How-to: Location book

I just finished pulling together a "location book" with my notes from the shoots in Western North Carolina. I include two pieces of information: information on locations that I shot and information on places that I want to shoot, but could not fit in on the first trip. It takes multiple trips to cover a large region and I also like to shoot some locations over and over in multiple seasons.

1) Start with an empty notebook that will last. I avoid anything with wire binding. My preferred book is a Moleskine Cahir -- Large Ruled.

2) Sort all of the material and notes you collected on your trip. Choose and organization method; I normally use city/county/area first and then subdivide each one into: Art groups, galleries, shooting locations, and resources (such as camera and art supply stores).

3) Create an index on the first page and number every page.

4) Fill the sections with your sorted information. Include address, hours, phone numbers, web URL's, email address, small maps, and other things that will help you plan future trips.

5) Leave plenty of blank space to add to the book.

6) Add contact sheets of your 4-Star and 5-Star takes from previous shoots.

7) Add notes from all failures -- details of what you were trying to accomplish, why it did not turn out, and suggestions including special techniques and equipment for next time.

8) Add notes for all shots you did not make, but want to try next time.

9) File in a plastic folder along with maps and other information books that do not fit in your "Location book."

Put away and make a calendar note for 30 days from today.

Go back and read through the book, and add notes and changes that have come to you in the last 30 days as you have worked with the pictures, shown the shots to others, and thought about the trip.

File book away until you are going to return to the area again. Use the book for trip planning, web research planning, and reference during your trip. Repeat above steps when you return again.

Pass along to someone you care about so they can enjoy the beauty of the area and shoot it also!

Most importantly, have fun!

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Photography
Landscape
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Location
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