Blog Author Richard Newman

What are your photographic meccas? Death Valley Ca., Point Lobos, where Edward Weston isolated and created such stunning beauty, or deep on the plains of Africa where the wildlife abounds? I am blessed to live in one of those places, the Monterey Peninsula of California.

When I first moved here 24 years ago I had made many trips here before. I always thought that this area of the world was about the dramatic landscape, the craggy cliffs and bluffs, the huge redwood forests or the untamable Pacific Ocean. What I quickly came to discover was that the landscape here creates microclimates. It’s quite different than living on the plains or the mountains where weather systems develop over miles; here they develop over a very erratic landscape. The Santa Lucia Range rises to over 3000 feet very quickly from sea level; this creates aerographic lift and some pretty interesting climate changes. Five hundred yards from where the sun is shinning, there is an inch of hail on the ground. What does all this mean for photographers? Well, if you’re in Wyoming, you can see the storm coming.

I think it’s very important for visual artists to have a strong understanding of their environment and just where their feet are at the moment. There are several reasons for this. One is, NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Waves can go from 5 to 15 feet in a matter of seconds. Where you were standing can quickly be 5 feet underwater. Not good. But here’s the opportunity for understanding your sense of place. Even though it looks like it’s boring weather, clear sailing so to speak, go around the corner and wait for the surprise. Understanding your sense of place will open up endless opportunities in your photographic and life horizons. Live in the moment and be prepared!

Send us images that speak to your Sense of Place and we will post on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Send to social@texasphoto.org