Shot lists, yeah or nay
Mar 8, 2019 09:28:55 #
I just finished making my shot list for Newfoundland and I can't remember any mention of such here. I find a shot list invaluable for my many trips and it helps keep me focused on the end goal. When I have a location to research I go through all the photos I can find on that location and look for the "types" of photos that strike me, not to copy but to make it my own. Not just a "I need a shot of the Statue of Liberty" but more a "shot of liberty with sun behind the torch" kind of thing. Of course, I may not achieve that goal but how close can I get?
My question: How many here make a shot list (and use it) before visiting a location (not the local park that you walk in everyday) and how many just visit a place and do the "oh, that's cute...snap" thing?
If you don't use it, do you think it would be a useful tool to improve your photographic results?
My question: How many here make a shot list (and use it) before visiting a location (not the local park that you walk in everyday) and how many just visit a place and do the "oh, that's cute...snap" thing?
If you don't use it, do you think it would be a useful tool to improve your photographic results?
Mar 8, 2019 09:37:21 #
Other than general areas (ocean, rocks, towns, etc.) I just look for shots as I go along when I get to places.
Now I have a list of places to go, like various spots on Mount Desert Island, Maine, or Valley Forge National Park, Gettysburg, and so on. The investigation is part of the outing.
Now I have a list of places to go, like various spots on Mount Desert Island, Maine, or Valley Forge National Park, Gettysburg, and so on. The investigation is part of the outing.
Mar 8, 2019 09:37:27 #
Have never made such a list. I take lots of photos of the things I see but there is not list of possibilities.
Mar 8, 2019 09:37:35 #
I make a "side trip" list when we travel, but improvise when it comes to shot lists. I may have some pre-trip thoughts, but I don't generally write them down. I'm getting to the age when I probably should!
Andy
Andy
Mar 8, 2019 09:40:57 #
This could be an interesting discussion! I think the basis is left brain vs. right - structured, analytical vs. responding with instinct to the moment in front of you. You don't see "great eye" said a lot anymore, but here's what I mean:
'Having an eye for photography' usually refers to the ability of a photographer to compose shots, sometimes even out of mundane situations around them. ... An eye for photography can be described as an instinct that tells you the most effective use of your surroundings.
https://www.quora.com/Does-an-eye-for-photography-mean-anything
.
'Having an eye for photography' usually refers to the ability of a photographer to compose shots, sometimes even out of mundane situations around them. ... An eye for photography can be described as an instinct that tells you the most effective use of your surroundings.
https://www.quora.com/Does-an-eye-for-photography-mean-anything
.
Mar 8, 2019 09:43:49 #
I don't use them.
If I will be shooting at a location where I have been before I will have a good idea of what I want to achieve.
If it is to a brand new location, like a vacation, I will shot what ever appeals to me.
If I will be shooting at a location where I have been before I will have a good idea of what I want to achieve.
If it is to a brand new location, like a vacation, I will shot what ever appeals to me.
Mar 8, 2019 09:46:20 #
Generally, only for commercial work. For my own, never have. I prefer to visually explore an area and make impromptu discoveries that become photographs.
--Bob
--Bob
big-guy wrote:
I just finished making my shot list for Newfoundla... (show quote)
Mar 8, 2019 09:47:01 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
This could be an interesting discussion! I think t... (show quote)
For myself I try to capture "moments" and light.
If I can get both then I am happy.
Mar 8, 2019 09:48:03 #
Frankly of the , the idea seems like it would take the "creativity" out of a trip. Instead of looking, composing and focusing on all of the opportunities available, it would relegate you to some preconceived notion of what you SHOULD shoot.
Mar 8, 2019 09:52:26 #
RichardTaylor wrote:
I don't use them.
If I will be shooting at a location where I have been before I will have a good idea of what I want to achieve.
If it is to a brand new location, like a vacation, I will shot what ever appeals to me.
If I will be shooting at a location where I have been before I will have a good idea of what I want to achieve.
If it is to a brand new location, like a vacation, I will shot what ever appeals to me.
Mar 8, 2019 09:52:45 #
rmalarz wrote:
Generally, only for commercial work. For my own, never have. I prefer to visually explore an area and make impromptu discoveries that become photographs.
--Bob
--Bob
Mar 8, 2019 09:54:08 #
I often go out with a specific shot in mind. Sometimes a multi day trip for one shot.
Then spend a lot of time improvising, discovering and exploring.
Sometimes I actually get the originally planned shot.
Then spend a lot of time improvising, discovering and exploring.
Sometimes I actually get the originally planned shot.
Mar 8, 2019 10:01:09 #
I make trip agendas but other than researching the area i don't look at photos to get an idea of what to shoot. I'm more of an impromptu shooter. Sometimes it means I come home wishing I had shot this or that, but that gives me reason to return. Especially since DH's idea of vacation is drive, drive, drive, look, drive, drive, drive, look.
Mar 8, 2019 10:31:46 #
Don't get me wrong, I still look for other shots as I go along but I do have specific goals in mind, that may or may not come to fruition. Before I started doing the shot list thing I got home and found I had a lot of the same old thing to show for my efforts. Now I find I end up with more unique creative shots that are definitely not the same old same old. Kind of like BBF, I'll never go back to willy nilly.
Of course it always helps to be in the right place at the right time camera in hand.
Of course it always helps to be in the right place at the right time camera in hand.
Mar 8, 2019 10:36:10 #
I used a list for all shoots I did when I had my studio. But when I go somewhere for myself and take pictures I usually don't know what I will photographing ahead of time.
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