The Art of Returning to the same place

21 Nov

In this episode, Rick explores the powerful creative shift that happens when you revisit a place you’ve already photographed. Same scene. Same light. Same composition. But a different you.
Through personal stories, philosophy, and insights from masters like Ansel Adams, Cartier-Bresson, Monet, and Heraclitus, this episode dives into how repetition sharpens vision — not just in photography, but in life.

Returning is not about capturing the same shot.
It’s about discovering how much you’ve grown.

Key Takeaways

Revisiting changes your vision — your technique, patience, and awareness deepen every time you return.
The first shot is never the full truth; it reflects who you were at that moment.
Familiarity reveals more detail, much like painters and poets revisiting themes across decades.
Growth is slow, quiet, and often invisible — until you return and notice what you didn’t see before.
Creativity isn’t about seeking novelty; it’s about learning to see differently.
The landscape doesn’t change — you do.

Favorite Quotes From the Episode

“The first time we shoot something, we only capture what we know how to see.”

“Each revisit is a conversation between who you were and who you’re becoming.”

“You can’t rush growth — but you can return to it.”

“Maybe the best shot isn’t somewhere new. Maybe it’s right where you started.”

Mentions & Inspirations

Ansel Adams — returning to Yosemite for decades
Henri Cartier-Bresson — “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”
Claude Monet — painting the same cathedral and gardens at different hours
Heraclitus — “No man ever steps in the same river twice.”

Episode Challenge

Take your camera somewhere you’ve photographed before.
Stand in the same spot.
Slow down.
And notice what changed —
not in the place, but in you.

If you do it, tag me: @carolinahawkeye

Links & Resources

Instagram: carolinahawkeye
My work: https://ricknelson.photography
YouTube: RickNelsonPhoto
Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms

👉 Check out Dehancer — 10% off with code CAROLINAPHOTO
https://www.dehancer.com/

Thanks for Listening

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Rick Nelson https://RickNelson.Photography