Weekly Poll: Do you prefer to photograph alone or in a group?

[Nicole]

One of the ways that you can help creativity is to photograph with a group of photographers or to go on photowalks. Some members have suggested that this can be a useful exercise. I personally really enjoy going on photowalks with the Wellington Flickr group and I'm looking forward to one we've arranged in the near future. If you're interested in finding groups of people to go on photowalks with in your area, I recommend checking Flickr groups for your area or seeing if there are any photo clubs in your area that organize group photography excursions. Also meetup.com has listings related to photography.

But not everyone likes photowalks or photographing in groups. So, which do you prefer? Photographing alone or photographing in groups? Why? What do you think the benefits or drawbacks are of going in a group? Is there any reason why you do or don't go on photowalks? What do you think are the best places to find people to walk with?

[GEli]

Alone. I can't stand distractions and having to come up with conversation while I'm photographing. I like walking around in a lively city, but any time I try going out with a group I end up getting annoyed with them and going off to do my own thing. My photo walks are wonderfully calm and relaxing, and having to be "on" with other people nearby completely ruins that feeling.

[jsanders]

In one hand I like to take shot's on my own. Because then I can take as much time as I want. But on the other hand it could be good to get tips from others while taking pictures. So actually for me it doesn't really matter. (maybe this option should be added to the poll!)

[Nicole]

Nah, the polls don't get wishy-washy answers It's much more interesting to hear people come down on one side or another.

[victor.ghost]

I like alone walks too... I just grab my camera and go out and look for a picture... This strategy really works for me. Although group walks are interesting too... i attended a couple and they were pretty boring. People were talking more about equiptment than actually shooting, but that session got a couple of nice shots and a few threats from somebody very angry because we were taking pictures of here house...

[Bozo Tic]

The only time I don't mind doing it in group is on airshows. Other than that I preffer doing it alone. It is a thing I really enjoy doing and I like doing it w/o distractions and other people talking to me. Even when I shoot public events I like to just be there, a part of the scene, not talking to actors of main event. Except when they require a group photo.

[Nicole]

I'll go out on a limb and say that while I enjoy photographing alone, I have a lot of fun when I'm with the right group of people and it becomes a lot more fun. It's interesting to see how people see the same item differently, and a lot of the fun is seeing and comparing everyone's shots afterward. I think a lot of it has to do with the group of people because people are happy to kind of do a little wander to the side and come back to the group. Then again, our group is also just as happy meeting up for the social side of things and meeting for pizza or something. I think it fosters a bit of creativity too since you get to see people taking shots that you may not have thought of. Plus you get to engage in meta-photography



Who else but another group of photographers is going to understand why someone is laying on the ground taking a shot lol

[Not Too Shabby]

I really like to get together with friends to go on photo excursions but unfortunately been working too much of late and at the moment most of my shooting is by myself. I really like taking friends along that aren't into photography they put a different perspective on things and one of my friends is really fearless with creepy crawlies and is an old bushie from way back so he's great, he flips over rocks and logs for me so i can be ready for what's laying in wait. the centipedes are so quick!!!!

[actionwoman]

definitely in groups! Here are fellow students in a recent class doing car photos at night:

[ditch_azeroth]

i like being a lone wolf, but sometimes we do travel in packs. that said, having other photographers with you on the shoot can sometimes be an itch as they may get into your shot - but that wouldn't be a problem if everybody just not get in each other's way.