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Shooting in a new city/location.

It’s always interesting and exciting to do a photography shoot in a new city or location as there is the unknown element of what you will find to shoot, what compositions, what the light will do etc. In the same respect there are also the downsides such as will you find anything interesting to shoot, will you find compositions, will the light be interesting and will you get to the location in time to find and take advantage of these elements.

It often takes multiple visits to a location before you have enough knowledge and understanding to really optimize these factors, however there is also the element of serendipity when it all just comes together and you capture it.

I was in Halifax this summer visiting a photography friend before we went on a photography retreat. During my time in Halifax we went on a number of photoshoots around the city. I found such interesting things to shoot and there was interesting light and compositions, but I also found it challenging for the same reasons I stated above.

I had an advantage of having a local guide who knew her city well and tried to loosely guide us to great locations. There was also the element of finding wonderful things by accident.

How I approach a new location

When I come to a new location I like to spend a bit of time wandering around and getting a feel for the place before I start to shoot. I will often take a few test shots to get a feel for the light and get my settings where I want them before I really get into the flow of photography.

I saw an interesting gap between the cityscape and an island where boats were crossing, so I spent a bit of time framing up the composition and waiting for the right timing for the boats. In this instance I didn’t see the nearshore commuter ferry enter the frame until I’d shot a few frames and then I waited for the two boats to be in the right position for the image I wanted to create. I also liked the way the rocks in the foreground formed a triangle and led the eye towards the cityscape and the branch pointed towards the far boat.

Morning sensory review

On the Sunday morning before the retreat we went down to the harbour in Halifax for a photoshoot. This is Heather’s hood - her comfort zone - where she finds endless inspiration and practices her craft. I can understand why as I felt the pull of shapes and colours from every angle.

The day was bright and sunny with no clouds in the sky, so rather harsh light with hard shadows on the waterfront - lots of reflections in windows and on the water. Families were already out and about - children running around and squealing with laughter punctuated by the occasional sound of crying and the background buzz of people talking. The air was electric and the waterfront had come to life.

There was the tangy scent of salt air intermingled with the smell of fresh roasted coffee. I could feel the heat of the sun on my back and sweat was starting to form between my shoulders. My camera was slung across my body and the weight and sturdy feel of it cradled in my hand was reassuring - the well worn hand grip fits my palm perfectly.

I wasn’t sure where to look first - so much to take in with layers of images and compositions flashing before my eyes. I can see how this location takes some time to explore before you find strong compositions.

I intentionally stopped moving and stood quietly for a few breaths - cleared my mind and very slowly started to recognize what was drawing my eye. As I started focusing on what was drawing my eye, I started asking questions about why it was catching my attention - this started to inform my choices of POV (Point of View), what is the subject, what depth of field do I need or shutter speed etc. I find that this helps me to isolate subjects and really hone in on what I want to capture.

As I looked around I found wonder in the mundane things like jellyfish against algae covered ladders.

Reflections in boat windows drew my eyes as did the pattern of water spray from an inground fountain that would erupt randomly.

Taking in everything through all my senses made this an even more vivid experience.

The time passed quickly as we were both in flow and it also showed me how time of day doesn’t matter - you can find compelling compositions at any time of the day - you just need to be intentional about your choices.

The old market

We also spent a morning visiting the old market which is in a historic brick building in the downtown area.

There is a newer version of the market out by the piers, but it doesn’t have the same atmosphere or vibe to it.

There is something about the nooks and crannies of the old market with the vendors showing off colourful wares and delicious foods.

What sights for the senses!

There were some very creative sellers at the market with colourful displays and unique ways of showcasing their wares.

This hand knitted socks and hat stall caught my eye with the colourful yarns and bold patterns.

When editing these images from the market, I tried to capture what I felt with all of the textures and colours and scents.

I found myself doing minimal editing other than cropping and pulling down some highlights.

In some cases I did convert to black and white to really make the textures pop as I found the colours something of a distraction.

What did I learn from my Halifax Photoshoot?

I learned a great deal from my Halifax trip and shooting in a different city. I think it is similar to what happens here in my local “hood” in that what I see frequently I have become sort of immune to the views, but seeing it through a newcomer’s eyes has quite a profound effect. It’s like experiencing the wonder and the love of finding shapes and patterns that people walk by all the time all over again.

I have been to Halifax before, however I don’t recall experiencing it in such an in depth manner as I did when I took my camera along with me.

Have you ever played tourist in your own town? Or have you ever had a guest come to visit and found that you looked at your local area differently when viewing it through their eyes? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below or drop me a note by clicking on the Connect With Me button.

I hope you’ll come back soon, share a cuppa, relax and enjoy more of my musings.