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Shot lists, yeah or nay
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Mar 9, 2019 09:34:41   #
dyximan
 
big-guy wrote:
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?
I just finished making my shot list for Newfoundla... (show quote)


I find I start out with a location in mind and possible things to shoot, but often take the road less traveled, or go a little further over, that hill, or around that corner just to see what is over there. And sometimes I never make it to the mountains, but to that the litte town on the way, or the ocean behind me. I dont mind taking the picture of that thing that 1 million people have done before or just like the one in the brochure. but just to see if I can do it differently. But I have always found I was never dissapointed with my decisions as I/you can make just about anything a photo op if you look at it and shoot it in a way that appeals to you?

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Mar 9, 2019 09:47:44   #
Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida
 
I don't make shot lists but I do sometimes make an Events List or Calendar and I simply never go without the camera weather I need it or not. I concentrate on getting the shot rather than composing it because for me, 7 out of 10 instances show that the subject matter outweighs most everything else.

People are more interested in content before quality or noise in a photo and the more intense the better it is with almost criticism to the other side of the discussion. Get the shot then in your own good time ,sit down and refinish it in PP if you are able and take your chances because at the end of the day,it's the journey that we respect and admire.

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Mar 9, 2019 10:11:20   #
SpyderJan Loc: New Smyrna Beach. FL
 
billnikon wrote:
I go and LOOK for those shots that strike me as different. I have always used my eyes as a though I were looking through a lens. I look for unique lighting, color, composition, leading lines, rules of thirds. That's how I travel.
For instance, I was out yesterday and looking down I saw a Green Heron very close to me and the morning sun was lighting him up in a unique way, so I shot it based only on lighting, nothing else. Below is the result. My motto is, always be alert for the unusual, something different, always be looking as if your eyes were the lens on your camera. And I am constantly asking myself, What would make a nice image without regard to location.
I go and LOOK for those shots that strike me as di... (show quote)


Pg. 3 Great catch Bill. Is that a Night Heron?

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Mar 9, 2019 10:48:05   #
chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon
 
When I go to a location to shoot for myself, I do not make a physical list. I have been shooting at the Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport, Oregon) for the last three days and today will the fourth. I will get there and then decide what I want to concentrate on. For example, yesterday it was sea urchins. The day before it was sea anemones. At the same time, I am photographing other sea life that looks interesting (i.e. sailfin sculpin and juvenile wolf eels). And then there is my always growing series of "That's A Moray".

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Mar 9, 2019 12:08:23   #
andrew d
 
I like to research attractions in a new travel destination. This works especially well for vacation- as I can go out before sunrise and be back before the wife finishes breakfast. Asking the hotel concierge can also be helpful, but there is usually a list.

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Mar 9, 2019 12:08:47   #
andrew d
 
I like to research attractions in a new travel destination. This works especially well for vacation- as I can go out before sunrise and be back before the wife finishes breakfast. Asking the hotel concierge can also be helpful, but there is usually a list.

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Mar 9, 2019 12:12:37   #
Jim70 Loc: Delaware
 
Shot lists were invaluable to me when I was doing weddings and family portraits. Nowadays, I like to stroll with my camera and just shoot whatever catches my eye. There is a park nearby that I visit from time to time, it's interesting to see how it changes over time.

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Mar 9, 2019 13:15:52   #
Photoladybon Loc: Long Island
 
My husband and I spent three weeks in Newfoundland last summer. I mapped out the trip (which took me 6 weeks to do) based on the internet, and the NL/Labrador tour book. Since I take my photography very seriously, I really looked into each peninsula visited, sites to see, wildlife available etc. I did not make lists, but knew in advance what I wanted to see and where we were going.
Please be aware, from St. John's tp Gros Morne is quite the drive and the roads are not always stellar or well maintained. Pace yourself, and be sure you have accommodations before you leave your home. This area has become quite the hotspot and getting a place to sleep when most are B&B's can be challenging. We had all our reservations in place before we left and sometimes I had to guess how long we would be in a certain area, or how far a specific drive would be.
I would love to return. 3 weeks was very inadequate and the people there are the best. Try to see Come From Away before you go.
I would be glad to address any questions you might have. Enjoy this trip.

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Mar 9, 2019 13:51:30   #
CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska
 
Yes and no. Before I go somewhere I look at the pictures from the last time and try to get a feel for what I didn't shoot; what were the holes on my coverage? Did I shy away from shots of people? Did I not shoot any night shots? Am I missing close ups? Then I will make an effort to work on some of these things.
I do have a shot list though, that I am always working on. I have many shots in my head that I am just waiting for the right light, or the right season, or the rain to be pouring down, or the salmon running in the streams. I write these down in a little Rites-in-the-Rain notebook that goes with me everywhere.
...Cam

big-guy wrote:
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?
I just finished making my shot list for Newfoundla... (show quote)

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Mar 9, 2019 14:35:41   #
cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
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

.
This could be an interesting discussion! I think t... (show quote)


Shot list? Location list maybe, but a precise shot list is limiting in my mind. I fully endorse Linda from Maine's quote. The shot list invokes the concept of "rules of composition" being the only way to compose an image for capture. Rules are made to be broken and therefore, I guess, shot lists are made to be ignored.

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Mar 9, 2019 17:40:39   #
SteveHmeyer Loc: Cincinnati OH USA
 
I am a television meteorologist and have produced programs in Antarctica, Mexico’s Yucatán and a program about caves and caving - all years ago. A shot list is essential when the expedition is for work. In fact for all programs I have written and produced the entire script was written and every single shot we thought we needed was described in detail before we left home. It is a matter of efficiency and good production practices. Of course if we encountered something unexpected and spectacular we appended the shot sheet. When exploring on my personal time I want nothing to do with a shot sheet. I want to see what is out there and photograph or record what I encounter if I want to.

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Mar 9, 2019 18:37:46   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
big-guy wrote:
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?
I just finished making my shot list for Newfoundla... (show quote)


I generally go with little detailed planning. I also avoid most all the usual spots that are cliched.
Looking where others are not going, exploring back alleys, narrow less traveled lanes and such provide huge amounts of truly unique opportunities to get photos that are not the common worn out subjects.
Like Antelope Canyon, everyone stands in the same spot and takes the same photo thinking they did a unique shot. there are so many unexplored places in the commonly photographed areas that are really unique and allow for real exploration of new subject matter.
Try that rather than a Griswold list of must dos.

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Mar 9, 2019 23:02:52   #
aellman Loc: Boston MA
 
big-guy wrote:
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?
I just finished making my shot list for Newfoundla... (show quote)


I haven't used one for travel, but I have for weddings. >Alan

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Mar 10, 2019 05:23:24   #
Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana
 
If I'm going to some specific location, I will make reservations so I'm sure I have a place to stay; other than that, everything is subject to change on a moment's notice.

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Mar 10, 2019 05:32:33   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
Mr Bill 2011 wrote:
If I'm going to some specific location, I will make reservations so I'm sure I have a place to stay; other than that, everything is subject to change on a moment's notice.



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