Thursday, May 20, 2010

See Your City Differently: Erin Sees Tulsa

downtown tulsa.

How many of you take the same, exact drive to work everyday? How many of you reach your destination and couldn't tell me what you saw because you're so accustomed to seeing it everyday?

As a photographer here in Tulsa, I often find myself shooting the same spots around town. You know the ones: Woodward Park, the old buildings of downtown, the spiral staircase that pretty much always has at least two if not three photographers hovering around it.

And there's a reason people want pictures in these locations. But, as a photographer, I also strive for each shoot to be unique and creative, for it to bring out the personality of the people I'm photographing. And for that reason I work hard to see the location differently.

This is my challenge for you: see your city differently. Do this and I guarantee you will be inspired.

Recently a client suggested downtown for his shoot. I thought about it. Then, I decided that instead of being in downtown, we should make downtown our backdrop.

We climbed a little hill overlooking the highway and watched the sun as it set on the buildings. And we were amazed:

downtown tulsa.

Driving away, my eye caught this:

downtown tulsa.

And then awhile later that same evening, the colors began to intensify and the lights of downtown started to dance:

downtown tulsa.

I felt like I had seen the skyline, OUR skyline, differently that evening. Different light, different angles, different feel.

Don't get stuck doing and seeing the same things in Tulsa over and over. This city has come alive. And it's time for you to see it.

Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa. Check out her recent posts here.

6 comments:

Single and Sane said...

Fabulous shots!

Tasha said...

Isn't she awesome? Go, Erin!

Ben said...

Guilty! However, would you think less of me if I said I've never shot even one photo in Woodward Park. Garden Center and Rose Garden yes, but not the park.

I think you and Tasha should sponsor the first ever TashaPhotoWalksTulsa. No?

Jill of All Trades said...

Wonderful. I do love Tulsa even though I was raised in BA I have joyfully adopted this as my hometown some 34 years ago. Actually was born Oklahoma Ostepathic Hospital that was once downtown. The Hubby is born and bred here and was born in the same hospital a year before me.

myletterstoemily said...

great photos and advice, erin!

Mom Mayhem says: said...

Great post and photos! -It is nice to take a fresh look at things :)

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