When you travel to new places, you’re looking for new experiences and new things to learn. As a photographer, you’re also looking for new photographs to capture.
Should you stand where everybody else does and shoot the same photo everybody else does? Probably not. Turn around and look behind you.
What story isn’t being conveyed by the “normal” photos that all the tourists take?
In art and business, when everybody rushes to the city, the interesting stuff is probably out in the country. When everybody takes a drink of water, take a bite of your sandwich instead. Be different and observant.
A little habit I’ve worked into myself over the years is this: When I see a distraction meant to capture my glance, I turn 180º around and look at what is across from it.
It’s not always interesting, but it’s a great way to practically remind yourself not to follow the sheep off the cliff’s edge and to create consistently interesting work.