Creative Tips "On the Go"

[Narley Dude]

I want to share one of my many anal photo tips:

It doesn't matter really if I'm driving to work or where-ever it often happens that I "see" a shot or a location for a potential shot that perhaps had wrong lighting, wrong time of day... or just something about the place that caught my eye. Instead of relying on my memory (yeah right) I jot it down in my trusty spiral notepad that I keep in my glove box with a brief description of the place and location and perhaps if it's an AM/PM shot; I use highway descriptions and mile markers in my notes. That way when I have my camera with me or have more time to dedicate I'll scroll thru my notes to attempt to either take the photo or fine tune my concept of lighting... and keep the "ticket open" in a pending stage.

[WhiskeyBoy]

3 words... Digital Voice Recorder. I right the train to work and I mostly spend that time to concepualize and come up with 'new stuff' to try. It's great to just speak into the mic and capture my idea before I forget it.

[Narley Dude]

Good Idea! I was thinking about getting one to keep in the car since it's a whole lot easier to speak into the recorder instead of writting stuff down while driving. However, since I'm more of a visual person, I'd go back and transfer my Voice notes to my pad.

[Gordon]

I thought about getting a digital voice recorder for a while, for just this sort of thing. Then I realised my cellphone already has that feature. So I use that now.

[d2creative]

I wouldn't be able to stand listening to myself talk.

[bullsparade]

The digital voice recorder might work in a pinch but I really like the idea of having a list of potential backgrounds/lanscapes for future shots. For me it would be frustrating cyling through endless hours of notes on a recorder to find that location thats perfect for my next shoot with a client/subject.

[Gordon]

Originally Posted by bullsparade

The digital voice recorder might work in a pinch but I really like the idea of having a list of potential backgrounds/lanscapes for future shots. For me it would be frustrating cyling through endless hours of notes on a recorder to find that location thats perfect for my next shoot with a client/subject.

I make the note on a voice recorder then write it down later in an organiser. Before I started doing the voice notes I'd forget to write things down later on when I was in a place to do it. It doesn't have to be an either/or proposition.

[Narley Dude]

Originally Posted by bullsparade

The digital voice recorder might work in a pinch but I really like the idea of having a list of potential backgrounds/lanscapes for future shots. For me it would be frustrating cyling through endless hours of notes on a recorder to find that location thats perfect for my next shoot with a client/subject.

I agree. I've got creative and transfered these notes to an Access databse where they are catagorized. I do like the idea of the recorder for when I'm driving and need to make a quick note, since many smaller roads don't have mile markers.

[bullsparade]

I didnt want to be the pheek to admit to dtabasing those notes...LOL
Thats why I wanted to write mine down...to force me to place in a database. Good idea on both sides...quick mention into a voice recorder (my cell phone also) BUT make sure to write it down as soon as possible and alos having a written list...WOW thanks for the anal idea...I love it