One of the first lessons I learned on Active Rain was not to leave home without a very special item. Even for just a run to pick up milk? Always think before you leave home.
Make sure you have your car keys, driver's license, cell phone, some money (in 2011 that means credit card), and the all important camera. DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!! You just never know what you might spot. Maybe it's because I am getting older (code for elderly) and my memory is not so sharp I love having photos to remind me of all the fun and interesting things I see out there in my Lake Anna world.
Setting Out to Fish and Compete*
Learning to blog was an adventure for me and although it has been some time since I began the process, I learned very early on that it was good to have some photos or graphics to liven it up. That meant, for me, a very good reason to have that camera by my side.
Many of my posts deal with my market area, Lake Anna. Whether I'm on the road or, more ideally, out on the water there is never a lack of things that catch my eye.
Once you become accustomed to looking at the world around you in terms of photographing it you will be amazed at how often the opportunity presents itself. For me it's another way too of noticing and learning more about Lake Anna. Photoblogging is one of the things I most enjoy. Often I select a photo and then write a post around it. Other times I'm in the midst of writing and think of a photo I've taken, perhaps even some time ago that seems to just fit.
Many of you do the same. For those of you that haven't done this please give some serious thought to doing it. You will learn more about your area as I have using what I refer to as my Active Rain eyes.
*Early one morning I was driving past one of Lake Anna's marinas, Sturgeons Creek, when I glanced out on the water and saw these fishermen lining up to begin competing in a tournament. I quickly turned around, took a few shots, and hit the road again. How disappointed I would have been if I'd not been prepared for such a moment.
©Copyright Kate Elim 2011
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Hi Kate! I LOVE this picture and the story is so true as well. I believe bloggers see the world in a different light--we appreciate beauty that we never did before and we love sharing it!
What a great post, Kate.
Kate, I do that too. I find myself running back for my camera more often than I can say. I love photographing everything these days. It's great building a graphics library while seeing everything in a new light. Love your photo of the preparation for the fishing competition.
Kate I have lately added photography to my hobbies. My Samsung Galaxy S takes some very good photos. Cell phones these days take some very good pictures. You should never leave home without your cell phone. Thanks for the remainder and sharing this. Great post pic.
Love it Kate. I always have my camera with me even when I am previewing property as you just never know what you will see. Every day presents a new photo opportunity which in turn presents a new blogging opportunity.
That is quite a shot! Very good thing you brought the camera!
I am not sure if I would be cold, excited, happy? Well, it's fishing, so I would totally be happy!
I never leave home without my camera, and I make sure it's in the outside pocket of my purse so that I don't have to fumble for it. Some of my photos are those I've caught on the run, sunsets, blue herons or children and those subjects don't always wait.
I love it Kate! Yup...never leave home without it!
Kate, ever since I have gotten more serious with my AR blogging, I am always armed with my camera, I'm really enjoying getting back into photography
In todays world most cell phones have cameras, and as long as your cell phone is with you the opportunities are abundant for taking photo's. Congrats on the feature and have a very prosperous 2011.
Kate - I never leave without it.
I used to post and then look for or go get pics for it - Since William's photoblogger series, I have found myself looking at a pic and then writing the story about it like you did here?
Good morning, Kate....I have it with me all the time....some of the photos are "one shot deals" and there's no second chance.
Kate Your phoro and story blend so well - that is one lovely photo - you are the undispted top photo blogger in your market
Oh, that is so true w/ the camera. I keep bringing it w/ me for blog fodder. Such a great idea.
Beautifull picture, thank you for sharing.
Also - never leave home without your business cards!
I have a DSLR that its a bit bulky to carry around all the time, but I ALWAYS have my phone (with camera/video) ready to go. Surprisingly, some of the cameras in the newer smart phones take amazing pictures.
You're 100% right about spotting photo opportunities. They can present themselves anytime/anywhere, and some days its all the time/everywhere.
Kate, thanks so much for sharing an intoxicating photo of your Lake Anna...wonderful setting & yes take that pic!
Good Point Kate, I just had to go and buy a starter camera to carry with my. My big one was to big. Have a good one!
I took some impromptu photos in Southern Maryland the other day, too, which I will pull out of the hat later. I would not have understood the boat line if you had not explained it!
Hi Debe..Thank you. Gosh, I took a look this morning and saw this was featured. Well, that makes me happy and even more is the happiness I find taking so many pictures and sharing them here.
Kate
Hi Geri...It sounds like you might attribute your growing passion to being here in the Rain. Of course, once you get the bug you begin to take all these photos for the joy of it.
Kate
Hi Everyone...Off to a settlement (thank goodness!) and will respond after that and two broker opens.
Kate
I have to get better at using the camera that I normally have with me!
Hound of the Baskervilles goes fishing! :-)
Lots of stories just beg telling out there....and the old picture is worth adage sure applies here.
Kate, as is often said "a picture is worth a thousand words" and you related to that nicely with this photo. I've got to get to Lake Anna more.
What a great photo and reminder that we never want to miss those interesting sights. Thanks for sharing. I've got the Iphone & love the video and camera capabilities which minimizes my things to remember.
Kate I have my camera with me at ALL times and I never, ever think to use it when a Kodak moment presents itself. I guess the habit has to be formed first, but if I never start the habit, how can I ever form it. I just can never remember.
I've opened my eyes more since blogging. I start to see everything as a potential blog so bringing my camera with me at all times is a wonderful idea.
Indeed, never leave home without your camera, cell phone and business cards! All three are vital!
Kate - This will have to be my Summer resolution! I usually have my camera with me, tucked in my purse . . . and totally forget to use it! Then, when I decide to blog I can't find any pictures to go along with my blog. Maybe if I just commit to a picture a day I will get into this great habit. Thanks for the reminder!
