St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Prompted by a prior post I thought I would share a few location scouting tools.

For light -
The Photographer's Ephemeris
- specifically TPE for Desktop web app
- but also for your desktop or smartphone

For ideas -
ShotHotspot
- About ShotHotspot

For location scouting -
Google Maps Street View
- How to Use Google Street View
- How to Use Google Map Street View

Are there others you use, and for what purpose? S-

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use Google Earth, almost exclusively. It's similar to Google Maps, but offers a bit more.
--Bob

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I've used it in the past and found significant detail. The 3D Buildings are a valued help too. Thank you! S-

Google Earth
- Google Earth Help Center
- Learn

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you, Steve!

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I use Ephemeris on my phone, a lot, and of course Google and Apple maps. Haven't heard of the other but will check it out. Thanks!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

It's nice to create a library of tools, but better to hear personal experience! S-

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

That Sunset Predictor you shared recently is now a huge part of my arsenal, that darned thing works! It is less accurate when there is low cloud cover but overall, it's a great tool.

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Hi Steve, I generally use Google Maps Street View.
I will give Earth a try too as Bob suggested.
Craig

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

There are so many, but this is a good one too! S-

SunsetWX

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Now that is very cool Steve.
Craig
PS: Google Earth will not Install on my Windows 10 :thumbdown: :thumbdown:

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I'm running Window 10 Home Edition and I just downloaded and installed it. S-
- are you downloading from http://www.google.com/earth/download/ge/agree.html
- there's also the Google Earth Plug-in for your browser http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/plugin.html

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

For light - I am the last man standing who does not own a smart phone.
I have an 11 year old dumb phone. Does not even have a camera!
For light I use the light meter in the camera and Photoshop to adjust the light to whatever is required. You want a sunny day easy peasy you want fog simple to put in place etc

For ideas - I use my old follicly challenged head. If you mean Steve search for shots of cars then go out next day to shoot cars that's a no no. Influence is too soon and your unlikely to get any originality come into play. Understand if its a beginner, if not search the recesses of your mind, dredge up some memories. That way it will be an original St3v3M or a billyshot.

For location scouting - Google maps huh Billy larfs! Google has not bothered to send its drones over here just yet.
Leave you car behind wherever possible. Walk the place you wish to photograph use a bicycle or a small motorbike. You see very little and notice even less from an air conditioned 16 speaker leather upholstered Chrysler cocoon. Use your feet feel the place sit let it wash over you. Only way get feelings into your work.

This could be expanded along the lines of what do people do when they get to their chosen location. Set up camera immediately check position of sun or like me chill, and just sit and wait for the time to feel right to start hammering the shutter

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Wait...you mean you have to think about things and physically walk around? Weird... LAF

For light - I use it to learn what time the Sun rises, sets and the direction of the light.

For ideas - I travel for work so it's nice to know what's available when I land.

For location scouting - with a few hours to spare I use this to decide between one of two locations.

Like any other tool, it's one of many, but as you pointed out your brain is the best! S-

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

I got it figured out I already have it installed and it just wouldn't reinstall it. :oops:

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

As long as it works! S-