If you’ve never participated in a photo walk before, then you’re missing out. I love photo walks, I think they’re a great idea for a host of reasons: they challenge you to use your photographic skills in a new way, they help you meet people with similar interests, and they’re a ton of fun.
The great thing about enjoying a photo walk is that it doesn’t have to be a formal, structured occasion. You can be by yourself or with a group of friends. You can wander familiar streets, or you can explore an area that is brand new. The whole point is to get you out there, explore your surroundings, exercise your creativity, and take some pictures.
Below, I delve into the photo walk – what it is, how it works, and how you can find (or create) one near you. So whether you’re planning to attend an upcoming photo walk and you’re looking for some tips to make the most out of it, or you want to better understand how you can start participating, this is an article you don’t want to miss.
What is a photo walk?
Simply put, a photo walk is an organized outing where a group of photography enthusiasts journeys through a specific area to take pictures. But it’s more than a casual stroll with a camera. These walks are an adventure in observation, a chance to see the world in a new light—quite literally.
Photo walks have become a staple activity for many photography clubs and individual photographers alike. These are communal events, attracting lens-lovers from various corners of a city or even from different cities altogether. And the settings are as diverse as the photographers themselves. While urban areas often serve as popular backdrops, given the wealth of architectural and human subjects, photo walks aren’t confined to city limits.
You can just as easily find photo walks meandering through parks filled with the colors of changing seasons or the soft, dappled light of a late afternoon. Residential areas, with their unique blend of personal and public spaces, can offer a different yet equally enriching canvas. Whether it’s the pulse of a bustling market or the serenity of a secluded nature trail, each setting offers its own set of challenges and rewards. The locale dictates the mood, and the possibilities are endless. So, whether you’re a city slicker who thrives on street photography or a nature lover aiming to catch a bird in flight, there’s a photo walk out there for you.
How to find a photo walk near you
So you’re intrigued and ready to dive into the photo walk experience. Great! But where do you start? Locating a photo walk in your vicinity is often easier than you might think. A fantastic place to begin your search is Meetup.com. This platform caters to all sorts of interests, including photography. Search for photography groups in your area and check their events calendar. Even if they don’t advertise a specific photo walk, you can always reach out to the group’s leaders. A quick message can unveil hidden opportunities.
Another method to find a nearby photo walk is a good old Google search. Try keywords like “camera clubs near me” or “local photography groups.” Once you identify a few, a short email to inquire about photo walks can go a long way. Don’t hesitate to take this step; photography communities are generally friendly and open to newcomers.
And what if your search comes up empty? Well, that might be a sign for you to take the reins and start your own photo walk. All you need is a couple of interested photographers to get the ball rolling. Use social media or photography forums to connect with local photographers. You’d be surprised how many people are interested in something like this but just need someone to take the first step. Over time, your small get-together can evolve into a larger, thriving community of avid photographers.
10 tips for the best photo walk experience
If you’re embarking on a photo walk for the first time, it’s worth taking some time to prepare. As someone who’s attended quite a few photo walks, here are my top tips for enhancing your experience:
1. Be comfortable
You’re going to be on your feet for a few hours – at least. Wear supportive shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and dress in layers in case you need to warm up or cool off.
Put on sun block (I usually leave my hat and sunglasses behind since I’m never comfortable shooting with them on), and make sure you have access to water.
2. Reduce your profile
A cumbersome bag can weigh you down both physically and creatively. Opt for pants with roomy pockets and leave the big camera bag at home. Your extra batteries? Tuck them into a pocket.
Some photographers even ditch lens caps and filters to trim down further. A cross-body strap for your camera can be a real game-changer, giving you the freedom to use your hands when you need to. Basically, just do your best to avoid carrying lots of stuff.
3. Bring only the absolute essentials
This relates to the previous photo walk tip, but it’s so important that it deserves its own section. Photo walks often last longer than a standard photoshoot session with a client – but the pressure isn’t as high, and you won’t be photographing the whole time, so keep your equipment simple.
