The Close To Home thread

**mjs1973** · 04-07-2008, 10:32 AM

In one of the photography podcasts I was listening to today, the topic of interesting places to photograph was discussed. The topic came up as a result of one an email that a listener sent to the podcaster. The basic point of the email was that they lived in a boring area, and there wasn't anything interesting to photograph there and the listener wished s/he lived in a more interesting area for photography. I'm sure many of you have felt the same way at some point. I know I have. After living in the same place for a while, we start to take things for granted and stop paying attention to them. The everyday things become routine and we don't think of them as subjects for our photography. At least that's the way I feel some times.

I thought the topic would make a good thread for VF, so here it is. The "rules" of the thread are to show us some interesting things within a 1 mile radius from where you live, or lived at the time the photo was taken.

I'll start with these images from my gallery. These images have all been posted before, but since I'm at work, it's all I have access to right now.

So join in and show everyone what's interesting about where you live.

**Liz** · 04-07-2008, 10:39 AM

This is a great idea for a thread.

I must say your photos are lovely. Nice job! I think it takes more "work" to get some good images from where we live. I just moved here about a year ago - and ALWAYS venture miles away to find a photo op.

I don't have any today - but I'll make it a plan.

Thanks for the great idea.

Liz

**Axle** · 04-07-2008, 11:19 AM

Just outside my front door actually.

**Frog** · 04-07-2008, 11:32 AM

Good idea for thread. I actually do do most of my shooting locally but seldom come up with anything decent. I posted this in the wide angle thread but have done a bit of work on it with cropping and perspective.

**IndyRick** · 04-07-2008, 12:00 PM

This place gets a lot of attention, but to those of us who live around here, it's just one of the neighborhood businesses.

**another view** · 04-07-2008, 01:37 PM

One mile, huh? That's quite a challenge! However, I do agree with what you're saying. Since whatever you shoot is so close to home you'll have a chance to shoot it in all kinds of conditions. Perfect light just happens to show up (like it did on my drive to work this morning)? Stop and shoot! This isn't an option if the subject is a long ways away from home, obviously. Guess I better get busy...

**mtbbrian** · 04-07-2008, 01:52 PM

I have seen a similiar theme in my photography.
A lot of what I photograph lately is stuff I see going to and from work or or from the various places I go to on a regular basis.
Here's one:

Art is everywhere people! You just have to open your eyes and it's there, waiting for you.
Brian

**SmartWombat** · 04-07-2008, 02:29 PM

outside my front door

**Lori11** · 04-07-2008, 02:30 PM

Great idea! Hmmmm 1 mile you say.....I better make a plan now lol

**agtaylor** · 04-07-2008, 02:33 PM

Was just thinking I should go take some pictures but ended up doing more chemistry (devils work) because I couldnt come up with anywhere to go today. Maybe Im just being lazy today but know how this goes. As for within a mile, how about this tree right outside my window. Could only find a couple shots right now but seems like I take a lot of shots of it.

**brmill26** · 04-07-2008, 09:26 PM

Fantastic idea for a thread, mjs. I can get well w/in one mile. This is maybe 500ft from my apartment.

**Loupey** · 04-08-2008, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by mjs1973

...The "rules" of the thread are to show us some interesting things within a 1 mile radius from where you live, or lived at the time the photo was taken...

These were all within 30' of my house.

Seriously, I shoot almost everything within 10 miles of home. And a LOT of those are from my yard. I think any of us could take fairly rare images of remote locations; but taking exceptionally good images (and I'm not saying mine are) of the very common is far more challenging.

At least that's what drives me. My neighbors must think I'm nuts. They have stopped asking

**mwfanelli2** · 04-08-2008, 01:28 PM

On my way home from the hospital, I saw this growing outside the door to my apartment building. Took a quick shot. That's less than a mile!

**mjs1973** · 04-08-2008, 03:15 PM

I was listening to an interview with Freeman Patterson today. He said something that caught my attention. He said that 3/4 of all the photos he has taken were within 1km of his home. You can listen to the interview at www.thecandidframe.com if you're interested.

**Rocket_Scientist** · 04-08-2008, 05:20 PM

Here's a couple from OK...

(In case you're wondering, they are catfish heads)

...okay, so this one is a country mile from my house...

**ken1953** · 04-09-2008, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by mjs1973

I was listening to an interview with Freeman Patterson today. He said something that caught my attention. He said that 3/4 of all the photos he has taken were within 1km of his home. You can listen to the interview at www.thatcandidframe.com if you're interested.

Mike, did you mean http://www.thecandidframe.com . I can't find "thatcandidframe" and your link doesn't seem to work.

**mjs1973** · 04-10-2008, 05:05 AM

Hey Ken,

Yes, the link should be for www.thecandidframe.com. Sorry about that. Looks like it's too late to edit my original post...

**another view** · 04-10-2008, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by mjs1973

Sorry about that. Looks like it's too late to edit my original post...

I fixed it. I have subscribed to that podcast for a few months and have really been looking forward to that interview, but haven't gotten to it yet. 1km is almost 1/2 mile, even more of a challenge! Great shots here so far everyone! Now go back and read Loupey's post again, lots of truth to it.