Curious to know how other people scout for new areas to photograph. Since I have moved, I am not someone who lives in a naturally photogenic area (East London), so I'll need travel in order to find those places to photograph. Do people just pick up the camera and drive, hoping they'll find somewhere, or are people more proactive and research locations using Google Maps/Flickr/etc.?
Posted Apr 6, 2013, 1:51 PM UTC
Everywhere around you is possible. Give it a shot :)
Have a look at the Flickr map for your area
Yeah, along with Google Maps, the world map Flickr is probably my most used tool. Really useful to see quality shots that people have taken around me.
I use google earth for a number of reasons. It has embedded images in it, so you can see what others have shot, plus you can get additional perspectives within it. You can also somewhat alter your targets from landscapes to cityscapes. London is rich in views, especially evening and night views that you can take. Personally, I like the ocean and harbor scenes, tall square rigged ships, sailboats and lighthouses. However, I live in the great sonoran desert so I have to adapt also.
I also just use google search to look for ideas. Just search for items such as "photo ideas in east London"
Thanks for those links - I'll take a look.
I often use Google Maps in satellite view and just look for interesting patterns. If possible, I then use Google Street View to get a first Impression. On the other hand I also often just pick up my camera and start walking around or drive somewhere I've never been and see what happens.