Where do you find the time?

[mwhadi626]

Hello everyone, this is officially my first post even though I have been browsing this forum and site for months.

I would like to ask a general question about photography. Like myself, I am sure that most of you are very busy in your work and personal life. What I would like to know is where do you get the time for your photography hobby? Do you carry your camera with you all the time? Do you set certain dates on your calendar where you go out in the world and take pictures?

I am a beginner photographer. I love photography and would like to become fully immersed in the field. What do you recommend?


Thank You

[ess-see]

I love photography but am not a 'serious' photographer. I use a P&S and, whilst I would LOVE to up-grade, I find it still does the job I want at the moment and I work for a bank so have to maintain my 'emergency fund' just in case!

My OH also loves photography but the lucky git has a noce Cannon with a number of lenses/filters/blah blah!

Once we come out of winter hibernation, we tend to like days out on Sundays (I need Saturdays as a day of rest to get over the week! ).

To be honest, I can't imagine going out for the day without the cameras being a major part of that anymore!

Because the camera is small, I do tend to carry it with me but have missed some great opportunities because of embarrassment (yup, how vain of me to think every other person within 500 feet is looking at me and my camera!) or practical considerations (I see GREAT scenery as I beetle from one appointment to the next but often can't stop). I did get some shots I was happy with in our town centre a few weeks ago and stood there with my briefcase at my feet, carrier bag next to it and handbag swinging wildly from my arm!

So, I have no real recommendation, as such. The way we do it works for us. You'll find your own way as well, I am sure.

[candleman]

like anything, if you want to do it.. just do it when you want to.
take opportunities as they come, schedule time whatever works for you.

personally i do a little of each.
if you get an idea for a shot.. what does it take to get that shot? then work towards putting things in place to make it happen

[Saralonde]

It's true, if you love something you find ways to make the time. My family is used to me pulling out my camera everywhere. Instead of watching TV, I'll go find something to shoot. I take my camera with me as often as I can. I set aside time on weekends to go shooting. I'm a member of some 365 groups so it kind of "forces" me to take a shot a day. It becomes a part of your life, like eating or brushing your teeth.

[Jim Bryant]

Hummmmmmm 365 group.........that's a very good idea that teaches your eye and mind to see things. I've seen your 365 photos and it forces you to come up with a different image everyday. Me, I have my camera by my side, everywhere I go. When I see something interesting I capture it.

Originally Posted by Saralonde

It's true, if you love something you find ways to make the time. My family is used to me pulling out my camera everywhere. Instead of watching TV, I'll go find something to shoot. I take my camera with me as often as I can. I set aside time on weekends to go shooting. I'm a member of some 365 groups so it kind of "forces" me to take a shot a day. It becomes a part of your life, like eating or brushing your teeth.

[BobC]

I know what you mean about finding time mwhadi626. I have a full time job, a business my wife and I run on the side, church, other hobbies etc etc etc. The list goes on and on. The hardest thing for me is finding the time to go shoot. I see lots of things i want to do but am so darn busy. Work all week, Saturday and Sunday in the spring is very busy (we have a greenhouse business and grow flower) and then when i seem like i get a day, it rains or is generally dreary. Oh well once july gets here we'll be done with the flowers and I'll have spare time. Until then shoot when I can.

[OsmosisStudios]

Being in school, I almost never have the chance during the year. It might be the occasional shot here or there, but generally its not gonna happen. Ive learned to make the most of my time over breaks (xmas, specifically) and over my summers.

WHen I *do* do a shoot during the year, I make sure it's blocked out in advance and I have nothing conflicting with it.

[DannyF1966]

I'm divorced and single at the moment, so I have lots of time to get out and about to take photos... looking forward to the clocks changing so I'll hopefully be out most evenings for a couple of hours with the camera. Having a marriage break down sucks, but you have find the silver linings where you can!

[windrider86]

I take a camera with me everywhere i go. May not always be my fav camera, but something has to be with me cause you never know what you will come accross.
If you love to do something, you find the time.

[navcom]

Two pieces of advice that worked wonders for me....first, refuse to work on Sundays. I know it's cliche, but having a "down day" allows you to thrive the rest of the week. To some it's part of their religion and to others it's a family day or relaxation day. Having it set aside is so important though. It's a perfect opportunity to take out your camera.

And second....drastically limit your TV!! You would be amazed what you can accomplish!