Where do you all go to take pictures?

[Neon01]

Just wondering if you get home from work (those that aren't pro photographers) and say to yourself, "I'd like to go take some photos." Where do you go when you'd like to absorb beauty? Or do you make it around the house?

Since I got my S30 years ago I've never really sought out picture-taking just for the sake of picture-taking; I generally just brought my camera to events where I thought there would be interesting shots. Now that I have my DSLR (and I've invested quite a bit more money into the hobby :p ) I find myself trying to do things just to take pictures in the process (hiking, taking countryside drives, etc). What are your thoughts?

[kenyc]

I do specifically go out to take pics. I have a list of sites/places to go to.

KAC

[Steve Parr]

I take pictures, literally, everywhere. I always have my camera with me.

There are also those times, though, when I go out specifically to shoot certain things...

Steve

[SSquared2000]

I, too, have specific places. I've got 2 young kids, so when I get home, I don't necessarily have the easy pleasure of just heading out. When I do head out, I typically take my girls and that gives me opportunities to photograph them as well.

My list has included our local duck park, rose garden, tree garden, and more. I have a list of places I'd like to get to. I take note of interesting sites I may want to check out later. I always take my camera with me when our family heads out.

When I travel for work, I find out about the area and plan out different photo opportunities.

[Desertraptor]

I live in the desert. I walk out my door :) Although I tend to drive a little bit out of town for most.

[kwsanders]

Just wondering if you get home from work (those that aren't pro photographers) and say to yourself, "I'd like to go take some photos." Where do you go when you'd like to absorb beauty? Or do you make it around the house?

I have only had my 350D for five days. I have already planned out trips for taking pictures. I even mentioned to my wife today in an email that we need to take our six year old son to the zoo again.

Since I have been getting home late from work this week, I have been going outside when I get home to try and make use of all the available daylight. I just about filled up a shot while sitting and watching a hummingbird feeder today. I am about to pull the files off the CF card and see how they turned out.

We are planning to drive out to the country this weekend and find some of the old, wooden, covered bridges.

[Curtis N]

My wife likes nature, I like people. We plan day trips specifically for the photo ops, and sometimes go to events we otherwise wouldn't, if not for the photogenic sights. This is a side-benefit of the hobby for us, since we now get out of the house more and see things we wouldn't have seen otherwise.

We take more walks through the various nature preserves in our area. We go to places where we know there will be people in interesting costumes, doing out-of-the-ordinary activities. Renaissance faires, war re-enactments, pioneer festivals, horse shows, you name it.

It's all good!

[Jon, The Elder]

Neon - Just a thought. Now that you are getting into more serious photography, consider a type of subject you are drawn to - be it Architecture/Landscapes/Wildlife/Still life/Macro/etc. Once you have decided - really work at getting that 'perfect' shot. Artistically and technically you will improve. Once you have gained confidence, then branch out. Otherwise, you will soon tire of Just banging off shots and the enjoyment of true photography may fade. Good photography is work. Work, however, that pays great dividends (you should see my walls at home).

[aam1234]

Another idea is to participate in contests, they give you something to focus on and make you try to do the best you can for the subject. It's a great learning tool.

There is a section in this forum just for that, which you can find here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=39).

[75D]

Depending on the season I have a liist of favourite place I like to visit to get some great shots.
I find the local newspapers helpful in finding local events that may provide great photo opportunities and activities that will be fun.
Another thing I do is pick a theme, could be things, a colour, or a shape and go somewhere and look for things that fit into the theme.
Some of the conteests on this forums or others also can provide material for a shoot.
I always carry a camera just in case something interesting pops up.

Wayne

[Becky N]

We go to places where we know there will be people in interesting costumes, doing out-of-the-ordinary activities. Renaissance faires, war re-enactments, pioneer festivals, horse shows, you name it.

You forgot to mention, we have been designated the official family photographers. Seldom do we go to a family event without the camera bag in tow. I'm sure we aren't the only ones to experience this phenonemon since delving into our hobby.

[aam1234]

Oh, another wife/husband members!.....cool!

Btw Becky, did Curtis see you with that much beer you are drinking :lol:

[skyphix]

Generally, I just walk around the city I live near... or go outside and photograph my cars, the neighbors animals, etc.

[Becky N]

, did Curtis see you with that much beer you are drinking :lol:

Yep, he took a sip too! ;)

[Titus213]

My wife is a professional artist (landscape painter) and I have a photo business out of the same studio. We go out to take pictures all the time. Just got back from a week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming - business trip.:lol: She was painting I was photographing the area. Living in the Pacific NW there is no end to landscape photography. Living outside Portland there is no end to interesting people to photograph.

[Curtis N]

did Curtis see you with that much beer you are drinking?I give her all the beer she wants. She gets thirsty hauling around a backpack with 40 pounds of lenses & other crap while I take pictures.;)

[Neon01]

Thank you all for the great ideas. Maybe I'll try some of the contests and start developing a specialty (or try to). For now I'm still absorbing as much knowledge as I can on these forums. There's quite a bit of wisdom here.

[kwsanders]

I give her all the beer she wants. She gets thirsty hauling around a backpack with 40 pounds of lenses & other crap while I take pictures.;)

What was that sound I just heard? Was it Curtis' head making a thud when it bounced on the floor after Becky knocked him up side the head with that 40 pound back? :lol:

[kwsanders]

On a different note, that country drive is out. My wife has taken up a sewing hobby, which is obviously not as much fun as photography, but anyway, I digress.

We have to take a 2.5 hour drive tomorrow to pick up her sewing machine which is in for repair. She told me today that if I would drive her in my not-so-thirsty Beetle, she would take me off on some of the side routes to the river near the dam. Hopefully I can get some good shots there tomorrow.

[aam1234]

What was that sound I just heard? Was it Curtis' head making a thud when it bounced on the floor after Becky knocked him up side the head with that 40 pound back? :lol:

Ha ha, you have more guts than me kwsanders. Wanted to say "that's not the way to treat a lady" but was afraid of the PC police.

[kwsanders]

I am new to the forums, so I may have talked out of turn since I haven't put in my dues. I hope that Curtis and Becky both know it was said in jest.

I know that my wife would have no problems whopping me up side the head with my camera equipment if I handed her the bag. :)

[Curtis N]

What was that sound I just heard? Was it Curtis' head making a thud when it bounced on the floor after Becky knocked him up side the head with that 40 pound back?Nah. She wouldn't do that. Her beer is in the backpack, too.;)

No worries, Kerry. I can take a joke. People who can't, don't seem to last long here.:)