I captured this dog on a street ..after one of these outings.. a friend suggested we go out for the day and I decided sure..grabbed my camera not sure what I would see or not.. after a leisurely lunch and some sight seeing we were walking back to the car when we saw this!! The light,the color of the beautiful dog and the car..wow.. and again each day you leave with your camera you will return with something unexpected!

Keeping Creativity fresh and ready is something that some find challenging..

Tips: Look for images you like- when you have a few moments -maybe you are waiting in a doctors office flip through the magazines on the table.. only looking at the images,, which ones do you like..why do you like them? Are you drawn to the colors,the subject matter or the composition. What are your interests.. Colors you like? These images add to your visual memory bank- or make a visual bank of images..in your phone,on your computer or your own board of things you like to look at.

Music- keep songs running in your head.. or find yourself humming a tune.. look for those lyrics to appear..and then capture those images..

Tip: Keep lyrics on your phone-make a list of favorite quotes or uplifting lines from books, music whatever.. these thoughts keep you primed to see things that fit that emotion,thought or mood.

Open yourself to NEW- sometimes just grab your camera and head out.. even if it is the middle of the day.. I can find images all day- don’t let roadblocks keep you from taking photos.

Events- Look in your local paper-online-or ask around to keep in the know about events in your area.. often again, something you think might not interest you.. is worth checking out.. a car show, a fair or even a farmers market-

So grab a cold drink.. your camera and don’t let the Summertime heat keep you in… all the time.

Personal thoughts.. the above images were all from such a day.. not an early start but just an outing.. took my camera, one lens and some good walking shoes.. And these are 3 shots that kind of surprised me.. did not expect to see the dog.. who just posed.. he just acted like a natural,, he was parked on a city street.. no idea where the owner was .. and he just barely lifted an eye as we approached cameras ready!

Porches.. something I find drawn to .. so seeing this one.. I noticed the light.. the small palm,, and the metal furniture..

For now.. happy photographing.. and enjoy the rest of the last days of summer..

Bodie about 350 miles from Los Angeles area and 250 miles from San Francisco holds a wealth of photo opportunities.

If preparing to make the trip to Bodie it might be worthwhile to check www.bodiefoundation.org for Photographers Day passes- the passes are $50.00 which is a great way to support the ongoing efforts to stabilize and maintain the buildings in a “state of arrested decay”. Also with the pass you are entitled to enter the park a full hour before the park opens!! This is a great opportunity to get in and photograph during some of the best summer light. This privilege is offered the following days July 15,2011,August 20, 2011, September 17 and October 15 2011. Unfortunately you can no longer stay late with the photo pass.

Weather- extreme cold and extreme heat- wear layers-check the local weather and be dressed for the elements. If you aren’t comfortable it distracts you from being creative etc. Good walking shoes-possibly hiking boots recommended-there is a lot of broken glass, nails and old metal just laying there on the ground, and the potential for snakes! Watch where you walk, if you plan to kneel or get low for a shot, look around you.

Gear- think through what you will want to use-fisheye lens,black/white film, medium format, grainy filters, or other items might be of interest. Everything you bring will seem to get heavier – so again it might be adviseable to stick to “less is more” and leave some gear in the car.

Photo tips-look for reflections. Many of the buildings have remnants of lives that have lived there. There are old beds, dishes, a random book or a shoe tossed aside, look and document what is left.

Effects- Windows-in the old glass you can get some odd effects-reflections etc – try it for fun-

Ghost images-set up your tripod for a long exposure and walk in front of it slowly.. this produces a ghostly image..

Details-Bodie has been photographed a lot so look for small details, patterns in the old materials, abstracts of the cracks, and just the hodge podge of materials used to hold the buildings together.

Food- Snacks-Water- you are at altuitude it is easy to feel light of breath- carry water and some sort of snack with you!!

Skies-check the skies for interesting clouds you can use-

Most of all bring lots of memory or film or both-nothing is worse than running out of space or film to put all of your amazing images on!!

1. SHARE THE LOVE.. the love of DRIVING ! if you are trying to cover say 1000 miles in a 3 day weekend.. well  that’s a lot of driving.. and it’s better to SHARE! Even if it is the 2 of you.. SHARE.. SWITCH.. The person driving is a better driver, more focused when they are the driver and it automatically gives you all a break! Growing up my dad did all of the driving on long distance trips.. but sometimes I think if he would have let someone else drive even for a little bit..well..maybe he would have some hair left.. maybe..

