New to Photography - What to photograph?

[AntMason]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forums here today (and new to photography might I add).

A little background: After viewing Gizmodo's shooting challenge results for weeks, I bought my first DSLR (T2i) a little over 4 weeks ago, whereas previously I've never used anything more than a cheap P&S. Since then, I'm on my third photography book, and bought two lenses (50mm prime and EF-S 50-250mm) to get me started, and I'm in the process of trying to really establish which way I want to go in photography.

The problem I have so far as that I feel intimidated and hesitant about photographing people or public places, and I'm already finding myself discouraged as I don't know what to photograph so that I can get better. In my first couple of experiences just going for walks around the neighborhood looking for interesting subjects, not only did I get some odd looks (which I realize will happen), but I also got nearly ran down by a neighbor in an SUV asking me if I was taking pictures of people's houses and kids. While I had to actually show her I had nothing but pictures of flowers, street signs, etc (on public property might I add), the experience has still left me with some unease about where I walk around with a camera.

I found myself to be drawn to Macro and Astrophotography so far, maybe because those subjects down run me down and harass me?

So what I'm asking, is when you first started out with your first serious adventures into photography, what were your processes for learning what to photograph, and what kind of guidelines/boundaries do you follow for when and where, if ever, you photograph things in residential neighborhoods, much less people?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[dlambert]

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your crummy neighbor. Although it's unfortuate that you were hassled for taking pictures, you're well within your rights to do so. This might be of some interest:

http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf

Intimidation notwithstanding, you still need to develop your "eye", and that means shooting lots and lots of pictures. Find settings where you're comfortable for now; you'll have plenty of chances to "push your comfort zone" later. Use this as an excuse to take a hike somewhere or go tour a public garden or something. If the weather's nice, outdoor photography will give you more available light and lots of different lighting conditions, which will help you learn.

I've also found that looking at others' photos can be at least as helpful as taking photos of my own. I've seen examples of subjects to shoot that I wouldn't have thought of, and techniques that I'd like to learn. There are lots of good examples on this site, and tons of great photoblogs on the web.

[FallsCity]

I have always been a little worried about having an encounter with a neighbor or passer-by similar to the one you had. I could definitely say the encounter would not have gone as peacefully as yours...

To answer your main question, I have found certain places are great for honing your skills that will not only offer some good photos ops but are generally away from crowds of people : cemeteries, churches (non-Sundays), parks during the day, lakes, ponds...if you live near a major city, try walking down Main Street on a Sunday when all the offices and shops are closed...

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Originally Posted by AntMason

In my first couple of experiences just going for walks around the neighborhood looking for interesting subjects, not only did I get some odd looks (which I realize will happen), but I also got nearly ran down by a neighbor in an SUV asking me if I was taking pictures of people's houses and kids.

Not surprising. The neighbor wasn't trying to be mean to you... they were looking out for the kids. No one wants someone randomly coming down their street shooting pictures of their kids. The neighbor doesn't know if you have GPS settings in your camera or if you're going to upload pictures to the internet or wherever. Unfortunately, evil people have ruined it for the rest of us.

I live on a private street, with only 5 houses and I work from home when I'm not traveling. Believe me, when I see a stranger on my street I charge out there and confront them on why they are there. We have water access from our street so sometimes we get people wandering in. Our street has lots of kids out playing so strangers are not welcome here uninvited. I hate to say it... but if someone wandered in with a camera just to grab some pictures.... they'd be told to get out pronto, there is plenty of public access to the water up the road.

I would also hesitate about taking pictures of kids at a park. All it takes is one suspicious parent to call the police. You may be doing nothing wrong... it just looks ICKY for a single person without a kid playing at the park to be their snapping pictures of kids they don't know.

Some places that might be better are:

• High School Sports game (football, baseball, soccer, etc.) Lots of parents there taking pictures so you blend right in.
  
• Farmers Market or Craft Fairs.
  
• Got any piers nearby where people fish off of? Great for photos of people, fish and birds.
  
• The Zoo
  
• Amusement Parks, if you have one local get an annual pass.

