I just read Alpha's post regarding the "POTW" and the "Leading Lines Challenge" !!! Man, i don't know why, i always start to go to a forum at the end of the month and miss out!! (sorry for the ramble) I have a question, how many (of us) use a pencil when we go to shoot? I mean, as artist, practically everything that we create begins as an idea on paper. When i paint or even sculpt, i sketch it out first. In my limited venture into photography i find I jot notes, scribble out ideas for composition, list out elements Ill need for a montage Does anyone else do this or have I become anal retentive with a good grip!!

Sometimes I even use a pen. I will always try to keep a detailed exposure log of each image I am shooting. n+1, n-2, n-this and n-that. detail here, shutter speeds, iso,etc. then again, I am sort of a zone geek. Too much Adams, Sexton, Cunningham and Weston on the brain I suppose.....

Nope, I don't bother to sketch out my ideas. I do form a
mental image of the ideas I get though. Then I'll either
set up the scene as close to what's in my mind, or scout
up a location with lighting conditions that is closest to
my mental image. Other times I'll just cruise around,
staying alert for things that grab my attention.

Nplus: You oughta post some of your photographs. I'd be
interested to see them. (Oh, and thanks for steering me
clear of buying an old Graphlex. I think that was good
advice after thinking it over.)

Never......even though I have a notebook in the pack...the pencil went missing and has never been replaced. Not even to record details of a shoot. Although since I've been using a digicam all of the details are recorded with the image file, and it has come in handy.

I'm in the same boat as Michelle (gonna have to stop these fantasies), my digi records the details. I found note-making more useful for those odd times I didn't have the camera with me, so I could remember what I liked the look of to go back to. Only problem there was all the notepads I had were either so small they got lost or battered to death in among the junk in my pockets or too big to carry around constantly. The solution? one of those little digital voice recorders - it holds about 3 mins, more than enough, and I can take it anywhere. Well recommended. Plus if there's nothing to rest on, in a hurry, no pencil sharpener etc etc it beats the hell out of a pad. (",)

Jordy, thanks for the great idea!!! (I get more "pluged in" every day!!)