The Wanaka Tree is one off those Instagram pictures that have spoiled an otherwise obvious photographic opportunity. Since is was first publish the social media went crazy. Hordes of tourist and photographers flocked to Wanaka in New Zealand to shot the tree - and so did I with my photo-boddy Thomas. We arrived early around 8 pm to get a good spot for getting the iconic blue hour shot. But already at that time the beach was packed. Families with children having their late night dinner at the beach, photographers with their tripods near the laker like a gigantic fence and even a piano player - completely crazy and surrealistic.
The same thing happened to us on a resent trip to the Faero Islands. A picture of a lonely little summer house at the shore of Saksun Bay have had the same Wanaka Tree effect. On our way to another location we stopped to see what the fuss was all about. At the road leading to the house we where met by a sign: Private Property - Do Not Enter. A man came walking, and it turned out to be the owner of the notorious house so we asked him about the sign! He said his home have been more or less invaded by photographers crossing his backyard to get to the summer house, since that picture was published. But the sign have had little effect - some of them even looking in the windows at his private house next to the summer house. Later on we spoke to a local chap who knew the guy, and according to rumors, the owner eventually shot down a drone from one photographer.
These are just two examples out of hundreds of Instagram pictures that has made great impact on people and the environment - and not for the best. Peoples privacy is ignored and fragile nature is invaded to get that iconic shot.
That leeds to the ironic question: Why is it, we as photographers, are drawn to the same location and the same picture hundreds before us have taken? As with the Wanaka Tree, I have fallen in the same trap and why? My answer is: Because I was there, the motive is unique, so why miss out on a good picture because its been taken numerous times before! My experience is - get the shot and move on, there are endless pictures to be taken out there which are unique, Explore, have fun and enjoy the moment, whether you are in Timbuktu or your own back yard.