How do you find the time?

[Seltzer]

One thing that gets me is just how impressed I am at the number of images some people are able to get. I have difficulty finding (or maybe looking for) time and location to get out and take pictures. Living in Kansas restricts some shots but gives cause to others, but somehow my schedule always fills up with other things. This time of year is bad anyway just due to how short the days are but maybe it's just a motivation thing on my part. How do you all do it?

[Floris]

Well, i'm still at school. I dont have a lot homework every day.
So I have quite a lot free time.

People at higher ages, and with a full time job, maybe they make a lot of pictures in the weekend.. or they use there mid-day break to shoot some.

There's always 5 minutes in your Day were you can grab you camera and click that button.
Tho, carrying your camera with you 24/7 isn't always possible.

maybe you're busy with your job, also after work time.. maybe you do an extra study course besides work, maybe you have children to look after, or whatever, I dont know, and I don't have to know.
but i DO know, is that the problem is certainly NOT your motivation, becuase posting that message here, shows us that you DO have motivation.
Maybe you just are very busy.

[Seltzer]

Well motivation still comes out to actually getting things done. I carry my Canon Elph s230 in my pocket every day and rarely pull it out, but my XT is at home. My posting is while I'm at work and not during a busy time of the year but I see your point, I do still have interest, maybe just needing some suggestions and when it's not bloody cold I plan to start taking part in the Assignments as I think that will help me at least have a focus and plan of what to look for in taking the pictures.

[smc1377]

Hey fellow Kansan. I share the same sentiments as you in terms of how people find the time or motivation. I'm not a native of Kansas so I really don't know where all the cool stuff is really, but like you, I carry my small, pocketable camera (Casio EX-Z50) with me everywhere I go, but I also carry my Canon 10D with me in a camera bag between home and work.

I happen to have a nice corner work area with glass windows from floor to ceiling, so I'm able to shoot spot that nice sparrowhawk across the street of the nice sunset when I'm working late. But other than work, I have very little time to actually go look for things to shoot.

Good luck!

[Joshua Schroeder]

For me, it's like any other hobby. Sometimes I do it on a whim, and other times I purposely schedule it in. I've committed to photographing hockey games based on a certain team's schedule, so I have to take that one into account when I plan everything else on my weekends.

I think the most fun I have is when I spontaneously see something and think "I need to take a picture of that". I'll put things on hold to do that.

In that way, I guess it comes down to lifestyle. Do you have a lifestyle that affords you the ability to take a 10 minute time out to shoot a few? I wouldn't have it any other way ... which is ironic, because I'm a graduating business student among colleagues who aspire to be CEOs. Quite an interesting disconnect I have with them :)

And of course: ALWAYS HAVE YOUR CAMERA HANDY! Take pictures of real life. You're doing things anyways, so it really doesn't take any extra time to snap photos of it. I guess that's my reason for taking pictures of hockey games. I goto games anyways, so i might as well enjoy the game, and enjoy another hobby while I'm there. I also shoot a lot of the Management Students' Society events that I attend for the same reason: it requires no extra time to shoot photos at an event I'm already attending.

[ron.richardson]

i always carry my camera(s) with me and shoot anything that i find interesting. sometimes i take walks on my lunch break at work, sometimes i wake up a little extra early and walk around.

in short, i make the time. my house is dusty and there's stuff everywhere. i make the time and put off things i should do because i enjoy it so much.

it sucks this time of year because when i leave work around 6pm, it's already been dark for an hour. this time of year is when i get a chance to practice more night photography. you definitely get to see things a lot differently at night.

[RichardsonPhotography]

A lot of times I just carry my camera in the trunk of my car. Granted you wouldn't want to do that if was ridiculous hot outside, but if you have it back there and your on your way home from work or whatever it only take 5 or 10 mins to stop and take a few shots of something that caught your eye.

Also a lot of times for weekends I'll make it a point not to make any plans so that I can do nothing but drive around and find great locations and take pictures. If you cant find the time try and make it a point to yourself to make the time whether you just carry your camera around with you or put it down in your schedule I think you will be throughly pleased with the results

[Seltzer]

Thanks for the help and tips guys, keep them coming!
Alas, no big picture windows where I'm working, actually I'm about 100' from the nearest window. However, working down in Crown Center does have it's advantages for some of the views of the city. As it is I often drive over some nice hills to give a view of downtown and the hotel that has the side lit up, I just need to plan ahead and actually stop on the way in to work to get some of those shots.

[NaturesPixel]

I dont work.. but i do have a little horror (errr mean angel) so i dont get time.. really .. its not like i can drag him outside in these cold winters we have in Canada.. but summer is different...Also cause im Aussie and in process of getting my Canadian PR.. i am not allowed to drive.. so i rely on my feet or hubby to drive me.. tho that don't happen to often.. so Sonny and i walk... and walk... keeps him happy and me full of images.. ... I DO carry my camera around with me everywhere... 24/7 i would sleep with it if hubby let me...lmaoooo

[smc1377]

Thanks for the help and tips guys, keep them coming!
Alas, no big picture windows where I'm working, actually I'm about 100' from the nearest window. However, working down in Crown Center does have it's advantages for some of the views of the city. As it is I often drive over some nice hills to give a view of downtown and the hotel that has the side lit up, I just need to plan ahead and actually stop on the way in to work to get some of those shots.
You mean these shots?

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i69/smc1377/dps/cc1.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i69/smc1377/dps/mh1.jpg

[Nicole]

I can't help but agree with what so many people have already said. It's just a matter of carrying that camera with you. I haul mine with me every time I leave my house, and relying solely on my feet to get places, sure, it gets annoying sometimes, but I'd rather have my camera if suddenly I decided I needed to take a pic of something.

If you're looking for motivation, try creating yourself some sort of project, etc. Try reading this thread on Finding Inspiration (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25), it provides some good ideas for ways to get yourself out and taking photos :)

[Seltzer]

You mean these shots?

lol.. yes, obviously you know what I am talking about. :D

[Lastoadri]

I think its a bit difficult to catch up with it very frequently. However, I believe, photography is like any other form of arts or hobbies, you should find few mins to practice on daily bases, at least to develope your self..

as the quote says:
"if you want to be a good painter, paint everyday" :)

cheers

[andy206uk]

I wish I had more time to take photos, but I work strange shifts and the days are cold and I don't see much daylight at the moment.

I'm determined to get out and take some more pics soon though... even if it kills me! Just lately, I've gotten into camera tossing (http://flickr.com/photos/andy206uk/sets/72157594403504940/), because it's quick and fun and you can do it anywhere!