Uninteresting living near a canal path

jonbeeza

jonbeeza

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I am finding it a little un interesting living near a canal path. I walk along it for my daily walk. Swans a couple of ducks, but not much else. Hardly ever see anyone, when I do it is either a dog walker or a jogger. So can't even get any people shots, never anybody about.

I suppose I could get in closer, and get photos of the foliage and little bugs etc.
 
That’s probably why it looks pristine. The one near me has loads of barges, houseboats and people but lots of rubbish too!
 
GreenNinja67 said:
Or walk somewhere else?
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I have to walk daily for health reasons, and the canal path is ideal, as it is even and clear. I just take my camera in case I spot something of interest. I wonder if I could frame things differently, or get in closer maybe.
 
Perhaps a snorkel kit and a plastic bag for your camera....much better exercise and lower impact stress than walking?;)
It must be really frustrating for you?:)
I did similar then a few years ago I changed to Tai Chi, indoors or outdoors as you please. Lots of sessions on You Tube...my favourite is Jake Mace:-
PS. Hope I am allowed to post the link?
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHBR5MZmEsY
 
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Some things I try on the same route that I walk every day:
- Look up
- Look down
- Turn around and look behind you (or reverse your walk if you do a loop)
- Try a really low vantage point
- Different film (or emulations if you have a digi camera)
- Fixed focal length (both wide, normal and telephoto. A week at a specific focal length can help enormously with visualisation. Telephoto will force you to find subjects much more)
- Fixed wide apertures (can force you to find subjects - esp when combined with the above)
- Look for something that represents the season you're in. The walk might not change, but the weather and greenery will over time.

Hope that helps!
 
When I lived next to a canal in the country there was always something to photograph, even if it was only the ducks...

Ducks head to head 10D CAN_6010.JPG
 
AndrewFlannigan said:
When I lived next to a canal in the country there was always something to photograph, even if it was only the ducks...

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There are two Swans in the distance in the photo I took above, I did catch them up, and took a photo of them





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I did focus on the first Swan, and I did get focus confirmation. But image is out of focus. Oh well, I already have lots of photos anyway, and most are in focus. Just a little bored of taking photos of Swans now.
 
I wonder if I could cheat, and use a prop of some sort? I have a little idea or two that I could try. :thinking:
 
Canals do have their own charm but the flat dull lighting on a grey overcast day probably didn't help in this case.
 
The canal is at the back of our house, only two minutes away. I will pop back and have another look. Popping coat on and grabbing the camera. Will be back within the hour. I am sure by now, most of you will know I am a bit of nutter. :wacky:
 
jonbeeza said:
I wonder if I could cheat, and use a prop of some sort? I have a little idea or two that I could try. :thinking:
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One of those lens (crystal) balls can be useful.
Also had a friend who took a tennis ball out with him and just placed it in random places then took photos of it. Did some nice work with it.
 
Try living in south west wales. You would think it would be good but after doing the beaches and coastal paths you soon get board.

Same for everyone I expect, its hard to find new things sometimes. Even people in a City probably get tires of photographing random people going about their business
 
It's amazing what you see as you wonder along canals. This was spotted on the Grand Union near Long Buckby Wharf in 2008...

Israeli flag at Long Buckby Wharf R1_04641.JPG
 
agreed canals are great

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Les ;)
 
Just been back to have another look, and tried getting in closer.










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Tried getting in closer.




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Or adding stuff, already on me . lol
 

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Any disused railways in the area for a similar type of walk?
Fire Club by Ken Dunton, on Flickr
 
jonbeeza said:
Hardly ever see anyone, when I do it is either a dog walker or a jogger. So can't even get any people shots, never anybody about.
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:thinking:

Dog walkers are usually friendly and happy to chat, and don't mind you grabbing a shot or two. (y)

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Canals can be a little magical if not eerie come the twilight...

Grand Union Canal near Long Buckby Canal EP20 P2260013.jpg
 
jonbeeza said:
I had to put the camera inside my coat, it started to rain. ;)
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I really, really need one of those waterproof "tough" cameras! :thinking:
 
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