do you take your camera everywhere?

[landon9720]

Does improving and mastering photography require taking as many pictures as possible?
Does it mean mastering the best technology we have available?
Doesn't this mean carrying the DSLR everywhere?

[Iguanasan]

Does improving and mastering photography require taking as many pictures as possible?
Does it mean mastering the best technology we have available?
Doesn't this mean carrying the DSLR everywhere?

I'm just a recreational amateur, however, I'll give you my 2 cents.

Yes. No. No.

I think you need to take a lot of shots to get that feedback and practice. After taking a LOT of shots and taking the time to review them for composition and lighting the next one you take will let you do it properly almost by instinct.

The best technology does not make the best photographer. However, you should completely understand the technology you are using to allow the instinct that develops to take over so you don't have to fight with the technology to take the shot.

I don't think you need to lug a pile of camera gear around every where you go, however, having at least a point and shoot handy will help you develop those instincts for a good shot without all the gear. It helps you get used to looking at the world through a "lens".

Regards, Iguanasan

[Ben H]

I agree. Taking lots of pictures and developing your photography skills means your eye and your brain improve - you *see* a lot more, and learn to see.

Once you've done that, you see these photo opportunities everywhere, regardless of whether you have a camera with you or not. And seeing them is half the skill of a photographer imho...

[mindforge]

I take my D90 everywhere and before that, I took my Alpha everywhere. I usually just have it ready to go in the trunk of the car. I am a very impulsive person. Almost all the cool stuff I do starts like this...

... at a red light, I turn to my wife and say "Wanna go to the Monterey Aquarium.
"Sure"
"How fast can the kids be ready?"
"Ten minutes"
"Okay. Want a rent a luxury car?"
"Like a Cadillac."
"Nah, a hummer."
"Okay, drop me off and go get the kids ready."

So, knowing me and that nothing is planned, if I want good pictures I need to have the bag with me. I have one of those convertible bags that don't really look like camera bags and then all these straps pop out and it straps down over shoulder and belt. Very comfortable. I am also 6'2" and 250 lbs. and I generally don't have a "come and mug me" look. People usually think twice because of my size.

I say, take the camera everywhere. I do have a point and shoot that is beat up as all hell that I will take into buildings with me. Even if I am not supposed to have a camera, I usually do -- at least a point and shoot. I'll try and smuggle it.

[JoeMezz]

If my P&S battery is charged then yes it goes with me always.. otherwise I leave the P&S and SLT at home.

[Mad Aussie]

I don't take my camera anywhere it's going to be left alone or I think it might unsafe.
This means it doesn't come to work with me and usually not to shopping centres but most other places I drag it along.

[jjeling]

My camera is generally with me where ever I go. Actually I have two cameras, with different lenses on them. When I recognize a situation, I never have to fumble around with changing lenses or anything. I also carry tripods and all kinds of goodies. I generally drive so it stays in the car. Then I bring it home, upload, edit, put back into car. It is all in a camera bag, then inside a backpack. If someone else drives, I just grab my bag and go. Even with a trained eye, there are times I will never take a shot. Many times it is just extra weight. It has resulted in many quality images at the same time. All depends, you never know what your going to get into.

[mindforge]

Recently, I got to play with a Canon G10. Awesome. It is one of my next purchases. I normally tote one D90 (I have two and my wife has one) everywhere I go. I just have an 18-105 VR (the kit lens) on it when I am just going to the store, but yes, it goes in. I have children (one infant) and to most, it probably just looks like a bag for them (except for the Tamrac logo of course). I am going to get the G10 to replace this problem. With the G10 I can have it in my jacket pocket and it rocks.

One note on the G10 - My friend just had around 15k in camera gear stolen while he was loading up. He was on his way to a wedding. He only had the G10 and all his lighting gear. He shot a great wedding and no one wanted massive enlargements. The G10 is the best fallback camera you can have IMO - it is also very portable. Hands down the best P&S ever.

[dmagick]

I take mine everywhere even if it's in the boot (trunk) of the car. Depending on what I'm doing with my family we'll usually end up at a park or playground somewhere for my daughter to play, it's handy to keep close by.

[JohnnyRay]

I'll take my camera to work with me, but I usually will find something to shot either on the way to work, or the way home. I live in a more rural/small town area so I may take the longer way home to find some shots.