Hunting Strategies

[JEDprime]

I'm curious as to what methods people use to help decide where to shoot outdoors.
Myself, I would pick a direction, drive and hope to find something worthwhile for landscapes and such. While this can be interesting, it is usually a horrible waste of valuable time.
So... I just pulled down the latest version of Google Earth, find my hometown and scout the area. I look for high spots with good line-of-sight, lakes, rivers, etc, then print out roadmaps to get there. The weather just turned crappy here, so I cant test it out yet but it should make for far more successful photo hunting.
When using Google Earth, I recommend doubling the real-world terrain elevation and viewing at a 45 degree angle to enhance the details. Finding spots with good contrast in elevation is good for composition.

[slappy sam]

I live near the water, so I do much the same. I google earth, look for some nice coves, get the directions and go.

I also live 2 mins away from 3 really excellent shooting spots, and 15 min from two more that I know about from visiting before (all on the water :D)

I live in a small town so sometimes (only done it like twice) I drive around the roadways near the water and look for little public beaches or streets that go down to the water, basically just exploring which is fun even without the photography.

[JEDprime]

Exploring and hiking is OK up here in northern Canada but theres lots of nasty bears and such around, so I dont stray too far. :)

[chauncey]

George Bush was described as a pick-up cowboy, well 'm a pick-up photographer.

[JEDprime]

That reminds me to experiment with my window pod, actually...

[Roach711]

I just travel around. When I have the camera with me I see nothing worth capturing. When it's at home I see the most amazing stuff. If I go home, get the camera and come back the amazing stuff has disappeared.

Actually, it's a lot like hunting. You only see that huge trophy buck when your rifle is at home.

It's just the basic perversity of the universe.

[JEDprime]

lol
Totally true. :)