There is a distinct advantage to going somewhere new, seeing things for the first time. There’s an initial overwhelming stage of trying to get the sense of the place and getting the pictures that capture where you are. After a while though, you start to look closer.

One of the benefits of this experience in Florence, Italy, has been giving me a chance to shake off the routine and to look at what’s around me. Not just to look, but to see and along the way to think about what I’m seeing. I’ve been thinking about the work of other photographers and their use of light/composition/moment. The perfect moment doesn’t always happen just as you arrive with a camera. Sometimes it’s recognizing the scene and what makes it a picture. Or just seeing a pattern of light and waiting. Someone is going to walk in or out of that light. What do you want to say? Is that person coming out of the darkness? Or heading into it? Patience….

I’m reminding myself to shift my focus and gaze level. There are interesting things happening farther down the street or above my head. And in a city like Florence at this time of year things are always changing as different celebrations come and go. Sometimes the wall you’ve passed before  isn’t the same as last time. Recognize the potential. Wait for the moment. Patience….

There’s nothing like getting out of the comfort zone to shake up the vision. It’s going to be interesting returning home in a couple of weeks with “new” eyes.