Morro Rock is a good example of the type of icon I rely on to get my creative bearings while travelling. When visiting a new place for photography, I often head first to these familiar landmarks at different times of day to make some initial compositions, developing a feel for the qualities and directions of light in the area. I use these intitial experiences as a point of departure for more personal renderings of the local sites. This shot of prominent Morro Rock was shot at daybreak from the parking lot of our hotel.