I really like using Google Maps and turning on the "Photos" Layer. There aren't a lot of photos that have "high artictic value" but you can get a sense of the place or even unique elements that you can try to capture better.
My most recent example is from this weekend... I took a trip up to Joshua Tree National Park, but in my planning phase, I scoured the photos on Google Maps through out the park. Without that, I may not have realized there was a natural rock arch in the park, it's not easy to find on their web site and smugmug/flickr searchs for Joshua Tree yield so many results it would be easy to overlook or not find at all.
Oh excellent point! The flickr idea is a good one, but limited when hitting up 'major' or 'popular' areas. Which nearly any national park will fall into. Or when hitting up larger areas like 'russian river' when I might only explore a few miles of a much larger area. Google maps solves those problems quite nicely
That said, Aaron does make a good point. No "digital scouting" can compare to being there, seeing it first hand and creating your own unique vision, but maybe the "digital scouting" can get you in the right area to create your vision!
the more forms of scouting you take on the better off your photography will be....
when one realizes golden hour really is just 20 seconds then i believe they will find importance in scouting....
the more forms of scouting you take on the better off your photography will be....
when one realizes golden hour really is just 20 seconds then i believe they will find importance in scouting....
Kathy - you rule! Thanks so much for this idea. I've been over-working my two gray cells trying to figure out where I could find a concise compilation of information for the drive from SE VA to Acadia NP for the 2009 Shootout. I do believe you have saved my bacon!
oh, my.....Scott...what is this of which you speak??? my DH and i are betwixt and between two vacations ....Richmond to Key West This month or Richmond to Acadia in July.....we can only do one, and i am a sucker for beaches...and want a vacation NOW.....
go with AAA either way, i already have my maps and books on both.....
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Oh excellent point! The flickr idea is a good one, but limited when hitting up 'major' or 'popular' areas. Which nearly any national park will fall into. Or when hitting up larger areas like 'russian river' when I might only explore a few miles of a much larger area. Google maps solves those problems quite nicely
the more forms of scouting you take on the better off your photography will be....
when one realizes golden hour really is just 20 seconds then i believe they will find importance in scouting....
just my .01 ....
Stupid golden hour... be longer!
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oh, my.....Scott...what is this of which you speak??? my DH and i are betwixt and between two vacations ....Richmond to Key West This month or Richmond to Acadia in July.....we can only do one, and i am a sucker for beaches...and want a vacation NOW.....
go with AAA either way, i already have my maps and books on both.....
Thanks, Trish
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