When we scroll through Instagram or photography websites, it often feels like the best landscapes are always far away. I used to think the same. But over time, I realised that some of the most inspiring places can be just around the corner. Since I work full-time in Switzerland, I can’t always travel far for photography. So I started exploring places close to home. That’s how I found Préverenges Beach — a peaceful lakeside spot just 15 minutes from where I live. It’s easy to reach, with a big parking lot nearby, and it offers a wide open space with multiple photo opportunities. Over time, it became my favourite local place to shoot.
Why having a local photo spot matters
Having a go-to spot near your home has many advantages:
✅ It saves time : you can go before or after work, or even just for a short session.
✅ You get to know it deeply : visiting often helps you observe how light, weather and seasons transform the scene.
✅ You can experiment more : no pressure to get a “perfect shot.” You can play with compositions, lenses, or settings.
✅ It sharpens your eye : the more you return, the more details you notice: textures, reflections, patterns
✅ It connects you to your surroundings : beauty isn’t always far away. A familiar spot can become surprisingly inspiring.
For example, if I see dramatic skies forming, I can just grab my camera and be there in a few minutes. That’s the power of knowing and using local photography spots.
Also, since I love photographing water, the view over Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) gives me the chance to experiment with both long exposures and faster shutter speeds, depending on the conditions.
Why I love Préverenges Beach
What I love most about Préverenges is how it never looks the same twice. Each visit feels unique thanks to the changing weather and light.
✅ Constantly changing moods and light
✅ Great subjects: docks, water, mountains, birds
✅ Perfect for both landscapes and minimalist compositions
It’s simple, but always different. Some days the water is still like glass. Other days, the wind adds movement. Sometimes the sky is orange and dramatic, sometimes soft and pastel.
Every time I go, I discover something new.
The power of repetition: one spot, infinite possibilities
Préverenges taught me that repetition is a powerful creative tool. The more I went, the more I saw.
✅ Ideal place to train and improve regularly
✅ Same composition, totally different results
✅ Seasonal details can inspire brand-new ideas
For an entire year, I went there once a week after work. It was the only moment I could go, but I still managed to capture the exact same composition at sunset in winter, during summer storms, with lightning in the background, on a day with Sahara dust in the air, and even in thick fog.
Later on, I began exploring more of the beach. Between January and February, I noticed a lot of driftwood washing up on the shore, which opened the door to completely new compositions.
I also realized that on days with little to no wind, the sunset colors reflect on the water like a mirror. The result? Photos that almost look like paintings, with just the mountains standing out in the distance.
Tips for getting creative at a familiar location
If you’re struggling to find time or motivation, choose a nearby location and visit it regularly. It’s the best way to grow.
✅ Explore your local area, the magic is nearby
✅ Pick a spot that’s easy to reach, even on short notice
✅ Use weather and light as creative challenges
To find your favorite local spots, you really need to go out and explore. You’ll know instantly when you’ve found “the one.”
I recommend picking a place that’s close to home, or along your route between work and home. The goal is to be able to get there quickly, even on short notice. For instance, I love the Blue Lake of Arolla, but it’s almost a two-hour drive and includes an hour-long hike, so I can only go there on weekends. If a thunderstorm is forming, I simply don’t have time to reach it.
Final thoughts
Préverenges Beach is proof that you don’t need to travel far to be inspired. The more I visited, the more I noticed small changes in light, weather, mood, and composition that made each photo session unique.
✅ Local spots are great for building consistency
✅ One place can offer endless creative opportunities
✅ The key is to stay curious and return often
If you’re looking to improve your landscape photography, I highly encourage you to find a location close to home, a place that makes you want to come back, again and again. It’s not about capturing the most epic view. It’s about learning to see differently, each time you press the shutter.
Published by Jennifer Esseiva on the 21st of Arpil 2025.
