Photographing popular locations presents a dilemma that every landscape photographer faces at some point. The tension between capturing iconic scenes that countless others have shot and creating something genuinely personal can feel impossible to resolve.
Coming to you from Andrew Banner, this thoughtful video tackles the controversial topic of honeypot locations head-on. Banner finds himself in an interesting position, having previously criticized photographers who frequent these well-known spots, yet here he is shooting at Happisburgh Lighthouse, arguably one of the most photographed lighthouses in England. He openly acknowledges this apparent contradiction while explaining his reasoning for being there. The key difference, he argues, lies in intentionality and local knowledge rather than simply showing up and taking the obvious shot. Banner demonstrates several techniques during his shoot, including getting extremely low to compress the scene and using foreground elements like ox-eye daisies to create depth.
What makes Banner's approach particularly valuable is his emphasis on timing and local advantage. Living just ten minutes from this location allows him to monitor weather conditions, track storm patterns, and return multiple times to capture different moods and seasonal changes. He points out how crop rotation means the fields surrounding the lighthouse look completely different from year to year, with sugar beet creating a much darker foreground compared to the current crop. This seasonal variation, combined with ever-changing cloud formations and lighting conditions, means that even the most photographed locations can yield fresh perspectives for those willing to invest the time.
The broader philosophy Banner presents challenges the common assumption that honeypot locations should be avoided entirely. He makes a compelling case that if you understand composition, timing, and your local environment, you can create meaningful images anywhere, even at the most popular spots. His discussion of doing photography for personal satisfaction rather than commercial success resonates particularly strongly. For most people, the goal isn't to create never-before-seen images that will hang in galleries, but rather to enjoy the process of getting outdoors, practicing their craft, and creating something that pleases them personally. This perspective shift removes much of the pressure that can make photography feel like work rather than recreation. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Banner.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
