New Hampshire is where I became a photographer. After relocating there I began working with my camera in earnest; the White Mountains were my canvas. I considered myself a landscape photographer, and in those initial years I had specific ideas about what that meant. For example, I didn't include anything man made in my compositions: no structures of any kind, and certainly no people.

Rather than a restriction, I thought of this simply as my niche.

I continued to operate within these parameters for quite a while - until I realized I'd put myself in a box. My hands had been tied unnecessarily. There was no reason I couldn't define my landscapes a little more broadly.

This is one of the first images I made which included an element not created by Mother Nature (gasp!):

On that early Saturday morning, persistent drizzle created excellent conditions. The ceiling dropped lower and lower while mist rose from the river. Dampness exaggerated the vibrant colors. Normally, I wouldn't stop at this location during peak foliage season; I'd never before done so. A trailhead begins here, it's a very popular area, and it's typically quite crowded. But that scene screamed out to me as I drove over the river. Against my better judgment, I pulled over - and was stunned to find the parking area completely deserted. Apparently, the combination of the early hour and inclement conditions kept everyone inside.

I explored both sides of the river, but what I found compelling about the scene - the mist rising up as if to meet the descending fog - was best depicted from this vantage point. Nobody was on the footbridge (another anomaly), and I liked the way it unified the frame. I used the bridge to anchor the composition.

I remember thinking this was - for me - an unusual choice.

With this photograph, though, a world of opportunities opened up. I gave myself permission to include elements in my landscape compositions that, until then, had been off-limits. But the implications were bigger than that. While New England is home to spectacular natural wonders, it's also packed with historic architecture and landmarks which are unique to the region.

Lighthouses, beautiful old churches with white spires reaching skyward, ubiquitous red brick, city gardens, working harbors - it's an embarrassment of riches.

Portsmouth, settled in 1623 and the second-oldest city in the Granite State, was 12 miles from my house. It's a seaport and it is chock-full of Colonial history. I'd always loved poking around town. Now I would poke around with my camera, too. At last.

 
The autumn day I made that photograph of the footbridge in the White Mountains, my relationship with photography changed. From that point on, I decided to shoot what interests me, whatever that might be.

Architecture

Sculpture

Sports

Aerobatics

Abstract Still Life

The main focus of my work remains landscape and nature photography. But as you can see, I frequently color outside of the lines, dabbling in a little of this and a little of that.

There is much to be gained from branching out into other genres. I believe it can help you become a better photographer by sharpening your skills, improving your eye, and broadening your perspective.

If you're stuck in a creative rut, switching gears can provide a jump-start. Experimenting with various types of photography can generate ideas and inspire.

It's an opportunity to develop new proficiencies, or to apply transferable skills to subject matter you're unaccustomed to. For example, shooting a fast-moving sporting event is similar to capturing birds in flight.

Shooting across genres is a great way to keep you working year 'round.

Also consider how significantly genres can overlap: landscapes and cityscapes, for example.

It's possible to branch out without leaving a genre. Think about the many sub-categories in nature photography: landscapes, wildlife, astro/night sky, aerial, and macro.

If you find yourself in a box like I was, don't be afraid to climb out of it. Working across genres won't diminish your brand. Much of the content you create can probably be categorized in such a way that it'll still be possible to answer the question, "What do you shoot" succinctly - and without describing yourself as a jack of all trades.

In Local News

Counting Moose

If you live in the area, the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation is hosting Moose Day on Saturday, during which people of all ages can help track these animals. Think of it as the annual "moose census" of the population in Jackson Hole.

Registration is required. You can sign up here.

Skijoring

Also this weekend, the Teton Valley Grand Showdown Skijoring event takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds in Driggs, Idaho. The Grand Entry is at 9:45am, with races beginning at 10am both days.

Snow!

It's been snowing quite a bit of late, with over 40 inches of new powder at Grand Targhee over last weekend and more in the forecast. Targhee is reporting 320 inches season-to-date with a base depth of 117 inches.

Jackson Hole reports 332 inches season-to-date and 123 inches of base depth at the summit.