Finding an interesting composition can sometimes be a challenge. It might be that it's an often-photographed location: how in the world are you going to create something unique? Perhaps your subject matter is difficult to translate (for example, a forest of towering redwood trees). It could be an uncooperative forecast. You may be overly tired. Distracted.

Whatever the reason, it happens. What to do if you're just not "seeing" anything?

Try putting the camera down.

With your gear tucked away in the bag, experience the location. Hike it. Sit and look at it. Soak it in. Think about what you're seeing. What captures your attention? Why? Identify details that make it interesting. Look for leading lines. Look for patterns. Colors. Shapes. Textures. Contrasting elements (curved vs straight, blue vs yellow, shadow vs light). How can you use these elements to frame a picture?

How can you "edit" a scene: removing distracting elements and eliminating clutter to create a stronger visual? Where would you want the viewer to look first? How will you direct their eyes through the scene? Is there more than one way to compose it?

Sometimes temporarily removing the camera from the equation can do wonders.

Likewise, if you're new to a location you might consider making a first pass without your gear to "find" compositions more readily. You've done your research and have a good idea what to expect, but especially if the subject matter or conditions are challenging, that initial survey may enable you to be much more productive when you return, ready to shoot.

Last month in Olympic National Park's Hoh Rainforest, I opted to employ this method. It being the height of the rainy season, I expected precipitation - and got it in spades. Because I find heavy rain to be the most difficult of conditions in which to work, I wanted to have a good idea how I was going to approach the subject matter before wrestling with Mother Nature.

Those few hours spent hiking yielded quite a few potential compositions. When I came back with my camera, I made a few of the photographs I'd visualized while remaining on the lookout for additional opportunities - all while limiting my gear's exposure to the heavy weather.

Great images are first created with your eyes. Use them first....THEN go to the viewfinder.