Digital photos explored further with Light / Dark concepts (Notan) and sketches for the iPad in Markup and Procreate. Notan (simple value study) done well is a huge boon to artists when creating art as the design and big shapes have been worked out prior to paint on canvas/paper, thus saving time and materials. The iPad makes this process easy and fun with undo buttons (hooray!) and layers (oh yes!). Traditional media can be used for Notans, but it's stressful to not have easy options for quick versions, material can be messy with scratchy lines (pencil) or hard to judge value (gouache). The flat nature of the digital brush is well suited to Notans.
Try options and quick playful shapes. Remember to keep your value flat and under control (the digital tool will help you). No wispy or sketchy lines! Block flat shapes of about 5 major shapes. Also avoid 'real' objects such as a road or tree. Instead merge shapes to make new ones. It will take some practice. Digital tools make it easy and fun.