Follow your Instinct

Walking in a local woodland recently something caught my eye amongst the chaos of the trees. The point of interest was not particularly accessible, in fact it required a struggle through some quite thick undergrowth to reach a place where I could explore in more detail. It would have been so easy to talk my self out of the effort of exploring further, something I have done on many occasions in the past. However I was not in any particular rush and judged that it was worth a few minutes of my time to take a closer look. I followed my instincts and it paid off, a new area of the woodland opened up and the subject that had caught my eye provided a great opportunity to create something interesting, as well as a wider area to explore on a future visit.

I thought I knew this particular area of woodland after many years of trail running and photography in the area. However, I learnt a number of important lessons in those few minutes which I will take forward in my photography. Firstly, even if you have visited an area many times don’t assume you know it inside out. Generally there is always something new to see or find. Secondly, it is important to follow your instincts and investigate something that catches your eye, that initial reaction may not lead to anything however you will never know unless you take a look. A few minutes of our time, however precious, may reward us with a fantastic experience and possibly a unique image that supplements our portfolio. At worst you won’t walk away wondering what might have been.