What brought this to mind was that yesterday I plugged my camera into my computer in order to transfer the pictures. I discovered it’d been a long time since I’d done this “housework.” Two pictures were of the sky with a small white dot against the blue. Huh? Took me a few minutes to remember back to when a neighbor emailed saying the shuttle would be flying directly overhead in about ten minutes. I had grabbed my camera and raced outside. And, there it was. I got two pics before it disappeared. Then the pictures sat in my camera.
Seeing them reminded me of what a thrill it had been to see the shuttle. And it made me think of the different ways a writer could use a camera to keep track of ideas inspired by our surroundings or to have a physical reminder of some image or place we might want to use in the future.
If you don’t want to lug a camera in your purse or pocket, consider putting a disposal camera in the glove compartment or suitcase. Once you print the pictures or put them on your computer, label them as to date and place. That way, if you want, you can go back to do more research.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a picture can also inspire those words.
I'm a camera-toting writer...I think Diane is one, too. I take setting pictures (usually old buildings in small towns) and I take many pictures of *people* too--unusual, striking people (characters). I try to make sure no one sees me taking it!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen
I love this idea. I often use places I've been in my writing, but how convenient it would be to have a picture to refresh that memory. This is a tip I will definitely use.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I carry a digital camera around and take pictures, especially when I am going somewhere new. You can actually (sometimes) write off at least part of trips as research if you take pictures adn gather research materials like local history and maps while there, too.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a 12 megapixel instamatic style camera at a big chain store for $120, and a 16Gb memory stick for something like $50 if memory serves. In either case, you can fit hundreds of photos on that memory card.
It's really cheap to do photography this way, because you don't have to pay for anything you don't print.
I am always being laughed at by my friends. I whip out my camera on a regular basis, I am now earning a little money from my photographs, so who is laughing now.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to have seen the shuttle.
Since my pocket camera broke, I've been less likely to pull out our bulky Nikon. So probably every other day I say out loud, "Oh I wish I had the camera." I said it yesterday...and then drove home and got the camera rather than miss a shot of the ice chunks heaving and piling upon each other in the marshes at high tide.
ReplyDeleteOh I definitely second that notion, and never leave home without my camera. I've really incorporated it into my writing through my blog, combining the two crafts. The photographs so effectively inspire the posts they accompany. Great advice Helen!
ReplyDeleteI love this suggestion. I hate to admit that I don't take as many pictures as I use to. I need to get back into that habit. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'm always seeing things and wishing I'd brought my camera. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI know some of you have fabulous pictures you incorporate into your posts. One great thing about digital cameras, for me anyway, is deleting all the blurry ones.
ReplyDeleteI did ask for a digital camera as a gift for those very reasons.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting...
Thanks for the reminder!
My digi camera is always in my purse. I like to take photos for Flickr, especially any old buildings we come across.
ReplyDeleteDigital cameras are less expensive than they used to be. And you can get fairly good pics with iPhones and other phones now.
ReplyDeleteLeave today's DUH! prize here. I always have a disposable in the glove compartment in case of accident with the car. I never thought of grabbing it to record a potential setting, character, or event. As I said, DUH!
ReplyDeletethanks Helen.
Great idea! Photos carry their memories and my thoughts with them :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I often have a camera with me at my children's sporting events but I should be thinking of setting pictures.
ReplyDeleteGood idea!
ReplyDeleteGood tip; it's like having another notebook and very useful for capturing the little details that make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI am almost as crazy about taking photos as I am about writing so this is something I do. Because place so inspires me in my writing I am always referring to photos that I took of the places in my books. Such a great way to be inspired. And for the book I have out looking for a home right now - I took one of my pictures and made a cover of it and then had it printed. It is pinned to the wall behind my desk.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea, Jan. I wouldn't have a clue how to create a cover, though.
ReplyDeleteAs a former photojournalist, I suggest that writers with cameras carry at least one subject release form in case you're spotted taking someone's picture. You absolutely need one if you plan to use the photo in your work.
ReplyDeleteLove your quote, Helen. Pictures really do inspire words. :)
Now that phones have cameras that are only marginally inferior to digital cameras, there's hardly any excuse not to have a camera when you need it.
ReplyDeleteExcellent suggestion, Jean. Do you know if there's a standard form online someplace?
ReplyDeleteI keep a cheap second-hand digital camera in my work vehicle- four hours a day driving around the country, you get some great photo opportunities!
ReplyDeletehttp://nzinthesticks.blogspot.com/
Some of these are at the above address.
(I do my own cover art too!)
Good suggestion, Helen. I used to take pictures for settings, and did that when scouting locations for film shoots, too.
ReplyDeleteOswald, I admire someone who can do their own covers. It is something I do not want to attempt.
ReplyDeleteMaryann, you're probably an old hand at taking location shots, then. I knew someone who used to do that for magazine photo shoots.
Yes, good idea. I carry a camera all the time, at least when I'm out hiking, or skiing, whenever nature shows it most awsome facets; when the forest rests under white snow, on a clear morning in the dark time of the year, on a light summer night when the sun never sets. Sometimes I use these pics in my blog.
ReplyDeleteYour idea to always have a camera at hand is a good one for writers. Sometimes my dh takes photos that accompany my articles, which makes the article of more value.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice, Helen. I found this out when I learned to use my cell phone camera. Now I use it more often as a camera than a phone sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI need to use my iPhone camera. I think I've taken maybe three pictures with it. And it's always with me!
ReplyDeleteI always have a camera with me! (Pro photographer - can't help it.)
ReplyDeleteI keep one of my little point & shoots in my purse at all times so if I see something of interest, I won't miss it.
I am definitely a visual person.
Jen, I do that too! I'll take some pictures then forget about them. Months later when I take some more, I'll find them. Sometimes they're good and sometimes they are indeed forgettable.
ReplyDelete