Since the pandemic, my life has changed quite a lot as such this post seems more appropriate now, more so than when I first wrote it in 2015.
So here are some of the reasons that I like going out with people to take photos.
There seems to be this idea that if you are a serious photographer that you should go out on your own to take photos. I have never believed this or thought I was any less of a photographer because I don’t like going out by myself. It’s not that I don’t, I just prefer to have company when I do. Maybe I think I’m a boring person and talking to myself all day wouldn’t be that great.
I do understand why some people prefer to go alone and I know that who you go with is very important. I thought I could go through why I like company, beyond just having someone to talk to. Perhaps I will do it in a list.
1- Gives you Inspiration
I find when you go with someone else we almost feed off each other, making suggestions to one another. I know that I have many photos that I would never have taken if I hadn’t been with another photographer.
2 – Gets Me Out of the House
I have a terrible habit of talking myself out of going to places when I am on my own. Before I am supposed to go somewhere the excuses start about why I shouldn’t go, and usually I just don’t. If I’ve made a date with someone to go then I do. I don’t like disappointing people so I just pack my gear and get ready to go. For me this is a massive advantage.
3 – It is Safer
We go to some places that if I hurt myself I may never be found. Yes, I’m being a little over dramatic, but I could be there for a long time. Knowing that someone else is there means that if one of us hurts ourselves then the other can go and get help. Phone reception is often non-existent in many country areas and if you get into trouble you can’t phone for help.
4 – Someone to Scout for Locations
It isn’t safe to drive and look for places to take photos so having a passenger makes it much easier, and safer.
5 – More Fun
I just think it is so much more fun when you have someone to laugh with. I enjoy laughing and it is good to have someone to have one with. It is so boring when you are on your own and having someone with you means that you can entertain one another.
Picking the Right People to Go With
This is also very important. I don’t like going with my husband or daughters because they aren’t interested in photography and they just want to leave. I feel rushed to get my photos. The best thing is to find some people that you enjoy going out with and want to spend time with.
It is best if they enjoy the same sort of photography as well so you will want to take photos together. There is nothing worse than going out with someone to take photos and you don’t want to photograph the same things. If you are both there to capture the same thing then you will have a lot more fun.
It is also nice to have someone to have a coffee with and just relax. I like being with others when I go to eat at restaurants, it is much nicer.
I have been very lucky and I have a number of people to go out and take photos with. I have built up quite a few friendships through teaching and through this blog. It has been fantastic meeting people through WordPress and then having the opportunity to go out and take photos with them.
It doesn’t really matter whether you prefer to go on your own or with other people, the most important thing is getting out to take photos.
All the photos in the post today are from excursions where I went with other people.
Well said!
Thank you Marland.
You’re welcome!
😀
Nicely said. I can go both ways but the idea of safer in some locations should not be discounted.
Thank you Ted, yeah, I like the company and the safety definitely.
then again some of us are just good old fashioned anti-social.
Haha, my husband would agree with you on that Brian. Thank you.
I like travelling with or without company. But they are different. With a partner you tend to be inward looking, and by yourself you look more outwards. It is then easier to make connections with places and people. No only forb the photos, but the stories people have to tell. Both ways are fun!
INteresting, I think I find that I will photograph more when I am with someone, but on my own I tend to just do a little and then go home. I agree both are fun, but I much prefer going out with friends. Thank you Geoff.
Interesting
Thank you.
I agree with you. I also enjoy going out with a friend or two to make photographs. Unfortunate to belong to a photography club that organizes outings to various locations depending on members interest. I also agree that going with one’s spouse is not necessarily the best idea. Mine tries to be supportive, but I can feel the impatience to get moving on to something else. If I’m really desperate, I just take my dog.
It is nice to go out with a friend who is also taking photos. That is a same about the club, though at least they try. I was in one and it was never done. My daughters are shockers like that, all I get is can we go now. My husband is okay, he will just play on his phone. Though I also have a patient friend who will go with me, which is always good. Thank you Ceci.
“Company” is a situational thing. It is not that I object to someone going with me when I am photographing, but if my goal is a sun rise, sunset, the appearance of a bird (the right bird) or other creature, then patience and silence are a critical characteristics, and that is a stretch for even my closest friends. However, if the objective is simply a walk on the beach or a wooded path, and I happen to be carrying my camera (which I almost always do) then I often appreciate the extra set of eyes to spot potential photographic opportunities.
For me company is someone who wants to do the same thing, so another photography friend. I know what you mean, it is so different when you are with people that aren’t interested in taking photos. Though I do have one friend who is happy to go with me and she is very patient. Thank you Jeff.
I love the photos, Leanne! I understand your motives to head out on a photo shoot with friends, I on the other hand like to go by myself. I live by myself these days and enjoy the solitude. It would indeed to a real bummer to go out with people who don’t care about photography!
Thank you John, yeah, I have to admit I prefer going with people that like taking photos, that makes it so much better.
I would love to have a girlfriend that loves photography like I do.
I hope you find one John, that sounds perfect.
Thanks!
You’re welcome. 😀
I could have written this post Leanne! I feel the same way.
I thought there would be others that felt the same way. Thank you Anne, what a shame you live so far away.