2. Roadworthy Wheels- I know we are all trying to save money so we tend to skimp, drive instead of fly, take our own car, change the oil less, put off the needed repair.. Again skimping is risking.. risking sitting in a small unknown reststop in I don’t know.. Nebraska… for your entire 3 day weekend.. you get the idea.. If you go with others make sure your wheels are road worthy before you roll out.. Have the car looked over,do the oil change, fill up the gas, fill up the tires.. be prepared. Or go rent.. split the cost and rent a car. Check out www.kayak.com for last minute car rental deals, use your AAA discount, even some Airline loyalty programs have discounts on rental cars.. ask.. what’s the worst answer they can tell you.. no.. Always ask for a better price!

3. FOOD- yes.. seems kind of obvious but.. even if you pick up a rental car after you land.. first stop put some food into the car.. You have room, and you know you will get hungry.. don’t count on a road stop snack bar every time you get hungry.. WATER.. basic necessities, some CHOCOLATE- must have CHOCOLATE.. can calm many a frazzled nerve.. There are many stretchs of long empty roads where you won’t see a gas pump,vending machine or roadside fruit cart for miles.. trust me.. Crackers,cheese,peanuts,chocolate,a banana,some dried fruits, and plenty of water.

4. PAPER.. as in PAPER MAPS! don’t rely just on your GPS.. PAPER MAP is always a good back-up and can be reviewed when you keep going around the same loop,the same road looking for some motel, restaurant,gas station,big clock,best bargain stop or other amazing place that is supposed to be just RIGHT HERE !! This has happened.. we have all just about thrown “jeeves, or jinny out the window.. as they keep repeating .. make a u turn.. your destination is on the right only to be looking at a cow and an empty field.. trust me!

I often get ridiculed for bringing my map highlighted in 3 colors and a write out of have to get to point a and point b.. only to be pulling over and using it to find where I need to be or should have been an hour back… Having a dad work for the Department of Transportation sure taught me the value of reading a map.. and still using IT !

5. Stop and ASK.. yes I said it.. don’t be afraid to STOP and ASK.. well unless the place is dark.. the woman is holding a shot gun.. and well.. you get the idea.. Stop at a well lit open business,gas station, restaurant, or other reputable business.. or STOP and CALL and ASK.. that’s right.. pull over.. and ASK.. getting help finding your destination can SAVE a lot of TIME and AGGRAVATION! None of your passengers will think less of YOU.. in fact they may thank YOU,treat you with a DRINK, dessert or just give you that big THANKS for ASKING smile!

6. BATHROOM BREAKS- NEVER pass on a BATHROOM/TOILET opportunity.. even if you think you just used the bathroom… take the opportunity.. never count on the next one.. believe me .. you will thank me for this.. I have made myself incredibly uncomfortable praying to make it to the toilet … this ties in with the next tip…

7. TISSUE-TOILET PAPER-TOWEL PAPER… something you can use for wiping up spills,emergency toilet paper,wipe a window.. use as a napkin.. you never know.. That bathroom may have a working toilet,but be out of paper.. or you have to just pull over.. and well.. paper.. Just because a reststop,gas station or wherever has a working toilet.. it may be out of PAPER…

8. STOP… S..T..T..O…P.. the “magic” word.. if someone says it .. the driver needs to respect it and Pull Off, Over or get off as soon as safely possible.. If someone needs a break,feeling queasy, bathroom or just needs to exercise the “trigger finger” (yes I travel with crazy shutterbugs.. camera toting types.. and well.. they must.. you know.. ). Set up the “rules” at the beginning of the trip..

9. MUSIC… bring your own,play the radio or… hmm.. SING… or don’t.. I think this is important to cover before getting into the CAR.. or other wheeled vehicle.. Maybe everyone brings a selection of tunes,knows their favorite XM station or likes to lead the sing-along.. We always let the driver choose.. tunes or no tunes.. and so forth.. best to keep the driver HAPPY !!

10. FOLLOW THE RULES.. that is NO TICKETS.. NO INCIDENTS.. have your companions help watch for the SPEED LIMIT SIGNS, no turn lane signs.. exit signs or whatever.. Everyone is involved.. and no one wants to spend their money paying for a speeding ticket,parking ticket or other kind of ticket.

11. Shades and SUNSCREEN-Hat.. sun protection.. Even if you are in the car.. all day.. you are still going to be exposed to the harmful radiation of the sun.. yes that means sunburned skin.. Driving into the glare can be tiring.. Take your shades..even if the forecast is for gloomy, cloudy, overcast weather.. again.. none of us seems satisfied spending endless time perusing the gas station sunglass rack..

