The Mill Pond, the Lagoon Park waterfall, and Sand Creek offer increasingly difficult opportunities for photographers. Although they are beautiful, it's easy to get bored with subjects that everyone shoots.

Sure, it's easy for the average Joe to follow the path to a much-visited spot near Jordan's waterfall and snap a fairly nice photo of one of Sand Creek's most famous features. I don't want to take away from the allure of doing that -- and I agree that the photos are nice. But what about getting a completely different shot of the falls? That's not so simple. Try a different angle or a vertical shot, look for a different vantage point from which to shoot, or frame the falls with foliage within photo.

Likewise, it's not easy to shoot the Mill Pond. Last summer's pondweed, even though some people did not regard the weeds as pretty, was a blessing in disguise for photographers who wanted to take a distinctly different shot of the recreational lake. Try photographing the interaction that people have with the Mill Pond, or try documenting the draining and dredging of the pond later this year.

Sand Creek is most often photographed from Lagoon Park or bridges in or around town. But remember that it's long, windy, and full of animals. Why not take a little time to walk the creek on the property of homeowners you know (and from whom you have permission)? Or, better yet, photograph the creek by boat -- shots of the creek from the creek.

I love the photos that have been taken and posted by members of the online group called Photographers' Guild. You can join the group, see its members' photos, or post your own at http://www.jordannews.com/node/620. Can't wait to see more.