The Word Cloud

With digital photography so easy and cheap, I certainly use my camera to keep a record when I'm researching a novel. I not only photograph the scene from various angles so I can better describe whatever aspects I might need to when I come to write, but I'll also take close-ups of name signs for roads, or buildings, dates carved in stone lintels, brass plates that list building occupants etc. Where there is a tourist display cabinet with a poster-sized page of written data, I'll snap that and, suitable enlarged, I have an instant permanent record of all that information.
Remember, where appropriate, to try to include a suitable object or person in a scene that will give you a sense of scale later when you're using the photo and want to say, 'He reached up and plucked an apple from a low branch', when in fact the old orchard only has mature trees that need a ladder to get at the fruit.
I even use my camer to record a short video sequence of someone talking or, maybe buskers playing in the street, although I do use a tiny digital recorder for longer interviews - to save taking notes. I've even used that clandestinely in my pocket while chatting to some hardline republicans on the Falls Road in Belfast (probably illegal, but it was only to use as an aide memoire). I don't expect they would have been too happy if they'd seen it .
But I'm going off topic. In a similar vein, and to come back on - a good zoom lens is great if you want to snap something going on at a distance without drawing attention to yoursef and your interrest in what's happening. If necessary you can have a friend pose for you in the foreground so the shot appears innocent, but direct and focus the lens on the distant scene over their shoulder. I did that in Egypt where it is illegal to photograph police, who look more like members of an SAS swot team - they do really, I have the photo to prove it .

First thanks to Al for having the idea of a new group. Good one. But when on earth do we find time to do more things? It is bad enough coming onto the cloud. Can while away many a happy hour or so on here.

Tony, what a great idea. I did use my camera when I went to Cornwall to research my historical novel but did not think to take photos of detail as you suggest. So naturally sensible. I needed lots more info than I had imagined ; like how many miles from one place to another - how long to walk it or travel by cart.

Love your stories.

Hello to everyone

Think this is a great idea for a group. I am new to writing (in as much as I haven't tried to have anything published before) and am currently taking a writing course which will eventually cover using photography along with writing, and so I thought this was a good group to be part of!

I had to laugh at Tony suggesting to get a friend in front of the lense if you don't want to draw attention to yourself when taking a picture. I did this recently when I was at a Paul McCartney gig - Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films) was at the bar, and being the Harry Potter fan I am, I couldn't resist snapping a picture of him. Was far too embarrassed to go over, so I had my boyfriend stand to the left of the picture!

It had never really occurred to me to use my camera as a notebook, but what a fantastic idea. I have always loved taking photographs, and take many, so hopefully the snaps I have already will start me off.