Hip Coyote

Just for discussion on a cold winter morn:

Like many, I assume, I became more interested in photography when I retired. To start that journey, I went on led photo events where either instruction was provided or someone led a small group to interesting photo sites. (Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Prague) My photo club has outings where members meet and take photographs at local places. But every time I went on one of those outings, I realized I had no interest in doing so and no interest in displaying the photos. I got some great shots of star trails, iconic shots of Yosemite and actions shots of people (and horses) playing polo. I see some people take photos of Civil War reenactments and have no interest in them what so ever. (I am also flummoxed why people want to take photos of people depicting men being killed in battle. I saw quite a lot of violence in my career and want no more of it.)

So, my style has evolved to where I take my camera and catch as catch can, seeing in the moment what I find interesting and doing the best I can to make some sort of art. In group settings, it is fun to get photographs that people admire and subjects they did not even see. I still get decent shots once in a while, but not nearly as many good ones. Of course, this works well because we travel quite a bit. It is more fun and challenging for me. The only pre-planned photos I take are portraits of family. And just wonder how it is for you.

Happy shooting

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

We got maybe 2 inches of snow last night with maybe another 1-inch coming this weekend. For a change, Chicago is not in the path of this weekend's weather events. If the light gets better, I might walk over with B&W film for some shots at the nearest three cemeteries. There's no 'planning' in that idea other than what focal length and which film in the fridge to put on the counter for an hour before I go.

That sums up almost exactly my style and approach. I plan to go someplace of interest to me, decide which limited amount of equipment to bring, and then head out to see what I can find. The last few years, I've tried to limit myself to just one lens, two max if I have predetermined reasons why I need both.

Every trip out the door with a camera is a "dedicated photo excursion". But again, with no more planning than the approach above.

Fred Harwood Loc: Sheffield, Mass.

Shoot mostly for the memories, which favorite preferences display on our two iMacs when not in use. In retirement and before we like to travel (we lived for two years in Germany), and have visited from Singapore to Vienna. Seldom do formal photography, and always have the camera with us.

Quixdraw Loc: x

[quote=Hip Coyote]Just for discussion on a cold winter morn:

... I see some people take photos of Civil War reenactments and have no interest in them what so ever. (I am also flummoxed why people want to take photos of people depicting men being killed in battle. I saw quite a lot of violence in my career and want no more of it.)

No one dies - It is make believe, play pretend, and generally safer than polo. Those participating enjoy it at least as much at you do photography. If you can't make the distinction...on, well.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I take photos of whatever catches my fancy. Period.
I do not do it as a profession so it is for my personal enjoyment.
I love historical re-enactments of many types including battles.
This is because we should NEVER forget what happened and this is an excellent way of telling the story for posterity.

Quixdraw Loc: x

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

This time of year, I go out with a purpose, to get shots of raptors, usually eagles, ospreys, or owls. As Spring approaches and the bikes come out of storage or off the trainer, anything that catches my eye on a ride or walk. Later, perhaps a workshop or vacation. Both command cameras, just a different type. Other than that, I’m motivated by events or urges.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Opportunist outings have advantages and planned outings have advantages. You say you like the challenge of it so opportunist outings will be good at fulfilling that need. However, planned outings are more likely to produce the "good ones" that you say you are getting less of. It gives you the opportunity to choose your destination with some forethought applied and it also gives you a specific purpose to focus on. If you've chosen a destination because you know the opportunities will be there, there's more of a chance of finding something worthwhile. Opportunist outings are more likely to end in a less fruitful outcome. But as you say, the challenge, and not knowing what to expect, can be fun.

Hip Coyote

[quote=Quixdraw]

I understand the distinction. It’s just not for me. Not into reenactments I guess. My photo club goes to the "ride without pants" event every year in LA where people don't wear pants on the various public transits. And they come back with good shots....but just not my thing. The mountain man rendezvous make for good shots as well, but I find them uninteresting. Again, this is all personal preferences.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I love to do Civil war reenactments not because of the battles, but because of the people and their garb. To me it is like going back in time to see how people dress etc. Also it is show and tell. Never once has anyone ever said { don't take my picture}. I love the horses, the parades, and people just enjoying themselves. I have never seen a sad person at an event.
Last years i checked if the event was being held in Duncan Mills, ca and it was listed. I drove two hours to get there and found I was the only one there. So much for checking. This year the event is to be July 16th.

ELNikkor

My first "go everywhere I go" camera was my Olympus XA. Into my jeans pocket, or leather jacket inside vest pocket if on the motorcycle, with Plus-X or Gold 200. Got so many "found" photos with that camera.

philo Loc: philo, ca

Scott Kelby was going to spend the day with a famous photographer in New York City. Scott asked him what they were looking for on the walk. The answer was NOTHING. When you plan you may have missed the special moments. Go with the flow.
For my upcoming trip to Africa I plan on shooting EVERYTHING. I will try and shoot anything that walks, run, flys or standstills.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

And it was a full frame mirrorless camera.

Hip Coyote

Speaking of Africa, one goes there for the animals and returns for the people. Great people photography there. And at some point, just put the camera down and simply be there. To be in the bush, seeing wild animals, having the time of your life...just enjoy. You will remember that moment too.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I get an idea for some pics and go on a trip to pursue it and maybe fulfil it. My shots are not planned but sought after. I'm not interested in following my leader or bus stop photo points. I love shooting pics - but try hard to capture pics in a way that others have not. Sometimes I meet up with a like minded photog friend.
My style does not affect my enjoyment of viewing other photogs pics - and appreciating their compositions and technical prowess.