One or two spare batteries should suffice if your camera’s battery is fully charged. A couple of memory cards should be more than enough to capture the day’s inspirations. Toss a lens cleaning cloth in your pocket, and you’re good to go. Remember, the idea is to focus on your surroundings, not fuss over gear.
4. Be confident enough to bring only one lens
Traveling light often means making choices, and the lens you choose can be a game-changer. A zoom lens with a diverse focal range, like a 70-200 or an 18-135, offers flexibility without the fuss.
And don’t worry: You won’t lose out on that dream shot. You’ll simply challenge your composition abilities. If a unique shot eludes you, mark the spot mentally. You can always return later with a different lens.
5. Leave the camera on
It may feel counterintuitive, especially if you’re concerned about battery life. But while you’re out shooting, keep your camera on to capture spontaneous moments. Those split-second opportunities often result in the most memorable shots, and some photo walk groups can move pretty fast, so it’s important to be ready at all times.
Of course, if you do plan to follow this tip, make sure you carry extra batteries. That way, you don’t have to constantly think about whether you’re going to run out of charge.
6. Bracket your shots
A tip I picked up from Jay Maisel helps ensure you nail the exposure every time. Bracket your shots. This technique minimizes the need for heavy post-processing. The closer you get it in-camera, the less time you’ll spend in front of your computer later.
Sure, this method uses more memory, so just bring extra cards. If you’re sure of your skills, consider shooting in high-quality JPEG. It saves space and eliminates the need for RAW conversion, depending on how much post-editing flexibility you’re after.
7. Walk a lot, and sit a lot
Variety is key in photography. Some shots require agility and a keen eye for details you can only spot while moving. Other shots demand stillness, giving you the chance to deeply observe from a fixed vantage point. Don’t rush. Spend some time walking and scanning your surroundings.
But also pause. Sit for a while and immerse yourself in one location. The blend of movement and stillness enriches your experience and diversifies your photo collection.
8. Bring some business cards
Networking is a big part of any creative endeavor, photography included. You never know who you might bump into while you’re out capturing the world through your lens. So, make sure to carry business cards or mini cards with your name, email, and website. (Moo offers cost-effective options for creating personalized mini cards.)
As you wander the streets clicking away, people are naturally going to be curious. They’ll want to know why you’re so focused on that rusty gate or those vibrant flowers. Let these encounters pave the way for future collaborations or simply help people reach you to request photos.
9. Be aware of your surroundings
It’s easy to get lost in the world you see through your camera’s viewfinder. I get it; it’s a captivating, almost hypnotic experience. But life is still bustling around you. Traffic flows, pedestrians rush by, and there may even be some curious wildlife.
Always keep one eye on your surroundings to ensure you’re not obstructing anyone’s path or putting yourself in a precarious situation. This awareness is not just about safety; it’s also about courtesy. A polite photographer is a remembered photographer.
10. Know your rights, and know the rules
The laws differ in every country regarding photographers and the photos you can and cannot take. Chances are you’ll never be confronted by anyone regarding the photos you’re taking, but it’s better to be educated beforehand.
Look up a civil rights or professional photography organization for your area or country and see what they have to say about a photographer’s rights. For example, in the United States, the American Civil Liberties Union has put together this page to educate photographers on their rights.
A guide to photo walks: final words
By now, you should have a solid understanding of what photo walks are and how to find or start one. Remember, photography is as much about the journey as it is about the final image. Photo walks offer an enriching blend of social interaction, skill-building, and pure, unadulterated fun.
So why wait? Grab your camera, reach out to potential photography buddies, and embark on an adventure that promises to sharpen your skills while broadening your social circle. Trust me, your camera—and your soul—will thank you.
This guest post was written by Tiffany Joyce from Beyond Megapixels and updated in October 2023 by dPS’s Managing Editor, Jaymes Dempsey.
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