Finding New Places – Thoughts from the People

“Learning from the successes and failures of others is key to making quantum leaps toward our goals.” – Robin Crow

Lately on Instagram I have been posing questions and polls about various topics. They are typically about photography, but I will often just ask general questions from my followers. I do this for a few reasons. One I am trying to have a better feel for my audience. One of the first rules about writing and anything else that involves the public is you need to know who you are talking to. I have found that often times I do not have the same opinions as my audience. For example, I did a poll about what is everyone’s favorite season. Most said either winter or summer. Personally, I prefer spring or fall. That tells me that during those seasons I should focus more on those particular seasons. This reminds me that not everyone thinks like I do, and it is important to get their perspective. Too often I think of only my perspective while writing, so by asking questions and having polls it allows me to see different viewpoints. We all have different perspectives, and it is important for us to create a space in our life in order for us to find those different perspectives.

Yesterday I posted about how do you learn more about a new place you are visiting. I typically rely on Google and social media in order to see where to go. I did a question on my Instagram stories asking where others go to learn more about a new place. Most answers were different than my own. One of my followers mentioned Trip Adviser. I had actually forgotten about that. I think I have become so stuck on Google that I missed a website that focuses solely on travel. Another follower mentioned good old travel guides. Those are a blast from the past. I remember back in the day my parents either purchasing or borrowing different travel guides for when we went on vacation. It’s not like we had Google to just look it up before we left. Sometimes those can be great sources of information even today because it has typically been prepared and vetted by someone who has actually been there. Finally, someone said that they just go where the road takes them. This has been how I have found some of my favorite spots to take pictures. You never know what you will find when you take the time to explore where you are.

I took these photos that I have featured earlier this year. I brought my filter lens with me in order to capture slow shutter shots during the day. Even though it was bright outside, I was still about to capture this effect. I took these over at Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte. This park has this pretty cool water feature, some beautiful flowers, and an amazing field that allows you to enjoy Uptown Charlotte.