A Simple Hack to Get Better at Photography: Stay Local

We’ve all been there: you find a bit of extra cash and think, “This is going toward a photography trip to a bucket-list location!” And so, the planning begins. Iceland, Lofoten, Patagonia, the Rockies—if your list is as long as mine, the destinations are endless. But what if I told you there’s another way?

Let’s talk about your own backyard—both literally and figuratively. Sure, the places I mentioned above are exceptional, but if we take that same mindset to the local park, the road down the street, or even just outside your door, we can find something just as rewarding as the epic landscapes of Iceland. It just takes a different form.

I don’t know about you, but I used to think, “No, I can’t go out and take pictures today—it’s not epic enough.” I’m sure you can appreciate how crazy that mindset is. For years, it stunted my growth, my sense of wonder, and my willingness to pick up my camera and just go. But over time, I’ve learned so much from exploring my local surroundings. The key lessons? Convenience, seeing familiar places in a new light, and building a deeper connection to your environment and community.

Join me as we explore why your own backyard might be the perfect place to hone your photography skills, discover hidden gems, and fall in love with the art all over again.

Why Shooting Local Is a Game-Changer

Let’s face it: there’s something wonderfully convenient about walking out your door and heading to a local park without worrying about planes, trains, or automobiles. While planning a photography adventure to a far-flung destination or joining a workshop with like-minded folks is exciting, there’s always the looming stress of actually getting there.

I always tell myself, “This time, I’m going to enjoy every step of the journey.” But inevitably, the long waits and travel hassles crush those romantic notions. When you’re shooting locally, though, it’s as simple as getting off the couch, stepping outside, and starting your adventure. No stress, no fuss—just you and your camera.

Another advantage of shooting locally is the ability to photograph the same scenes throughout the year. Sure, photographing Iceland in winter for the Northern Lights is magical, and capturing it in summer under the midnight sun is equally breathtaking. But for most of us, visiting Iceland multiple times a year isn’t realistic. Locally, though, you have the luxury of revisiting the same spots in different seasons, lighting, and weather conditions.

This is also a fantastic opportunity to experiment and grow. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, heading out with your camera allows you to try new techniques, play with compositions, and master exposure settings without the pressure of a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

But convenience isn’t the only reason to shoot local—it’s also about building a deeper connection to your surroundings.

Finding Magic in the Mundane 

Not long ago, I was struggling with that same mindset I mentioned earlier: “Where should I go to take pictures? It has to be epic!” As the day wore on and evening approached, I reluctantly headed to a park just a short walk from my door.

I didn’t expect much, but I quickly realized how wrong I was. It was late autumn, and as the sun broke through the clouds, I found myself surrounded by stunning scenes. The golden light filtering through the trees, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the quiet beauty of the park transformed what I thought was an ordinary location into something extraordinary.

This experience taught me the value of looking closer at my local surroundings. It’s about finding and appreciating the hidden details you might have overlooked before. For instance, I’d always known there were squirrels in the park, but it wasn’t until I arrived with my camera that I truly appreciated how challenging it is to photograph one! The same goes for the herons and swans by the lake—I was thrilled to see these familiar creatures in a new light.

Of course, it can be challenging to look past what feels like the limitations of your local area. But think about it: to someone who’s never visited your hometown, even the most mundane spots might seem full of potential. Adopting this mindset can help push you out the door and into the world with your camera.

If I could offer one tip, it’s this: slow down. Take your time. Enjoy the moments you find yourself in. Whether it’s a playful squirrel, a graceful heron, or the way the light dances on a pond, there’s magic in every corner of nature.

As you start to see your local area in a new light, you’ll also begin to feel a deeper connection to it.  

Building a Connection to Your Environment and Community

I love talking about photography—whether it’s rambling into my camera for a YouTube video or writing these words for you. And meeting like-minded people locally has helped me break through the self-imposed barriers I once had about taking my camera to the park.

Near where I used to live, there was a group of photographers who gathered along the Dodder River to photograph herons, foxes, and kingfishers. I’d often walk past them, smiling and nodding politely, but it wasn’t until I stopped to chat that I truly understood their passion—and how wonderful they were as people.

For me, meeting these wonderful folks fostered a sense of stewardship for the surrounding area. Photography has this incredible archival quality—it captures moments in time that can be revisited years later. When I head to my local park now, I often think about how my photos might preserve the memory of this place for future generations.

If your area is anything like mine, development and seasonal changes constantly reshape the landscape. Documenting these shifts through photography can deepen your connection to your environment and even inspire you to protect it.

So, if you’re on the fence about heading to your local park, just go. You never know what—or who—you might discover. Whether it’s a new friend, a hidden gem, or simply a moment of peace, exploring your local surroundings is good for your mind, body, and spirit.

Discovering Hidden Gems in Your Backyard

One of the most satisfying aspects of shooting locally is uncovering hidden gems. As I mentioned earlier, there are so many scenes we walk past without a second thought. But when you approach them with the intention to photograph, you begin to see them in a whole new way.

For years, I walked past a small weir near my home without paying it much attention. But when I finally stopped to photograph it, I saw it as if for the first time. The way the water flowed, the textures of the rocks, the play of light—it all came together to create something I was proud to share.

The experience I mentioned above—of stopping to talk to other photographers—can also play a huge role in new local discoveries. They often have insights into locations you might have overlooked. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends and learn from their experiences.

I’m also a big fan of using tools like Google Street View to scout locations or simply wandering the streets with my camera. You’d be surprised at what you can find when you slow down and look closely.

The beauty of shooting locally is that your photography becomes deeply personal. While it’s thrilling to capture iconic scenes like the Northern Lights over Lofoten, those images have been photographed countless times. When you focus on your local surroundings, your work takes on a unique meaning—it’s a reflection of your perspective and your connection to the place you call home.

Is There a Point to All This?

As we wrap up, I hope you take away the key points of shooting locally: convenience, fresh perspectives, a deeper connection to your environment, and the joy of discovery.

I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today if it weren’t for the places I grew up in and the steps I’ve recently retraced with my camera. So, grab your gear, head out the door, and explore your own backyard. Whether it’s a tiny bird, a waterfall you’ve walked past a hundred times, or a quiet moment in the park, you don’t need to travel far to create stunning images.

As Marcel Proust once said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

If you don't want to read this whole thing, here is a fast version:

• Convenience: No travel stress—just step outside and shoot.
• Fresh Perspectives: Slow down and see familiar places in a new light.
• Community: Connect with local photographers and your surroundings.
• Hidden Gems: Discover beauty in the everyday.

What hidden gems have you discovered in your local area? Share your stories and photos in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your adventures!