Whats your process for scouting new locations to shoot?

9 years 7 months ago #392608 by Tim Dordeck
Ever sense I picked up a camera, it seems I'm constantly looking for new places to photograph.  I've even jumped on Google maps with street view to 'walk around' a certain area to find possible cool locations.  I was at one point trying to find deserted buildings, but had a tough time with that. 

Anyone have some tips or just share your process of finding new spots in general? 


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9 years 7 months ago #392624 by Tuscan Muse
First, I decide what subject matter interests me.  Then, I scout locations and visit them during different times of day, seeing when the light is best.
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9 years 7 months ago #392693 by Damon
I drive around, but most time I just make mental notes when I'm heading to and from places. 


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9 years 7 months ago #392723 by effron
I use google Earth to find my way, as I can find photo subjects anywhere I go....;)

Why so serious?
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9 years 7 months ago #392755 by Jennifer Krueger
As with others, I first look on Google with a variety of key word searches for my area.  Then I also ask other photographers at clubs I belong to.  When we go on walks or drives I'm also always scanning for interesting things I might want to photography when the hubby isn't with me. 


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9 years 7 months ago #392835 by hillbilly4rent
I second Google Earth, I'm most of the time in rough terrain so scouting ahead with GE and a topo map. When I get to an area I just set my eyes in the back of my head and try to see the forest through the trees.


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9 years 7 months ago #392845 by Sawyer
+1 Google is your friend on many levels

Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
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9 years 7 months ago #392874 by Alex
 I'm all about Googles resources too.  I run and go mountain biking a lot so, during these times I'm always looking for those spots that might have some potential.  I'll make note of those spots in "notes" on my iPhone. 

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9 years 7 months ago #392940 by Sandy Smith Photos
+1  Google street view 


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9 years 7 months ago #393089 by Joves
I just drive around, and make mental notes, or stop and shoot. I do not use google anything. :P


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9 years 7 months ago #393152 by Robert Chen
All of the above 

Nikon D300 24-70mm f2.8
70-200mm f2.8
50mm f1.4 & 50mm f1.8
105mm f2.8
2 SB800

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9 years 7 months ago #393245 by [email protected]
It does depend on what I want to shoot. I've been obsessed with sunsets lately and living in Chicago makes it tough to find a nice clean place to get a horizon shot. So I'll drive SW of Chicago to get to "back roads" (quoted because you have to go WAY away from Chicago to find true back roads and farms) and then as I see good spots, I'll jot down the location in Evernote on my phone for later.  

I just wish Chicago was on the East side of Lake Michigan so sunsets over the water would be possible! Some one once told me there's an equivalent to sunsets though. Something called "sunrises" or something. I've yet to experience this mystical thing though.


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9 years 7 months ago #393349 by tCampbell

Joves wrote: I just drive around, and make mental notes, or stop and shoot. I do not use google anything. :P


:agree: except  for the Google statement :silly:


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9 years 7 months ago #396719 by Ben Vanderbilt
I go on daily walks and always have a note pad of paper with me.  If I find someplace worth revisiting, I'll come back with my camera.  This principle works the same when I'm driving around, although it seems most of my spots have been found on my walks.  


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9 years 7 months ago #397055 by photographyelement
I don't know how many times I've wished for the same thing.


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