Finding new photo spots for your next journey might be a hard time.
I’m using Instagram, 500px, Flickr, and Google to get new ideas and inspirations.
How I Organize My Photo-Spots…
To organize my photo-spot database I use Google Maps
(a Google account is necessary).
In Google Maps you can mark every spot on the map and save them in precast lists or you create your own “List” of points of interest.
More recently, the LIST option is also now available online via the Browser. Before you only had this option on “Google Maps App.”
Saving your spots in a database makes it easier to keep them all in one place and you can easily access them.
Over the time you build up your own database with all places you had lived, visited and planning to visit.
See something – mark it – keep it!
Researching My Spots
I’m going to research in my own list, Instagram, 500px, flickr, Google Images and all other sources, to get inspirations and spots for my upcoming trip.
Scout the location by using Apple Maps/Google Maps or equal sources. Online you can find most of the information and an idea about the scene.
Several times, I’m asked photographers for information like: “How to get there,… Where is that spot…”
For the most part they helped me out and share their tips.
Things to think about are:
- “How can I get there?”
- “Can I use car or public transportation?”
- “Is the spot is legal?”
When I find and research all my points of interests, info and add them to my list, I go to the next step.
Planning A Shot
I’m shooting Landscape/Landmarks/Skylines in combination with Sun/Moon/Stars or even with the Milky Way. Therefore, it’s important to get information about timing and position of these objects.
If you’re taking photos at the beach or in a delta next to the ocean, don’t forget to check the tide. The high and low tide can have a huge influence on the scene and a flooding of water around you can make it impossible for you to leave the spot.
Moon in a specific height/azimuth:
How do you find that information?
I’m using the App’s PhotoPills, TPE (TPE Desktop free of charge, Safari Browser not supported) and a Tide calculator. These applications are so powerful and available for several devices. Detailed information on using these apps are available on their website and FAQ.
Here are few screenshots from TPE and PhotoPills. When you are using the “AR” function on these tools, make sure you remove all smartphone cases. The case (metal and/or battery cases) can influence the magnetic sensor from the compass!
 
 
 
