Jenne Farm in Reading, Vermont (The address of the Jenne Farm is 1264 Jenne Road.) is suppose to be the most photographed farm in Vermont and perhaps the world.
It even showed up in Forest Gump in a scene where Forest is running across America (and back again) and it has been used in Budweiser commercials and other movies.
I’ve seen a lot of photographs of photographers lined up, tripod leg to tripod leg, in the early morning or like in this photo, in the middle of winter. I’ve visited the farm many times (and tossed a donation in the donation box) but have never run into another photographer there. Perhaps I don’t get up early enough or these are photo clubs or some kind of photo tour.
….in the world of landscape photography, Jenne Farm becomes a sunrise mecca each autumn, a scene that so screams “quintessential New England fall” — rolling hills, weathered red barns, and an 18th-century farmhouse, all flanked by autumn leaves — that it has become, it is said, the most photographed farm in the country, perhaps the world.
“On busy days, there can easily be a hundred people up on that hill photographing everything we do, and sometimes people get confused and think it’s a park instead of a working farm and private residence. They’re always asking for the public restroom, when can they take a tour of the house, and the location of the restaurant.”
In the world of amateur photography, an iconic spot like Jenne Farm becomes “must have” shot on photographer’s bucket list. Once you’ve seen a photograph of the farm, you start seeing every where. On calendars, on post cards, on book covers etc.
Amateur photographers who “collect” these iconic spots become like a bird enthusiast tracks their life list and travel the world to check off more birds than that guy in the bird club.
Antelope Valley – check.
Grand Canyon – check
Bass Harbor Lighthouse – check
Nubble Light – Cape Neddick Lighthouse – check
Old Faithful – check
Eiffel Tower – check
The only problem is not seeing the forest for the trees or being so focused on these icons perhaps they miss other interesting places and scene that are right around them in their neck of the woods. Also standing in a line with a dozen other photographers all getting the same exact shot doesn’t lead to much individual expression or personal style your work.
The goal with any iconic spot should be to bring a unique take on the location. Difficult to do of course with a spot that has been shot to death.