There is a row of trees close to Pukehou, a small farming community in between Hastings and Waipawa in Hawke's Bay, that is a regular subject of my photography. Below follow some of my favourite images I have taken there over the years and describe why revisiting the same location has helped my photography.

This image featuring the small group of trees in the rural landscape at Pukehou is one of the first I have taken in this area. I love the green hills behind the trees and the sheep grazing in the similarly coloured fields behind and in front of the trees.

This photograph captures the serene beauty of the rural fields around Pukehou in May, a time when mist and fog often grace the landscape. The soft interplay of early morning light and the gentle veil of mist creates an ideal setting for my style of photography. In this image, the lifting fog reveals scattered clusters of trees, adding depth and a sense of quiet mystery to the scene.

The image below was taken on the same morning when the mist had risen high enough to be referred to as clouds.

A brisk morning in the green fields of Hawke's Bay with the small group of trees set against misty hills in the distance.

The above images have featured in an earlier article when I was writing about photography immediately after Cyclone Gabrielle that caused severe damage in Hawke’s Bay (you can read that store here). The fields at Pukehou, as well as other parts of New Zealand, were flooded by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Seeing these trees still standing amongst the flooded fields and the misty fog that was covering the hills in the background enabled me to find a sense of balance and calm in the midst of uncertainty and change.

The low sun lights up the small group of trees in the rural fields of Hawke's Bay.

Why revisiting the same location helps your photography

Why do I keep going back to the same spot to take photos?  I have found that revisiting the same location as a photographer unlocks creative possibilities and profound growth.  Familiarity with the environment allows for a deeper understanding of light, angles, and changing seasonal elements, leading to unique shots each time.

It pushes you to think outside the box and get more creative with your shots.  Plus, you can build a collection of photos that show the location in all its different moods and moments, creating a story.  Repeated visits also create an emotional connection, enabling a narrative that evolves with each photo.  This practice refines vision and encourages mastery, making each return more rewarding.

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All photos from this series are available for licensing and as gallery-quality fine art prints.

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