Unseen Downtown Orlando

A Challenge to Rediscover

In the bustling streets of Downtown Orlando, a challenge beckons to those behind the lens: to capture the unseen amidst the seen. It’s a quest not for the new, but for the new in the old, the unexplored in the explored. As a hobby photographer, it’s easy to replicate shots someone else has taken; it’s much more challenging developing a fresh perspective in visiting familiar spaces, in seeking out scenes that have remained hidden in plain sight.

In starting on this challenge, I realized that it’s about standing where I’ve stood a hundred times before but pushing myself to see what I’ve never before appreciated.  Much more seasoned photographers share that sometimes ‘seeing with new eyes’ is waiting for the sun to cast different shadows thereby unfolding a different view right before your eyes, or a mural you’ve passed without a second glance, now vibrant under the afternoon sun. Sometimes it’s a different angle—a low shot of the bricks revealing patterns unnoticed when walked upon, or a reflection in a shop window. And sometimes, it’s a different opportunity—the way humans interact with the space, creating an ever changing tableau of the unexpected. 

For me, capturing the unseen amidst the seen, finding what I’ve left undiscovered before is an exercise in thinking outside the box.  And, I realize thinking outside the box is a challenge, indeed! It’s easy for me to fall into the comfort of the familiar, to walk the same paths and photograph the same landscapes. In fact, when I first stepped out of the parking garage and lifted the camera to my eye, it’s exactly what I found myself doing.  I had to force myself think, ‘How can I see this differently?’ This question became my mantra, echoing with familiar step and each shutter click as I reexplored Downtown Orlando with a renewed curiosity.

This act of seeing anew is something I find difficult. It requires curiosity, patience, and a willingness to push my boundaries. Yet, I find joy in this difficulty, in the knowledge that each attempt to break the mold, to create something new is a step towards growth.  With every photograph I take, I am not just capturing a moment in time; I am learning, evolving, and expanding my creative horizons.

I realize this photographic challenge is more than an exercise in artistry; it’s a lesson in perception. As I continue to revisit the streets with my camera held to my eye, I realize that the most significant change isn’t in the city—it is within me. Each snapshot is a testament to my progress, each unique composition a milestone in my journey.

So, I embrace this challenge with open arms. And, I challenge you to venture into a familiar environment with eyes wide open to the possibilities that await. Let each photograph be a discovery, each frame a celebration of the hidden beauty within that place. And remember, the true reward lies not in the images you take home but in the satisfaction of knowing you’ve seen—and captured—the unseen.

Keep pushing those boundaries, and happy shooting!