I guess you could say that this post comes out from a short I released on YouTube last month about why photo walks are important and that you should go on photo walks. When the average person hears the term ‘photo walk’ they tend to think of a group usually medium or large. And I’ll admit, large groups of strangers can be a bit iffy. But a photo walk doesn’t have to be in a group, you don’t even have to have another person with you. My good friend and fellow photographer, Michael Hurley, goes on solo photo walks all the time. In fact, he’s built a YouTube channel around walking with a camera. Seriously, you should check it out he has some amazing photos and wise words. So today I’ll be talking about how any type of photo walk is important.
Nikon D300 – AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm 1:2.8G DX
What is a photo walk? Well it is what is written on the tin, it’s a walk where you take photos. There’s nothing in the definition that says that you have to go in a group. And solo photo walks are great and they are a majority of the photo walks that I take. I don’t have to go far or go out long I can move at my own pace. Solo photo walks gives you a chance to get out and make images. You don’t have to share these photos they can be just for you. I use these to clear my head, get out from the desk during a break. They also make good chances to shoot for a review or a YouTube video, adding in a bit of creativity helps keep my mind sharp. Often while I’m out there I have other things running through other parts of my mind. It also gives you a chance to visit a familiar spot or explore a new location. I often will use these times to try out a new camera, review a lens, film, or a developer. If I like a spot I might flag it to return later for a YouTube video. And I’ll admit, sometimes on these ‘solo’ walks I have my wonderfully patient family along for the ride, as long as I can promise some treats or a meal.
Of course, you don’t always have to go out solo, you might choose to go out with a couple other photographers or just one other photographer. This is great if you’re introverted and want someone to show you around or bounce ideas off of but aren’t into larger groups. These are great when you want to build friendships, or inspire and learn and in turn inspire and teach the others in the group. But it also doesn’t limit you to what to bring along (as long as everyone is in agreement). Honestly, being with a couple other folks doesn’t limit me in any way I feel I can create images that are just as good if not better because often someone else will see something that I’ve missed. You also get a chance to see how others see the world. I’ve done amazing photo walks with the gang from Classic Camera Revival, plus I feel it helps our comradery when we gather around the microphones to record episodes. I’ve also had good times just out with one other photographer, probably my favourite was a trip to Hocking Hills with Matt Marrash and enjoying large format in a space that is special to him and being able to create some amazing images and be able to watch his process. Just remember to give as much as you take, and respect the other person especially when it comes to timing. And of course, make sure to go out for a meal and/or drinks to enjoy conversation.
Now comes the part that will make a lot of introverts skin crawl, the group photo walk. Now this isn’t about planning a photo walk, but rather attending one. And as someone who is not shy but is also introverted I do have to say there is some value in attending group photo walks. Not all group walks have to be big, these can be smaller groups and they can be just as valuable as larger walks. And I’ve attended both and every number in-between with success. The first thing to realise is that everyone who is there is there because they love photography. This should help break the ice. Now if the thought of attending a large group makes you panic, don’t go, or if you show up and the group seems larger than what you were expecting make a quick exit before anyone spots you. But as someone who hosts these walks I do have a couple of tips, first up, if the walk has limited space make sure to update your RSVP, if you were planning on going but suddenly cannot, change your RSVP, that might allow someone to take you spot if there’s a waiting list. Second, if the host has a set timeline, honour that timeline. Show up on time or earlier. Be friendly, try and find the host and introduce yourself. If you feel uncomfortable and want to leave or have to leave mid-walk, let the host know. But most importantly, take some time to talk to the others around you. You might not be able to talk to everyone there, but at least one or two others. You never know, you might spark a friendship, or help someone else come out of their shell. Of course, if someone is being stand-offish, don’t force the issue. When it comes to what to bring along, read the room, a good host will often post what the intent and route of the walk is, so pack your camera gear accordingly. Hauling a tripod and an 8×10 to a walk where you’re moving through an urban space over a long distance might not be the best choice. But if it’s something in a small area where there’s no set route, you should be good. Also try and keep up whenever possible, if you’re struggling, let the host know and a good host should be able to get the group to either slow down or speed up. Try and take photos of the people who are attending along with the subjects that present themselves. And make sure to share you photos of the event, try and join any group that is hosting the event or like the page on whatever social media they have and tag them.
In the end, it doesn’t matter what sort of photo walks you go on, fast or slow, large group or solo. The important thing is to get out there and create, and the photos don’t even have to be good. These give you the chance to hone your craft, work out those creative muscles. You can take the time to try out a new technique that you saw on a blog or a YouTube video. You can get exercise, especially if you’re lugging around a Pentax 67, Mamiya RB67 or any number of large format cameras. There’s an opportunity to see a familiar place in a new way, or a new place in a familiar way. Either way, it does your mind, heart, and body good to get out and just enjoy the process. And if you’re looking for a local photo walk to attend, you can browse photography groups on Facebook, EventBright, Meetup or Photowalk.me. There’s usually something or someone out there looking for a group or a person to show up and make art.