shooting buddy ?

I love photography but sadly my wife isn't really into it (she grabs the P&S once in a while, and likes to go for walks while I shoot things) and non of my friends are really into it either.. I wish I had a photo buddy. Going for a little hike by myself is relaxing and all, but sometimes a bit lonely. I wish I had someone to go out with that's perhaps a beginner to DSLR (or just likes using a P&S.. doesn't really matter) to help get different perspectives when shooting and just talk about photography with.

I was thinking of posting something on facebook to find someone in my area, but I feel kinda weird about it. I think there is some sort of photography club in town but they do it like every other Tuesday or something (it's too organized I have to work).

Do other people shoot alone most of the time, or have friends that are into it as well?

I sort of know what you mean; sometimes, it's beneficial to go on a shoot with a like-minded mate. I often go to events (motorsport, etc.) with a mate of mine, which is good, even though I often have to help him with tips on exposure and the like. It's certainly a lot better than trying to drag along someone who isn't into photography and doesn't know anything about it. But if you're talking about a roam in the middle of nowhere doing landscapes and that kind of thing, I'm just as happy on my own, just me and the countryside. I have never bothered with clubs; like you say, I think they tend to be too organised.

I'm in the same situation. I need myself a shooting buddy as well. I don't really like doing much of anything alone like eating, shopping, and especially going shooting. Maybe you could get one of your friends into photography?

I suppose I am at the opposite end, since I do not want anyone else around; I would just view them as one big blob of a burden.

People, can't live with them, can't live with them

My favourite thing about photography is seclusion

I'm comfortable in either camp on this one; On the one hand, I love shooting alone because it brings serenity, especially when doing landscape shots out in the country. It gives me a chance to think about stuff without having someone yapping away to me about a bunch of pointless, irrelevant things that, usually, I don't care about. But, on the other hand, from time to time it can be a bit lonely, and when I'm shooting in urban areas (especially where I live), dangerous Especially when there are large groups of people around a lot of expensive kit.

On the other hand, I was out recently with a friend who is also into photography, and two other people who were just there for the ride, and I enjoyed it. The two people who weren't photographers were clearly bored by the end of the day, and were making a nuisance of themselves (they were both 14yo, enough said..), but I really enjoyed having someone around to watch my back while I was shooting (urban) and to bounce ideas off.. Turned out to be a fun day out, and something we're planning to do again.

My girlfriend is lovely, bless her, but she's clearly not into photography at all; Or at least, not nearly on the same level as my boundless enthusiasm. Every time I talk about it with her, I can see her eyes glaze over and I just know that she's bored out of her mind, but she doesn't want to upset me by telling me to shut up She's been out with me before on shoots and she just tends to look bored a lot of the time. She also bugs me about 'ignoring' her while I'm shooting stuff. I suppose spending time with someone who is a photographer, you avoid these problems at least..

I think there are group shots arranged via this forum, unless I'm mistaken..? Not sure whereabouts, though.

My suggestion is to find or even start a camera / photo club in your area. You may have to go to a few meetings or outings to see if they fit to your liking, but give it a go!!

DStanic wrote in post #5593969
Do other people shoot alone most of the time, or have friends that are into it as well?

I have a couple of people at work who are kinda into photography, but more P&S events, family and friends style and not wildlife or urban, which is what I am mainly into. I am very independant and if I'm shooting I probably prefer doing it alone if I am doing urban stuff. Just follow my instincts. I think someone similar would be fine but never really considered it. I wouldn't enjoy large group things or people who chatter all the time or just 'tag along'.

With wildlife it is different - I enjoy having others along and that is the reason I run the 'POTN' Safaris - just more enjoyable with folks who share similar interests and who gell as a group. I think the latter is vital. Be nice to have 2-3 local people to go wildlife/bird shooting with ... but it depends who they are I'm pretty content going on my own too.