Shooting while on business trips. Ideas?

[JClishe]

OK here's something that I struggle with. I do a fair bit of travel for work, both via car and plane. When I travel by car I usually toss my photo bag in the car with me, because, why not? My thought process is, I'm going somewhere outside of the immediate vicinity where I live, so why not take some photos either of where I'm going or something along the way. The problem is I rarely actually ever take any photos. Usually I don't have a ton of spare time and I hit a creative roadblock and can't figure out what to actually shoot, or, I don't have the opportunity to change clothes and don't want to go tromping through some field wearing a suit to get a photo of an old barn or something.

So does anyone take any time out of business travel for quick shooting sessions, and if so, how do you plan them?

 

[jaomul]

Sorry if this doesn't quite answer your question. If I have to go somewhere with work I wont have time to plan something but if I saw something enroute I would take a few minutes and this may be enough, but my problem is I often forget to bring the camera, and normally this is when I do see something interesting.

 

[JClishe]

I always have my S95 with me and I do get some decent ad hoc shots from time to time, but I suppose my question is more about coming up with ideas on short notice when I have maybe an hour to kill and am potentially unfamiliar with my surroundings.

 

[camz]

Too many interesting things to shoot and list in here, and it is hard to get down to the specifics or a plan beforhand because I think it takes the fun away(Since I always plan my paid shoots). On shoots without a plan, If I have to get the creative juices flowng I always ask myself if I were to open up a gallery right now, what would I shoot for print? Then I guess te ideas come from there - could be a feeling or something visual. Beauty is that you can probably easily come up with ideas during the downtimes of your business trip - in the hotel room, during the flight/drive, or even just in a parking lot.

Placing a litle pressure sparks something for me...if not I end up getting complacent and shoot nothing at all.

 

[spacefuzz]

I ALWAYS bring my camera when I travel for business (sometimes several times per week). Depending on the type of travel it usually dictates how much gear I bring. I prefer wide angle nature type shots so if by air I bring my D7000, polarizer, 10-24mm, and a tripod (it just fits inside my carry on). If I'm going by car I bring all my standard gear.

Since I always bring a change of clothes besides me suit I dont have trouble changing before heading out, and depending on the type of travel / time of year sometimes I will wander for hours....or sometimes just around the hotel. I look at it as my company subsidizing my hobby, since I wouldnt be able to travel so often on my own dime. Great for getting a diverse portfolio!

Finding time depends on the logistics of the travel, if I have dinner meetings I cant go out and shoot. But if everyone just runs back to their rooms or to the bar.....then Im out exploring. (I'm an engineer if your curious)

 

[ClickAddict]

Check out local photographer websites before you go. Might be some caves or busy market street or odd building thqat catches your attention. City travel sites will focus on the tourist traps which may be interesting to shoot, but you more apt to find some gems on the locol photographers sites.

 

[enzodm]

I also take pictures during business trips, but almost never I have my car. In addition, I have just few free time, so I tend to go with camera and one lens (18-55), in a small bag. Then, since I'm mostly in cities, I just walk around, following touristic indications I find in travel guides.