12. SHUT EYE.. SLEEP.. dozing..cat naps.. Even if you are trying to get someone cross country on a deadline,, and driving non-stop.. when you are not driving..take some shut eye.. especially if you are not staying in a real bed.. close your eyes and sleep. A short cat nap will revive you and make you a better driver and more enjoyable passenger!

13. Call Ahead.. Find the Highway Road Conditions Hotline number…

5-1-1- established in July 2000, 5-1-1 is the nationally designated number for traveler information- to access info before you travel consult that state’s Department of Transportation website or phone number.

California 1-800-427-7623

Iowa-1-800-288-1047

Arizona 1-888-411-ROAD

14. GAS.. fuel up before you hit E.. again.. don’t push it.. a wrong turn, an unplanned detour or worse and you will be in serious need of fuel.. don’t push it.. more stops..
Find out when you rent your car if you can pre-pay for a half tank or other portion instead of the full tank option. I just rented from Enterprise and was happy to find out I could just pay for half a tank and bring the car back with half a tank full. Keep your tank filled.. this also gives everyone a chance to get out,stretch your legs,bathroom breaks and more!!

15. Have FUN !! Remember Mark Twain’s quote… “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. SO throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER !!”

Bring some fun.. your car games, your sing along songs.. your crazy stories and a camera for some fun road trip pictures!!

I like to Photograph and I like to travel! Choosing a place to go can be daunting.. choosing time of year can be sometimes dictated by others, or our work schedule. And then to go with a group or go it alone…

Some factors to consider when choosing a Photo Workshop or Photo trip- do I want to learn new software,editing skills or do I want to gather as many photos as I can when I invest time and money into going out of my area?

Budget- Money for most of us is a consideration- how much do I have to spend- how do I want to spend my money.. Budget needs to be tied to what you hope to gain by going on a Photo trip or Photography Workshop.

To save money you might want to look for someone leading a photo trip or Photography workshop who does not have as many years experience or isn’t nationally known.

If money is no object you might want to check into Photography Expeditions led by National Geographic Photographers http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/san-francisco-photo-workshop/detail

For example the one above is limited to 25 photographers and Photography is in San Francisco- what a great place to be!

www.photosafaris.com -Joseph Van Os-Worldwide Photography Tours- stunning locations worldwide, small groups- many limited to 10 and incredible photographers standing by to assist you!

Otherwise seek out your local Photo group, check the internet-sign up to get newsletters from Photographers you like, many photography magazines list workshops in the back and show ads by photographers-

www.outdoorphotographer.com has a website but their magazine on most stands or at your local Barnes and Noble has many good suggestions for Photo trips in the back

www.popphoto.com Popular Photography Magazines website-covers everything from Food photography,sports,fashion, landscape and more!

http://landscapephotographymagazine.com/2011/our-flickr-group-may-2011-top-10-collection/ Landscape Photography Magazine- looks like a new site-open for submissions!

TIME: Most of us in the working world still have time constraints-

Looking for either a whole week of photographing a location-or going on weekends or a day trip are some options!

www.meetup.com has many photography related groups in your area-seek them out-many are low cost, or no cost and a great way to get out and take a photo workshop or photograph a locations with others!

Daytrips are also offered by many Photo groups or local groups- look for these in your newspaper, ask friends or go online!

Another consideration for time-consider how much time is spent photographing vs classroom time- you need to decide which you prefer- ask questions-email the person/photographer- get a feel for this. My own Phototrips that I offer are 100 % photography- I feel it is most important to be collecting and photographing as much as possible.

People- decide if you want to be part of a small group, some opportunities are one on one, and some are larger groups. Sometimes it is helpful to be with more photographers and learn from them, feed off their creativity, other times this can be overwhelming.. too many photographers trying to angle around a lighthouse for instance-or the edge of the river to photograph a bear…

Also in considering people, besides number of people it might be worthwhile to think about how you will fit in or learn or benefit from your experience. Again there are Photography trips led by Professional Male Photographers and Female Photographers, there are trips led by Fine Artists, Award-Winning, Tour Guides,local residents and more. These all mean different things..  A Fine Art Photographer may have a different angle or insight to offer you-new techniques- using various tools to get a different look!

http://miksang.com/miksangjourney.html#level1 Miksang is another place to find Creative Photo Workshops- a few of my Photographer Friends have taken the workshops and felt they were valuable tools to opening up their creative eyes!

Walking tours of cities- slow enough pace to photograph, usually led by a docent versed in history or who has access to sites you might not otherwise be able to photograph..

http://www.laconservancy.org/tours/tours_main.php4 In Los Angeles we have some great opportunities with the LA Conservancy-downtown buildings and others!

http://www.tourneworleans.com/ This one is out of New Orleans and is well reviewed and looks like it would be worthwhile.

