How do you guys decide what to shoot?

[GoingUp]

It's unfortunately been a few months since I last touched my camera gear. I never can decide what to go try and take photos of. I'm debating trying to take some time lapse photos or some other multiplicity ones like I did before.

I really do enjoy photographing, but never can seem to find stuff that I think would make an interesting subject.

Any tips on how you guys find opportunities? Or do you just carry your cameras everywhere and just shoot whatever you see?

 

[jpeyton]

I just walk around town with my camera. It helps living near a big city; lots of neighborhoods to explore.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: Gobadgrs
It's unfortunately been a few months since I last touched my camera gear. I never can decide what to go try and take photos of. I'm debating trying to take some time lapse photos or some other multiplicity ones like I did before.

I really do enjoy photographing, but never can seem to find stuff that I think would make an interesting subject.

Any tips on how you guys find opportunities? Or do you just carry your cameras everywhere and just shoot whatever you see?

Do you live near a lake, or pond, or swamp? "Merge" areas can offer a plethora of opportunities.

I enjoy photographing the local wildlife. A few years ago, I could have named maybe a dozen varieties of birds that lived in my area; now I could name thrice that.

Last month I found myself prone on the frozen lake, photographing a muskrat less than 10 ft away. Pretty fun.

 

[TheDrake]

Yeah, I pretty much just walk/drive around and if I see a potential shot I will take it. I am not much for wildlife, but I usually look for water or an interesting tree.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I pretty much only take photos when I travel

 

[shocksyde]

I've had droughts of a few months before, and I feel your pain. It sucks. What I've started doing is keeping a running list of things I'd like to shoot and I'll come back to them when I have nothing else to shoot.

Luckily I've kept myself busy recently, but I forsee another drought until spring when I can go nuts for a few months with IR photography. I think I'll visit the zoo in between now and spring just so it's not too bad of a drought. Mmmm, tigers.

 

[bobdole369]

I never can decide what to go try and take photos of.

There is your problem.

Unless its an event (i.e. something where I'm paid or results matter to someone) - I hardly ever plan anything. I always have a camera, and as I go through my day either photographic opportunities arise, or they don't.

Like this morning - at the dr. with my wife - falling asleep in the waiting room - I went out for a smoke, and landed a nice bright sunny bench with a neat perspective and some trees.

 

[ThePresence]

You have to realize that photography is art. Dont get too caught up in the technicalities of photography, and train your mind and eye to see pictures. to see art. eventually you will start seeing opportunities everywhere.

 

[ghostman]

I understand completely.

Unfortunately, I only carry it out during events. I love to take photos, but my commute is too hectic (shoving my way from bus to subway, another subway, then a train). And even when I do take it out for no specific purpose, I don't see anything worth photographing. And I live in NYC! Everything that happens around me is so routine that I never think to photograph it. Yet I see some amazing photos of NYC in forums... usually of locations or scene I pass by all the time.

 

[corkyg]

A subway ride is full of interesting scenes and people - straphangers, newspaper readers, pan handlers, etc., etc. You never know what you will run into.

Today I walked by the kitchem counter and saw this bobblehead doll. Why not!

Bob

 

[takeru]

my problem is, i have nowhere to go most of the time. i just shoot at random stuff in the meantime.

took this in the kitchen, of my wifes slowly dieing valentines flowers.it could be sharper, but i was lazy.

 

[virtuamike]

If I'm stuck, I indulge in something I enjoy, like women. I go hang out, have fun. Tada, problem solved, instant inspiration.

 

[GoingUp]

I think im going to get try some time lapse photos.

 

[kyzen]

I also find it hard to find places to go take pictures - my issue is not so much a lack of options; but rather a lack of time to get to those places.

So, instead, I'm buying a macro lens, and will be having fun with the various insects and flowers around my neighborhood

 

[corkyg]

Good luck with your macro lens. I just went out to get the mail, and on the way, I saw an interesting shot - up close and personal with the top of a barrel cactus.

Barrel

 

[shortylickens]

Is there a Hooters in your neighborhood?