I am just returning to these comments on this article - many weeks too late. Thank you for the replies and my apologies for not responding sooner.
@Gregor_Jeric I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the article. The more I photograph small scenes, the more I enjoy them. It sounds like we are on the same page on that point. 
@Ryan_Stikeleather Thanks so much for sharing the example of your fall trip. There is always something to photograph at beautiful locations, which is why setting aside expectations can be a good thing in my experience. Without preconceived ideas of a place, you are able to see what the landscape is offering at the time of your visit and take advantage of the opportunities as they are presented. I hope that you can find some field practices that work well for you - being enjoyable, allowing you to feel like you are taking advantage of your time in the field, and that are productive for photography of all sorts.
@Igor_Doncov Thank you for the comments. I should have prefaced my article by saying that these practices make up the bulk of my time in the field but that I also still enjoy chasing the light, moving fast, and going to a place with preconceived ideas on occasion. There is room for both but I think some time with a slower pace and focus on exploration is essential for creative photography. I also agree with you that some locations are more fertile than others, especially for people who focus on grand landscapes. For people who enjoy small scenes, however, I do find that I can make photos I like in almost any location (even with a pretty plant in a store parking lot…).
The topic of influence is a harder one to address here because it is so complex. I will say one thing… For the last year or so, I have mostly been following Cole Thompson’s practice of photographic celibacy (not looking at other people’s photographs because they create too much of an imprint on my mind and thus cloud my own vision). This year of near-photographic celibacy has been my happiest and most productive. Influence for me is best when it comes from nature or sources beyond other nature photographers. This would be a great topic for a stand-alone article in the future!
@Dan_Kearl Thanks for the comment on this post, Dan. I think your comment captured a point I missed well. There is room for all kinds of photography practices, like chasing the light in a wonderful place like Iceland but also having the ability to slow down and notice details that might be as inspiring as the big scenes, just in a different way, both in epic locations like Iceland and at your neighborhood park.
@Matt_Payne Thank you for making the time to read this article. Based on your year-end photos for 2018, it seems like you are doing a great job of integrating some of these practices in your own work. Your hard work this year shows through your photos.
@Jimmy_Gekas Thanks so much for the comment on this post, Jimmy. The examples you share are a perfect illustration of why I love slowing down. I too find that it is more fun to just explore and see what there is to see rather than going to a big place with specific expectations and often being disappointed. You have been creating some wonderful small scenes and nature portraits recently so this approach is clearly paying off for you.
