I always carry a small notebook in my camera bag. I like it because I’m a visual kind of guy. Of course you could use a small recording device instead (do they still make those?), or that feature on your smartphone if it has one.

In the last year or so, I have started carrying a larger notebook with me when I am out and about, and always have it nearby at home. When I am traveling light with my camera, I’ll make a note on the smaller spiral job, then tear out the page and transfer it to my main rig back at home base.

My notes look like puzzles and you almost need to be a map reader to figure them out, with arrows pointing to phases and other cryptic fragments surrounded by circles or boxes with stars or exclamation points next to them. Then there are the tiny drawings that only a kindergarten teacher could appreciate!

One problem for me is that half the time I can’t read my own writing and certainly others couldn’t read my notes at all … sort of like deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. But like I said, I’m a visual person, and besides I like writing with a pen! So much for my written records being saved for future generations to ponder!

I capture all kinds of thoughts at home or on the go. I never know if there is something I want to remember about a particular photograph I made or perhaps one that got away due to adverse conditions, the exact location of a photographic opportunity, thoughts about the time of year or the light, or just about anything that catches my fancy or I need to ruminate about when I am with my camera. Or maybe an idea that quickly flits through my consciousness or an outline for an entry on my website, a related darkroom issue, or a note concerning a neat looking drive in dive on the side of the road to come back to sometime. Sometimes it’s just for silly daydreams. I also use it to help me think through themes and plan projects. Right now I have about seven or eight project ideas I hope to work on this year so I’ll jot down thoughts based on my research, etc.

In other words, my notebook — in either small or large form — has become my constant companion and valuable assistant. To say it has fostered new ideas and improved my creativity would be a huge understatement!!

Now maybe you can remember every good idea that pops into your head, every place you want to visit, or everything you need to do differently or improve upon, but I seriously doubt it.

So get a notebook and fill it up with all sorts of stuff, then get another and do the same. I think you will be surprised by the new and creative outcomes that take place in your photographic life!