Investigate-email,call – ask questions so you will get the experience you want.

Here are some other Photography Workshops  I would look into:

www.travelimages.com

www.idrivebackroads.com

And if you want to plan your own expeditions- there are many books,newsletter and websites also to help you in your planning!

As a photographer I often check the photo sharing sites like www.flickr.com to see posts/photos by other photographers on a given place.

www.photographamerica.com Downloadable PDF’s of many many photo locations throughout the United States- I have mentioned this page before but I really find he gives good suggestions and they are very affordable and easy to get!

http://tinyurl.com/3nwvcx9 Shortcut to W.W.Norton and Co Publishers guides- Photographers guide to… Big Sur, Martha’s Vineyard, San Francisco and many other Photogenic locations all written by Photographers!

Hope this helps you in your quest- and hope you will join me on one of my future Photo Day Trips,Photography Weekends, or Week Long Photo trips to Vermont or Maine!

Photographers are also seekers.. seeking out that next great image.. or undiscovered place.. so Ghost Towns often offer the undiscovered and maybe the unexpected!

Randsburg, Johannesburg and Red Mountain are still “living Ghost Towns”.. you can still  buy a sandwich, or soda and maybe an old rock or two and take home some memories and hopefully some unique photos!

Randsburg, California is located off the 395 or you can access it off the 14 North. Paved road and you can drive in with a regular car..no 4 Wheel Drive required. Best time to go is anytime but summer- they get extremely hot.. and no protection from the sun. Good winter destination! Facilites- Clean, well-maintained Public Restrooms at the little park in the center of town. Also food available Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the White House Saloon, or the Randsburg General Store- except Christmas,Easter and Thanksgiving. Call 760-374-2143 for additional questions on hours.

Many of the buildings on the Main Street date from the Gold Rush era-making them over 100 years old. The General store still has an old tin ceiling.. though it has been painted- across the street the WHite House Saloon looks much as it must have in 1905 when it was rebuilt on the same site as a previous drinking establishment.

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/ca/randsburg.html offers some additional information and other photos

White House Saloon-Randsburg California off the 395 NorthLiving California Ghost Town

Living Ghost Towns also include People, People who have lived here,been inspired or continue to try and keep their story alive!

If you will be standing along a parade route.. or attending a Memorial Day Event such as at a cemetery you may want a long lens- say a 70-300 so you can stand far enough away but pull into just what you want.. an expression, a detail such as a child waving a flag- a hug- a teary eye.. a military salute.

If you plan on posting the images you may want to carry a Model Release form with you- there are many generic ones online that you could print and carry with you. Otherwise it is important to get an image without a face.. see my example from a Cowboy Festival..

This is straight from the camera just to show you the pose, and the fact his face is hidden and it can still be an interesting photo. Also if things are happening fast around you -you want to be sure to increase your speed to compensate for hand holding and quick movements. You are probably using a digital camera.. these days that’s pretty much all of us..take extra shots.. don’t be stingy.. You will be glad later that you did.

Most of all be respectful and have a safe Memorial Day. .. until my next Photo Trip.. April

The state is compact and yet there is often more to photograph than there are hours of daylight to capture it.

In Fall the light comes in more at an angle and the number of hours between sunrise and sunset is shortened- this makes for a perfect day for photographing.. but also you sense urgency in each step as you know one windy day and the leaves will be tossed or the light will change…

Mornings offer an abundance of Photos-frost on leaves, the light just appearing over the trees, low fog lifting from the mountains and smoke from chimneys. The air is brisk, so it is important to dress in layers,have something for your hands,,,sometimes it is good to find a spot and just wait for the light to slowly appear..

All hours of the day are good to photograph, I don’t believe in only photographing at sunrise and sunset.. many good images can be made at any time of time, in rain or shine. Rain will saturate the leaves and colors and give a richness that you won’t see during a bright sunny day. Some days are kind of “whited skies” this can be frustrating but you can crop your sky or look for details and closeups- pumpkins,leaves on benches,old stone walls, barns with bright vines-

And of course sunshine is always good- bright colors against a blue sky- white buildings really stand out and many of Vermont’s historic churches, etc are white. Including the capitol. Look for bright planters of mums to pop in your images.

A checklist is sometimes helpful to avoid finding yourself overwhelmed with everything around you to photograph, or not “seeing” anything to photograph. I make a short list and keep it in my pocket, I pull it out each morning and look at my keywords or short phrases to remind me of images I wish to “collect”. A fellow photographer actually will tape it to their car’s dashboard so each time they get in the car they see the list as well- this helps keep them inspired and not overwhelmed.

