We’re often asked if we photograph the same location more than once, particularly when it’s in one of our hometowns. The answer is a definite, YES! We’ll focus on Chicago’s Calder Flamingo as an example since it’s such a great location!

There are a number of reasons to revisit the same location. The first and, maybe, most obvious reason is to visit at different times of the day. The way the light interacts with the building or structure can vary greatly. Not only can this create different moods, but can reveal different aspects of your subject and how it fits within its environment.

Similarly, different seasons affect the overall environment. The position of the sun at various times of year affects the interplay between light/sun and your subject. Not to mention things like snow, rain, gray skies and bare trees vs. sun, blue skies and shadow-play.

Most importantly, I think the more you visit a location the more you have to push yourself to search for something new. It forces you to get creative.

The great thing about doing this in a location close to home is that you can set up various challenges on each visit. Visiting the same location over and over is a challenge in itself, but like we’ve discussed in past posts, you can go even further. Take only one camera and one lens per visit and see how that changes the way you see. Or, like the images below, only look for reflections. There are many ways to push yourself creatively.

Also, the way you see the world changes with time. By revisiting, like I did here with Chicago’s Calder Flamingo (the images span 6 years; 2012-2018), you can see how your viewpoint and/or post-processing changes with time.

This is one of our favorite locations to photograph in Chicago, there are SO many ways to see this sculpture. If you’d like to shoot this location with us, it’s part of the Friday add-on session during the Chicago workshop. Plus, receive $100 off if you sign up by June 30 using code: EARLYBIRD!