Tourist Trap

After the last blog a photographer friend expressed concern about my ideas and limitations on shooting when I travel. He is a good friend, so he was not being confrontational. I think, therefore I write. I have been thinking about our exchange. Time to write.

When I travel and take pictures, my images need to stand apart and be interesting. I already know that I can take a picture that is equal to any tourist shot. They can take tourist shots as well as I. However, by my standards, my pictures need to be noticeably different.. Also, if what everyone is shooting has been in National Geographic or is available on a post card, I probably will skip it unless there is something compelling. If I need to shoot the subject, I will challenge myself to make the picture mine and not a copy.

Here in Watertown I have not seen anyone else walking around with a camera. There are no tourists. Also, there are no postcards to buy to send home. I am home free. I get to make my own postcards. There is no competition.