Stuck in One Place?

Over the past few years, I’ve felt anchored in place. First, there was the pandemic, followed by financial setbacks and ongoing work commitments. These factors have prevented me from traveling to exotic destinations and indulging in photography.

(Macro photography can be enjoyed at home, even with the smallest of gardens. No need to travel overseas for this. )

Being stuck in one place doesn’t seem so bad after all. Ansel Adams spent decades photographing just one national park, while Vivian Maier dedicated her life to capturing street scenes and workplace environments. There are numerous examples of photographers finding inspiration close to home. If I’m unable to travel for months or even years, I shouldn’t feel disappointed. There’s always something fascinating to capture right in my own surroundings.

(This Hoopoe loves to hop around our lawn and pick out grubs. Good for the lawn and good for the bird. Photographed with a Sigma 150-500 mm lens)

There’s always plenty to keep me occupied at home: tending to the garden, maintaining the house, lively political discussions with neighbors, haggling for the best beer deals, and the seemingly endless task of bill payments… and many other chores. The past two months have been particularly hectic. Despite capturing photographs, I haven’t found the time to jot down my thoughts. Today, with the rain falling outside, it feels right to finally sit down and reflect.

The blue whistling thrush that made its home outside my window now has a large family. Five of these birds flutter around, filling the air with their delightful songs every morning and evening. I’ve even begun hearing the faint chirps of fledglings from the nests. Soon, more of these little ones will be hopping around our place. While I’ve already taken many photographs of these birds, I always find joy in capturing more. There’s an ongoing quest to capture an even more colorful, clearer, sharper image, from an even closer distance than my previous attempts. This pursuit keeps me happily occupied with my camera, right here at home.

When I have some free time, I often take a stroll in the nearby woods. There’s always something intriguing to discover. As the seasons change and the angle of light shifts, even the familiar paths take on a new appearance. A few days ago, I ventured into the woods for a walk, camera in hand, hoping to capture some wildlife or perhaps interesting flowers. Although I didn’t encounter any critters, on my way back, I witnessed the sun setting behind the distant trees. It created a simple yet captivating composition, one that could be perfect for promoting our homestay.

(Sunset photographed from a place very close to my home. This is an oversharpened version that works fine for Instagram on small phone screens.)

I already have hundreds of photographs of every flower that blooms around our home. Hydrangeas, especially when they bloom in clusters, are among the most captivating. Almost every week for many years, I’ve been capturing images of these hydrangeas, each time striving to capture something more. Whether it’s a better picture than before or an improved composition, the process itself—holding the camera, composing the shot, and pressing the shutter—is pure bliss. Occasionally, I feel I’ve finally captured the best photograph yet.

The same goes for the snow-capped peaks in the distance and the countless images of sunsets in my collection. Each photograph captures the same scenery but with varying lighting, subtle changes, and a fresh perspective. Sometimes, the images may appear similar, yet each evokes a different feeling.

(One of the many pictures of these flowers that I have. The high-key presentation attracts me to this one.)

Finding time amidst a busy schedule to capture scenes and discover hidden beauty in everyday surroundings is what I prioritize when unable to travel.

The beauty of revisiting familiar places lies in how we perceive them. Over time, we tend to overlook what’s always around us—the same bend in the road, the familiar cluster of trees, or the view from a window. Photography encourages us to see these familiar sights with fresh eyes. Continuously photographing the same region day after day enhances our ability to visualize and appreciate subtle changes.

Sometimes, even when I am not with my camera, I do notice small things that I might miss when visiting a new exotic location. Instead of being overwhelmed by new sights, I find joy in appreciating the simplicity of everyday things.

(I found this old pine cone near a forest trail. When I turned it upside down, I found a whole lot of these ladybirds. We consider spotting even a single ladybird lucky, and here I was enjoying the contrasting presence of these little red wonders on the dry pine cone.)

Getting stuck in one place is not such a bad thing after all. Each day is different. Every moment is new. Endless possibilities to create beautiful photographs!

The Dalai Lama wisely said, “Spend some time alone every day!” It’s in these moments spent in solitude that one often realizes overlooked insights. Learning to photograph locally, right where you reside, is a step towards mindful living and inner peace. Walking alone in nearby places, camera in hand and free from distractions, is a guaranteed path to experiencing true bliss.

Don’t have any plans to go anywhere? Take your camera out and enjoy photography!

Thinking of going somewhere? Do consider our homestay – Maini’s Hill Cottages, and pack your camera!

This article, originally published on my photography site, is now archived here; while some details may have lost their original context over time, it still offers an intriguing read.
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