A Personal Reflection by Crow, Founder of Waking Crow Studios

Dear fellow photographer,

I’m Crow, the founder of Waking Crow Studios, and I want to share something close to my heart—a process that shaped my own photography style. It’s not about expensive gear or traveling to far-flung places; it’s about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, using what’s already around you. And it all starts by walking the same path, with the same subjects, day after day.

The Process

1. Choose Your Daily Walk

When I first started, I didn’t have access to stunning landscapes or exotic locations. So, I picked a simple route near my home—one that I could walk every day. I chose the same path deliberately because I knew that familiarity would push me to see deeper. Whether it’s your neighborhood, a park, or even your own backyard, the power lies in repeating this walk every day.

2. Rediscover the Same Subjects

At first, I photographed what naturally drew my attention. But as I returned to the same places day after day, I noticed that the subjects I thought I’d captured fully had much more to reveal. Revisiting them with fresh eyes became an essential part of my process. I learned that seeing something once is never enough—there is always more beneath the surface. With each day, I found new angles, new light, and new stories within those familiar subjects.

3. Follow the Light and Shadows

One of the most transformative lessons I learned was to really pay attention to light. Each day, I saw how the same subjects transformed as the light shifted. I began timing my walks differently to witness how the shadows stretched, how the golden hour softened everything, or how the early morning light cast a different mood. This wasn’t about luck—it was about watching how the light revealed new dimensions of the same familiar objects.

4. Challenge Your Perspective

I pushed myself to photograph the same subjects from every possible angle. Some days, I’d crouch low or climb a hill, or even shoot through something transparent. Other days, I focused on textures or patterns that I hadn’t noticed before. By repeating this exercise, I learned that even the most ordinary objects have layers of complexity, if you’re willing to see them.

5. Process with Intention

When it came time to edit, I experimented without the pressure of sharing. One day, I’d process in black and white; the next, I’d focus on muted tones or deep contrasts. I didn’t edit to please anyone but myself, and that freedom allowed me to explore. Over time, I started seeing the threads of what would eventually become the Waking Crow aesthetic, and it all came from editing the same subjects in different ways.

6. Reflect and Iterate

Looking back at my images regularly became an important part of the process. I started to notice patterns—not just in the photos themselves, but in what drew me to certain subjects over others. This daily practice helped me understand my own creative instincts. It’s through this constant reflection that I’ve shaped and evolved the Waking Crow style. The more I returned to my familiar route, the more it deepened my vision.

What I Learned from Repetition

As I walked the same path each day and revisited the same subjects, I noticed profound shifts—not just in my photography, but in the way I saw the world around me.

• A New Depth of Awareness: By walking the same route, I began to notice details I had overlooked. The subtle ways light would change, how the texture of a wall shifted with the weather, or how the same tree looked completely different depending on the time of day.

• The Extraordinary in the Familiar: The more I captured the same subjects, the more I realized that beauty is everywhere, even in the most ordinary places. What I once thought was mundane became endlessly fascinating.

• Sharpening My Photographer’s Eye: Over time, framing scenes became instinctive. I found myself composing shots in my head even when my camera wasn’t in hand. This “photographer’s eye” has stayed with me, allowing me to spot opportunities for compelling images wherever I go.

• A Deeper Appreciation for the Everyday: As I returned to the same subjects, I found that my appreciation for the small, quiet moments of everyday life grew. This approach has become a cornerstone of my work at Waking Crow Studios, where the simplest scene can hold infinite potential.

• Mastering Light: By observing how the light changed the same scene every day, I gained an intuitive understanding of how to work with natural light. Now, I instinctively know when and where the light will be perfect, and it’s become one of my greatest tools as a photographer.

Conclusion

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this process, it’s that developing your style isn’t something that happens overnight—it’s an ongoing journey of discovery. By walking the same path and photographing the same subjects, you’ll begin to see the world in a new light, and that shift in perspective will carry over into every aspect of your life.

This practice has profoundly impacted the way I see and interact with the world, and I believe it can do the same for you. Your personal vision is already there—waiting to be discovered through patience, repetition, and reflection.

I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you. Remember, the magic is in the familiar—there is always something new to discover if you just keep looking.

Keep creating,
Crow
Founder, Waking Crow Studios