b top gun

Anyone had this happen to them? I have had several locations on my "must visit" bucket list, among those places are Monument Valley and Yosemite N. P. Over the past few years I have seen so many photos of both places that I have lost any interest in visiting either.

sakitson Loc: Goleta, CA

Hi top gun,
If you can arrange to visit these spots on the "shoulder" seasons when they are not so crowded it would be well worth it. Both amazing locations with much more than the iconic views. The drives to even get to them are loaded with photo ops.

pshane

If you've never been to Yosemite, it won't matter how many photos of it that you've seen, - There is Nothing even close to standing on the Valley Floor, looking up and all around in AWE of it all, Smelling it, Feeling it! - JUST DO IT!

wilderness

Why not pick places where few have photographed? For instance Ute Mountain Tribal Park instead of Mesa Verde, Valley of the Gods instead of Monument Valley, The Trinity Alps instead of Yosemite!

SalvageDiver Loc: Huntington Beach CA

If you’re going to capture a unique grand view photo you’ll find that difficult. If you’re looking to create your own version of a grand view there are plenty of opportunities. But there’s a lot to be said about just grabbing a little camera and going out just to enjoy the magnificence of the parks.

There is a huge difference between looking at a 2d photo of Yosemite Valley versus standing at Tunnel View and experiencing the grandeur of the whole valley with your own eyes.

I saw many photos of the Grand Canyon long before I ever went there. But the first time I stepped up to the ledge, my first response was "WOW"... No picture ever prepared me for that experience.

Bill_de Loc: US

I think The Trinity Alps are pretty well covered.

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+trinity+alps&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjaitGY1ZfxAhVTMlkFHR8DB34Q_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1186&bih=694

Quixdraw Loc: x

IMO, you can always find unique and unusual photos of places that have been "photographed to death". You just need to turn loose your eye and imagination. That said, if there is enough crowding, doesn't matter where, ain't going!

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

I can honestly say it's worth it even if you don't take a camera. The first time I saw the Grand canyon I was amazed and the pics did it no Justice. Do it you won't be dissatisfied.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Go even if you leave the camera in the back floor of the car. There are at least three places in my own experience that are impossible to convey in a photograph:

Grand Canyon (as has been mentioned)
Carlsbad Cavern
Giant Sequoias

There are others. These are just the ones that are pretty much always top of mind with me. No way to convey the reality of them in a photograph. But it is tremendous fun to keep trying. And to always have an excuse to go back at least one more time.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Yosemite is one of those places I have been to many times since the 70's, camping and backpacking. I can say that it is still inspiring and well worth being there. The same sense of awe when I first stood over the grand canyon. Pictures give me memories but cannot express the grandeur of being there.

b top gun

My first Nikon holiday to AZ I blew off the Grand Canyon; chose instead to explore Petrified Forest Nat. Pk., the Payson, AZ area and the Sedona red rock area. Got to the Grand Canyon a couple of years after. My first day, the Canyon was totally overrun by visitors mainly from eastern Europe; they were everywhere and quite obnoxious as well so I made it a point to return around sunrise that Sunday while the place was still pretty quiet. I got a few very nice pics of the Grand Canyon, my favorite a shot of the Abyss overlook. The size and scope of the Canyon is mind numbing; it is a challenge to capture that with a photograph, I feel. A moving moment for me, the memorial to the victims of the mid air collision of two airliners over the Grand Canyon, the memorial being in the vicinity of the watchtower. I knew nothing about that incident until I saw the memorial. The other thing I remember, the cougar crossing sign. Really cool!
The Petrified Forest is mind numbing too when you consider the age of those trees. The other thing about Petrified Forest, at the north end it borders the Painted Desert and some amazing views with colors to match.

User ID

Uh huh. I lose all interest in anything I see too much of in photos. “Anything” covers places, things, and even styles.

User ID

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The visual skill that you describe means there’s no need to travel to find subjects. Wherever you may be at any moment is “a destination” with plenty of potential.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

In landscape workshops, we are advised to forego the usual boring shot and find elements to make the image interesting. Very hard to do when confronted by incredible natural beauty! Our personal compromise is to take the «boring » tourist shots that everyone takes, and then try to get the « interesting » image. At the very least, you end up with your personal copy of iconic vistas, and perhaps something special.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Absolutely. NOT burn out though. I just despise the Me-too places and tourist traps. Yes, if on the way I will stop and look, sometimes.
While living in various places around the world I specifically avoided the typical tourist areas and as you said, there are plenty of me-too photos of them.
It is far more interesting to go on to places that are not over run with tour buses and crowds elbowing to get the "Perfect" me-too shot.
Finding a Roman road and mile marker in the middle of a forest while on a small foot path is far better than the silly hassle of Paris.