Photo Tip :: Finding Photo Locations

Scouring the internet, no one ever tells you how in the WORLD to go about finding places to take photos at. It's all 'consider your surroundings' or 'find somewhere neat', but honestly, if you live in a suburb and there aren't abandoned houses or something, how do you find a place to take photos? If you are ready to venture off the porch/lawn of your place, then here's my tips on how to find places to go.

Google Maps

I spend an absurd amount of time on Google Maps because I'm a road geek and find things like wrong way concurrencies amazing. But, Google Maps is also super helpful. Look for the big green blocks of areas or the light brown blocks (usually colleges). Parks and colleges are wonderful for taking photos, and Google Maps is a great way to find some places to go.

Google It!

This sounds obvious, but it isn't. I mean, what in the world are you supposed to Google? I've typed in 'weird stuff in PA', 'abandoned PA', and 'park trails PA' a lot. Also 'small towns PA' works to get me places like Lititz.

Try a Variety

You'll find a lot of my photos are just in new places to me, and often little cities. Going out for dinner with friends in a new part of town? Arrive a bit early, find a colorful building or two, and voila. Bars and restaurants can occasionally make nice settings as well. Eating early isn't a bad thing because you get better light.

Keep Notes
When I visit a restaurant or other local place, I take note of any areas I see that might work. The bridge over the train tracks behind Iron Hill Brewery was one of these places, and works well since I can stop there after a beer at Iron Hill!

 

If At First You Don't Succeed
Try again! Some of my favorite spots weren't great at first for some reason or the other - wrong lighting, wrong location within the spot (often at parks, I end up setting up somewhere, realizing it's not great, but getting nervous or I am rushed, and do it anyway). Don't rule something out until you try it twice. The first photo here isn't taken far from the second, but my choice of location due to nerves in the first one wasn't as pretty so they didn't turn out as well.

Look On Flickr!
Join groups for your area on Flickr. Search using geotags. I cannot tell you how much this helped me when I moved to Harrisburg.

Take Someone With You
Having a friend to set up with you, even if they aren't taking your photos, helps a lot. I probably would have been petrified at this location because it was a VERY steep hill, but I had friends to help me out.

Just Breathe
I'm going to say it again and again until you all wanna kill me. Be brave, take deep breaths, and just do it. It's like riding a bike. Or swimming. It's weird and scary at first, then it becomes totally normal. I look really awkward and stern in this photo because I'm super nervous about someone across the street. For no reason.