Vermont- a Photographers state any time but my favorite during Fall!! For more information on traveling to Vermont please visit their page http://www.vermontvacation.com/VermontBySeason/Fall/FallFoliageCentral.aspx

and another favorite reference http://www.yankeefoliage.com/ full of photos, maps and suggestions.

Sometimes it is worth it depending on your goal to travel with a Photographer- one that is looking for scenics- there are many Photo Trips,tours and Photo workshops in Vermont each year-

For more information on mine please visit www.yourphototravelguide.com

or contact me direct april@aprilart.com

I focus on photography, photographing all day, capturing images of trees, barns,covered bridges and historic towns, the things that make Vermont unique and worth preserving!

Maine is one of my October destinations that I return to again and again for its variety of subject matter! Many think of Maine as the Coastal areas filled with coves,colorful fishing villages, boats and the historic lighthouses that dot the shorelines. Maine is more than that- full of rich hardwood forests I have often taken some of the most stunning tree images in Maine, reds,oranges,browns and all the shades in between pepper the many forests and parks.

Maine has opportunities to photograph historic sites as well- the first “colony” in Maine was established around 1607 prior to the Pilgrims.

October in Maine has many photographically rich opportunities contrary to the stereotypical view of Maine’s summer coastal areas. Old fishing boats,row boats and their faded paints can provide many  images. To get the greatest detail be sure to use a tripod, lower your iso and possibly use a remote shutter release to keep your hands away from the camera. Often I find myself getting so excited by the view in front of me I forget to take time to steady up the camera and return with images that have some blur. Use a tripod- if you traveled a long way to photograph it is worth the extra steps to get the image right!

Trees!! Here is a taste of what I was talking about earlier.. trees- some of the most beautiful trees in the fall I have photographed in Maine- this is a reflected stand of trees, taken late afternoon, and also in the water was a canoe with 2 people- very “LL Bean” in appearance! When out looking for fall foliage to photograph- it is best to always travel in pairs, or join a Photo trip. It is easy to get distracted by all the beauty and not be watching the narrow country roads. Also when you do see something- look for a safe spot to pull off the road, try to choose a spot out of traffic or where others can easily see around you and drive around. Also it is fun to wear a bright color and put yourself in the photo..this adds interest to your photo.. be doing something walking down a path, carrying a camera.. holding some collected leaves.. or just sitting on a nice rock looking out at the scene in front of you.

Maine is a wealth of Photo Opportunities in any season but my favorite is still October- colored trees, stunning lighthouses with ocean views, historic homes, farmstands, people being outdoors, fishing, and beautiful skylines of fishing villages.

So get your camera and start planning a trip to Maine.. or join me on my Fall Photo trip to Maine in October- priced at just over $ 1000.00 for 6 nights shared lodging (add extra for your own room),all transportation, and if you are a Canon photographer- use of lens and gear! Wow what a great deal- for more information please contact me

April 818-723-7413 or email april@aprilart.com

This image illustrates how many other images could be pulled from this- The sweetpeas in the glass would make wonderful single images, and the wall of old post office boxes makes a fun image-the textures- the little plants peeping out of each box.

This grab shot gives inspiration for new ways to photograph what seem to some like weeds.. Using mason jars, found glass objects and placing several together- or photographing one individually- look at the old wood it sits on..again think of all the things that could be photographed against that!

This “grab shot” again shows some interesting elements- CLOCKS.. a whole series of photographs could be launched just on that theme or item.. sometimes seeing something sparks an idea.. such as this.. inspiration comes in many forms. You don’t always want to force it.. take a day and go just do something you might not usually do and you might walk away with that a NEW IDEA..a NEW INSPIRATION.  See how the vendor places multiple items in one area- they grouped clocks, below on the table one can see a group of white platters.. and on the shelf again a group of jeweled boxes.. and the use of 3-

And it is Mothers Day weekend.. so I hope you all take a moment, call your mother! And remember those aunts,grandmas and other important gals in your life!

And thanks to Judy Watkins- she has a wonderful blog and another Remnants Show in October.

There are a few sites and phone numbers which may be helpful in your search for California Wildflowers-
www.theodorepayne.org/hotline.html

Antelope Poppy Reserve
661-724-1180
Anza Borrego Desert
760-767-5311
Joshua Tree Wildflower Hotline
760-367-5500
Kern County Wildflowers
661-322-WILD
Theodore Payne
818*768*3533