they carry layers of stories in their walls. I can see why they’d be among your favorites.
I tend towards . . . both! I'll get the postcard shot (because I don't know why, inertia?), but I invest most of my creative energy in the off-directions. This is not an either/or; you can easily do both. But I'm a big fan of turning around when the crowd looks in one direction. Odd little moments of beauty, which are easily the most life-enriching and meaningful thing, rarely happen in postcard views.
I love how you put this — especially the idea of “turning around when the crowd looks in one direction.” That really captures the heart of it. The postcard views are fine, but it’s those odd, unexpected little moments that feel the most rewarding and memorable. They’re the ones that stay with us long after the trip is over.
I should clarify that I am far from the first person to say (and do) that. Some while back I learned that advice from another, more experienced photographer. I not only have a natural affinity for it, but it's also true!
Absolutely — I feel the same. The big, sweeping views have their place, but it’s often those quiet, overlooked corners that end up carrying the strongest memory or emotion. They balance each other out beautifully.
That sounds fantastic — alleys have such a unique atmosphere, every one a little world of its own. A collection like that could make a wonderful series or even a small zine. Sometimes looking at them side by side reveals unexpected patterns and stories.
I photograph both but I think l have more 'keepers' from the off the beaten tracks views 🤔
That makes a lot of sense — the off-the-beaten-path moments often surprise us the most. They’re less obvious, less photographed, and somehow more personal. No wonder they tend to become the real “keepers.”
Yes indeed! It's hard to put a personal spin on postcard picture views so they tend to stick less, I guess.
I photograph both as well, for different reasons. I often like to go out of the house with an open attitude, scanning for whatever piques my interest.
That’s a great approach — keeping an open attitude often leads to the most unexpected photographs. It’s amazing how much reveals itself once we let go of looking for something specific and just stay curious.
I’ve created diptychs from places ranging from Athens to Venice that show a grand scene on one side and a small, charming side street on the other. Interestingly, friends and family almost always ask “where was this small street image taken?”, and shake their heads in amusement when the answer is “just a block or two away from the other image”. 🙂
Wonderful concept, Ken. Do you have examples somewhere online?
Thank you, Tomasz. 🙂 Some of those individual images are online, but the diptychs are prints (my main focus really is the printed image). I’ll see if I can arrange some of my online images as diptychs, but to me, side-by-side images really shine as a print. 🙂
For me it's definitely the side streets...and the alleys.
Yes! The side streets and alleys often hold the real character of a place. I agree.
A scene calls to be photographed, and I sometimes acknowledge. However, fear sometimes push me away from certain places.
I can’t wander (or drive) at the moment due to eye issues. When I can take an arm to lean on, I gravitate towards laneways, unusual or hidden buildings - my favourite is an old service station or rundown hotel
I’m sorry to hear about your eye issues — wishing you a smooth and steady recovery. It’s wonderful, though, that when you do get out, you’re drawn to those laneways and hidden gems. Old service stations and rundown hotels have such character; they carry layers of stories in their walls. I can see why they’d be among your favorites.
I tend towards . . . both! I'll get the postcard shot (because I don't know why, inertia?), but I invest most of my creative energy in the off-directions. This is not an either/or; you can easily do both. But I'm a big fan of turning around when the crowd looks in one direction. Odd little moments of beauty, which are easily the most life-enriching and meaningful thing, rarely happen in postcard views.
I love how you put this — especially the idea of “turning around when the crowd looks in one direction.” That really captures the heart of it. The postcard views are fine, but it’s those odd, unexpected little moments that feel the most rewarding and memorable. They’re the ones that stay with us long after the trip is over.
I should clarify that I am far from the first person to say (and do) that. Some while back I learned that advice from another, more experienced photographer. I not only have a natural affinity for it, but it's also true!
Sure, like all of us, I take a photograph of the grand views and also the overlooked corners.
Absolutely — I feel the same. The big, sweeping views have their place, but it’s often those quiet, overlooked corners that end up carrying the strongest memory or emotion. They balance each other out beautifully.
I photograph every alleyway I pass when I am strolling the streets of a city. Got a big collection of images already, not sure what to do with it yet.
That sounds fantastic — alleys have such a unique atmosphere, every one a little world of its own. A collection like that could make a wonderful series or even a small zine. Sometimes looking at them side by side reveals unexpected patterns and stories.
You may create your own blog like Tomasz does.