We all know to do a Google (or Bing, or Duck Duck Go!) search on a place then switch to the Images tab for some visual imagery as inspiration. But here are a couple of tips, especially for those looking to get as pre-modern as they can. I've been prowling my way across northern Italy today, so let's take Mantua for the example.
If it's another country, use that country's language.
In addition to English, of course. But it's worth finding out a few key terms in that other language. For example, just searching on Mantua gets one set of images. But search on Mantova and you'll get more pictures taken by Italians because that's the word for the city in their language. Not a huge shift, but noticeable.
Search just on Mantua (Mantova) and you get the city. What if you want the surrounding region? The correct Italian word here is "campagna" and a search on "Mantova campagna" will return an entirely different set of images.
Then there's age. Try switching the color type to black and white rather than all colors.
Set the minimum size to Large at least. This will filter out icons and in general images too small to be of much use.
Another one to try: search on Mantua postcards, but here again language matters. Mantova cartolina will return more.
Does anyone else have tips for image searches?
If it's another country, use that country's language.
In addition to English, of course. But it's worth finding out a few key terms in that other language. For example, just searching on Mantua gets one set of images. But search on Mantova and you'll get more pictures taken by Italians because that's the word for the city in their language. Not a huge shift, but noticeable.
Search just on Mantua (Mantova) and you get the city. What if you want the surrounding region? The correct Italian word here is "campagna" and a search on "Mantova campagna" will return an entirely different set of images.
Then there's age. Try switching the color type to black and white rather than all colors.
Set the minimum size to Large at least. This will filter out icons and in general images too small to be of much use.
Another one to try: search on Mantua postcards, but here again language matters. Mantova cartolina will return more.
Does anyone else have tips for image searches?