Anyhow, those are just some ideas

[RichardTaylor]

Start in your own back & front yard.
Then local parks & gardens/nature reserves/duck ponds.

(1) in our front yard yesterday.


Camera Canon EOS 40D
Exposure 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 285 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV

(2) In our rear garden at the start of the year.


That takes care of a lot of nature and misc stuff.

For people shots start with street fairs and parades.
Everybody is in a good mood and there are usually quite a few cameras around.

(3) To make life real easy start with "candids" of family & friends.
(the lady shopping is my wife at Chinese new year)

I don't have the exif buit I was using a 12-24mm probaly around 12mm.

(4) You will also find that many participants are quite happy to have their picture taken. Your long lens would be good for "head shots".
Again at a Chinese new year

Camera Canon EOS 40D
Exposure 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 200 mm
ISO Speed 400

Hope this helps.

[dlambert]

Good point re: "looking icky". There are settings where you're not violating any laws, but you could very well be considered creepy. I certainly don't condone being impolite or inconsiderate, but on the other hand, you shouldn't be bullied you when you've done nothing wrong.

[AntMason]

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Girl

I would also hesitate about taking pictures of kids at a park. All it takes is one suspicious parent to call the police. You may be doing nothing wrong... it just looks ICKY for a single person without a kid playing at the park to be their snapping pictures of kids they don't know.

Some places that might be better are:

• High School Sports game (football, baseball, soccer, etc.) Lots of parents there taking pictures so you blend right in.
  
• Farmers Market or Craft Fairs.
  
• Got any piers nearby where people fish off of? Great for photos of people, fish and birds.
  
• The Zoo
  
• Amusement Parks, if you have one local get an annual pass.

Anyhow, those are just some ideas

First off, I really appreciate all the outstanding suggestions. I definitely understand people being defensive about their kids. Funny thing is the night I had out my camera there wasn't a single kid outside in the entire neighborhood...so not sure I could have been guilty if I wanted to

It does seem common sense to me to avoid taking pictures of people's kids, but I'm curious how often you guys take pictures of people you don't know in public, do you ask permission or just *hope* it doesn't bother them? I see these kind of shots constantly, but I guess I'm a bit "gun-shy" after my first run-down.

I know I need to develop my 'eye' through lots of shooting (my camera says I've taken 6000 already - that added up!) I guess I'm just not sure if there is a proper 'etiquette' among photographers for taking pictures in public.

Also come to think of it, I do have a couple local parks and one zoo, I will start there and see what I get The pictures above from your yard / garden are extremely nice. I have tried finding pictures in my own yard, but I guess the time of year I haven't seen any birds / wild-life around the neighborhood yet (I live in the middle of an extremely congested area). Maybe the park will turn up a few birds / squirrels.

Again, thanks for the suggestions, and can't wait to get time tonight to go through that attachment from below as well.

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Ant, I thought of one more idea if you like shooting critters and want a some pointers from an expert. Ever heard of Repticon? It's an annual reptile show that travels around the South. I'm providing a link here for you: Repticon Calendar Home Page

Check out the shows near you and see if Bill Love will be there. He's a well known Herpetology photographer and he's going to be at some of the shows doing seminars on how to photograph herps. The descriptions say "BRING YOUR CAMERA" so I think this would be a great opportunity to get some shots of critters you might not normally run into..... snakes, turtles, frogs ... etc. as well as get a little advice from a pro.

Personally I love snakes so I plan on going to my local show if I'm not on the road traveling.

[AntMason]

Thank you so much or that awesome suggestion! My wife loves reptiles, and one of the shows looks within reasonable driving distance, so sounds like a fun excuse to get to Florida now that its warm

[StillFocus]

Personally, I simply take my camera everywhere. You never know what you're going to see. Consequently, what part of the south do you call home? If Florida is reasonable driving distance then it sounds like you're near me. If that's the case, I might be able to give you some more specific suggestions on places to check out.

On a side note, I heard on the radio yesterday that police were on the lookout for a man that was spotted taking pictures of children in a public park. It's funny that his only "crime" wasn't even illegal, and yet it made it to the news...