Personally, I think postcards get a bad rap from serious photographers.

if you're new to a destination, visit the local souvenir shop and browse the postcard rack. In just a few minutes, you'll see all of the iconic views of the area. You could use this information as starting points for your own work. (Plus, you might want to purchase a few extra to send to Mom who never really understood your artsy images.)

Once you find the spot where a postcard picture was captured, start out by recording your own version. They're excellent for reference, title slides, and for those who appreciate less adventuresome artwork.

i don't know if you've ever had this happen to you. But I've presented a series of my favorite shots from a location with one or two postcard types thrown in, only to have the viewer remark, "Ooh, that one's nice!"

Sigh.

Despite these minor setbacks, don't stop shooting once you've captured the obvious. Push forward and make that scene your own.

Do it, even if you're the only one who will appreciate an alternative view of an iconic subject.

Consider it your own personal postcard.

-Derrick