Outdoor photographers today have many tools at their disposal to learn about potential locations to shoot photographs. Some of those tools are very traditional while other require 21st century technology. Every photographer values each one a little differently and uses them in various combinations (or individually) to pre-plan a photo trip.
Sometimes scouting is just a part of everyday life. Locations can be found right outside the door, while others may be visible during a commute or on a route involving other errands. These types of locations are the easiest to scout as it only requires a curious mind and open eyes. Being aware of the possibilities around us is a first step in determining locations to photograph. And occasionally a photograph will be conceived in a place where it is least expected.
Conversations can also bring a location into focus. Whether recommendations come from casual discussions or from specifically seeking information from other photographers, locations that we may not have previously considered can be brought to our awareness. Of course, these conversations can be virtual (email, text, social media) of face to face. Many times we gain information through this route and it can open us up to possibilities we may not have considered.
Once a location is in mind, the next step is to use the tools available to learn as much as necessary in the planning stage. Maps (paper or computer) are the next most basic tool (usually after the previously mentioned conversations) that we can use but they are certainly not the only ones. There are any number of recently developed technologies that can also help photographers. Apps for smart phones or computers permit investigation of future weather conditions, sunrise/sunset times, and many other variables that can impact both the photographer and the image possibilities.
Every photographer needs to determine the best tools for each of their specific trips to attempt to shoot the potential desired photograph. The planning can make or break the chances of bringing that visualized image into reality. Removing, or knowing about, some of the variables that can negatively affect that image expedition can allow the outdoor photographer to concentrate on creating the photograph they anticipated.