Inspiration from Popular Photography

I love this magazine. Every month, I am inspired to try at least one or two different ideas or approaches. This month's issue was no exception.

Earlier in the week, I'd mentioned how much I missed landscape photography. One of the articles in Popular Photography this month gives some ideas around hiking and what to pack during a hike, as well as some photography ideas. Some key tips that I will use:

1) Pack light, but well - for me this means leaving my telephoto lens at home, and just packing my kit and wide angle lenses - with a filter or two. A regular hiking backpack is recommended, which I have, but I think I'd need to throw in a t-shirt for padding and protection.

2) Research the area in advance. Learn what foliage and wildlife exist there, as well as peak times. In other words, get organized.

3) Avoid harsh sunlight. Use that time to scout and explore good photo opportunities.

4) Avoid the classic overlooks and look for inspiration along the way.

5) If possible, stay for sunset/twilight.

I was reminded of a few shots I'd taken in the past, and how I need to go back out:

The first two pictures were taken in northern Syria, the third was taken in the Shenandoahs, and the last was taken at Sugarloaf. These pictures remind me of how much my work has evolved over the last few years. I know I can do better than these!

I miss hiking. I went several months ago in WVA with a friend, but I'm not sure what I'd like to do in the near future. This weekend's weather (as well as my availability) aren't exactly optimal. However, I do need to make sure I get out this weekend and do something - and I have some ideas. Have a great one!

Tag - You're It!

In Flickr and in my blog, I do my best to tag and label everything, but I admit I'm sometimes sloppy. This is a big mistake. Case in point:



I don't like this picture. I don't like snow, period. But oddly enough, this was indexed somewhere in Google. According to Flickr, the keywords "Bethesda blizzard" take you to a page at Google, and this picture is relatively high up on the list.

Here's another example:



I like this picture, but it isn't my favorite in the album. However, it shows up in a Google search if you type "Kessab Syria".

Conclusions:

1) If I want to get the word out, I have to do a better job of tagging.

2) My popular photos aren't the ones I like the best. Especially not the blizzard shots, (shudder).

3) The more descriptive, the better - instead of just cities, specific buildings/areas of interest. Also, if I'm taking pictures of flowers, I should jot down the botanical names. Street names are useful, too.

I'm therefore going to spend the next few days back in Flickr. I'll add whatever tags I can. I don't remember every name of every butterfly or plant, but I'll do my best.

Speaking of blizzards, a post about winter and photography is inevitable. Not today, though. Till Monday! Have a great weekend!