Your on the scene Real Estate agent Kate Elm live from the action is reporting.....I like it...
lol at Richie, I like that RE journal blogging live! One of my biggest problems is not having my camera with me...I am going to start doing that now.
Kate, I am with you on the "getting older" journey (aren't we all?) and really enjoyed this post and your idea. I usually only take my camera to listings and special occasions but today I'm going to stick it in my purse and give it a home there! Debby
Kate. Awesome picture! I carry my point and shoot in my purse now. When all else fails, I use my Blackbeery for a quick pic.
Kate ~ What a terrific special item to never forget ~ Now if only I could remember to keep it charged, hmm~
Hi Lanre...Wonderful. What matters is that you're documenting the things you're seeing. Sounds like your cell phone is doing the job for you. I use my Droid but more as a back-up. There have been times I've been very grateful to have it.
Kate
Hi Martha...Thanks for summing it up so beautifully.
Every day presents a new photo opportunity which in turn presents a new blogging opportunity.
Kate
Hi John...About 95% of the time I do have it with me. The other 5% of the time I wish I did. Thank goodness it's not the other way around.
Kate
Hi Chris...Had no idea you liked fishing. Glad this shot spoke to you. I'm sure you've got great places to go but if you're looking for some nice largemouth bass come on east to Lake Anna
Kate
Hi Susan...Some of my "unexpected" photos are my favorites, the ones I didn't expect to capture.
Kate
Hi Brian...Hope you stick with it this time. I've gone through spurts before but this is much more sustained and even more enjoyable. Hope it is for you too.
Kate
Hi Lorraine and/or Loretta...My Droid does take pretty good pictures but for me the camera is my first choice. I've got a great zoom which comes in handy at times.
Thanks for the good wishes.
Kate
Hi Virginia...This method has come in handy for the 31 Day May Challenge. As so many of my photos are of Lake Anna they work great for local posts.
Kate
Hi Barbara...I know that your marketing pieces always contain striking photos of your team's listed homes. I'm sure you are always prepared for those ""one shot deals".
Kate
Kate,
Since I entered the May photoblogger contest, I am more aware of my surroundings & the opportunities to capture the special shots. Just this morning while driving to work, I stopped a moment to take a picture of our snowy landscape due to the snowtorm we had late last night.
Kate
I'm so glad that we have this great technology (iphone, ipad, droids) so that we can be johnny on the spot and take those beautiful moments that are sent along to us. Thanks for the post.
Kate, I tell EVERYONE about your Active Rain eyes post from years ago, and I need to bring my higher megapixel camera with me rather than just the iPhone camera. It is small enough for my pocket. Great reminder. Is that SMOKE from their engines or MIST on the water? I could not figure that out.
A C A C .... always carry a camera.
I left mine on my desk yesterday and it was almost as bad as leaving home without my phone.
I have a camera on my phone, but it's probably not good enough for some of the pictures that I want to take, so I skip it. And it doesn't have video, either. (Old iPhone). I should upgrade.
Some of my friends have expressed their disgust at my ever present camera, even iif I'm not photographing them.
I've always got at least one camera within arms reach... You never know what you're gonna see. It's a wild and whacky world out there!!
So true, Kate! I have a Nikon D90 SLR camera. I take it for planned shootings. BUT I try to never leave home without my Canon SX200 Point and Shoot camera which easily fits in my purse. I used it yesterday when I visited Napa Wine Country.
WOW - my pictures wouldn't be as cool as your picture - thanks for sharing. I use my cell phone camera in a pinch . . . I know . . . that doesn't count!
KAte, beautiful picture (of Lake Anna) and even a better story. Somehow, my iPhone does not take as good pictures as I want...and though I have my digital camera in my bag, I am just too lazy to take it out. May be next time?
Great picture and great point.I usually have at least two cameras with me at all times. One in my phone, and one in my my pocket or computer bag.
I never leave home without my camera either, hence it means I have to carry a big purse. Lately with all the cool Iphone apps, I have been using it less and less as my Iphone does everything i need, even editing. I use my Iphone all the time for my photo blog, just shoot and send to it.
Kate- this photo is incredible and your dedication to carrying a camera at all times will make you a perfect candidate for future Photoblogger Contest!
So true. One of my friends, who is a photographer, walked out without a camera the other day and desperately regretted missing a truly great shot.
I left home yesterday without my camera, and was so mad at myself as the fog lifted off of Pikes Peak and the sun rays focused on the snow covered peak. This is a GORGEOUS picture, and definitely reinforces "the lesson."
Sometimes I stumble upon sensational photo ops when I'm running through the canyons and forests of my beloved Sierra Foothills. I have a running belt that is always packed with two items: toilet paper and my camera. I may forget water, but not my camera. My most photogenic blogs, picture tours of my favorite local trails are at http://www.goldenhillsrealestate.com. When the giant trilliums are in bloom they only last a couple of days. You wouldn't want to miss that.
Good reminder to make sure I bring my camera with me. I always have my phone which can take pictures, but just not as well as my actual camera. Thanks for the post!
My new phone takes good pictures, but my camera has a much better zoom. Good reminder to always have my camera close by. I'm just starting to blog and need to build up my number of photos.
Thanks Kate
New here any advice is soaked up like a sponge...
I post on Facebook daily so I have learned to always have my camera to take pictures of places I go everyday or interesting sites to post. When I don't have it, I use my phone but the pictures are not as good. Good advise Kate!
Thanks Kate. I like you never leave home without my camera. Photography is a hobby of mine and I take my camera wherever I go. I learned a long time ago that sometimes you only have that quick moment to capture the beauty.