Photo Walks - A Step By Step Plan To Develop Your Creative Side
We currently may be unable to travel to far off destinations, but that doesn’t mean we have to hit a photography slump. Learn why undertaking a photo walk is more than capturing images of everything that catches your eye. It’s an answer to keeping you motivated, improving your creative thinking, and an excellent way to strengthen your focus on capturing unique photos.
So, what is a photo walk, and how can it help you be more imaginative. Photo walks are a theme-based photography exercise. And a bit more challenging than you may imagine.
The idea behind such walks is to help develop your imagination and creativity. This photo exercise pushes you to see beyond the familiar and capture a different view of the places you frequently visit.
The marvelous thing about creating a photo walk is that it’s simple to design. Here’s a step by step plan to organizing your first photo walk.
1:Pick A Topic For Your Photo Walk
The first and most essential step when creating a photo walk is to pick a topic. This will be your guideline for deciding what to photograph. And a quick tip to choosing a photo walk idea is to keep it simple.
Start Simple
Instead of photographing things that grab your attention, try narrowing down to only capturing one central idea like a distinct color, a particular geometric shape, or a single texture.
Or how about letters, words, signs, or reflections. You’re only limited by your imagination. Try using this prompt to get started – Things that are _____________.
Once you’ve chosen a photo walk description, you want to adhere to it. The aim is to become more aware and observant of the surroundings you see often.
Increase The Challenge
Then after undertaking some photography walks with ideas that come naturally, tackle some topics that are out of your comfort zone.
For instance, I customarily take photos of natural landscapes and subjects related to nature. But recently, I challenged myself with the topic ‘Abandoned.’ This topic posed a photographic challenge for me since I find this idea unappealing when I’m photographing nature.
The intention of a photography walk is to develop your creativity and to think outside the conventional.
2: Set A Time Or Distance Limit For Your Photography Walk
Next, it’s best to set a time or distance limit for your photo walk. This helps focus your attention on capturing photos representing your desired topic. It also increases your effectiveness in zeroing in on subjects that apply to that idea. Think of it as a type of scavenger hunt or the game of Eye Spy.
Limiting yourself to a specific amount of time or distance shouldn’t leave you feeling stressed. Photo walks are designed to reacquaint you with places we visit regularly.
Take into account what limits fit your personal style best. Because this photography exercise should be a fun way to challenge yourself and develop creative thinking.
3: Simplicity Is Key On A Photo Walk
Keep the type of camera equipment you bring along to a minimum. Although standard photography advice is to bring enough gear to adapt to any situation, a photo walk differs from the norm. Its primary purposes are an exercise in creativity and learning to effectively use your camera gear.
Additionally, try planning your walks close to home to avoid packing your camera bag with items that add unnecessary weight. Instead of bringing along several focal length lenses, select a specific lens to use during your walk.
Get to know how a particular lens works in various situations. Discover its limitations and how to work around them. But if taking a single lens on your outing causes you to feel anxious, take an alternate with you. But try to keep your bag light.
Or perhaps ditch the big camera altogether and only use your smartphone. If you’re easily distracted by notifications, like I am, try setting your phone on airplane mode for the walk’s assigned amount of time. And on the plus side, it’s also a great way to unplug and enjoy the experience without interruptions.
4: Be Aware Of Your Surroundings During Your Photo Walk
However, always be aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment while trying to find that perfect composition. It’s particularly essential if you visit unfamiliar areas.
If you decide to go someplace unfamiliar, research the area before arriving. In today’s world, it’s easy to go online to read reviews and to view the location to avoid potentially unsafe areas.
Before heading out to a new nature trail for your photo walk, let someone know where you’re going and what time you should return. Stay on the designated path because it’s easy to get turned around and perhaps stumble upon wildlife that may become aggressive when startled.
Not big on hiking and city exploration is more your speed, be mindful of other people, as to not bump into anybody or anything while stepping backward. And always stay alert to the traffic patterns.An accidental mishap is no way to end your photo walk.
5: Photo Walks Are Extra Fun With Friends
Photo walks are also a fantastic way to spend time with friends and people who enjoy photography. However, if you’ve recently moved to a new area or don’t know anyone who shares your passion, look online for photography organizations in your region. Facebook groups, Meetup.com, and local photography associations are a great place to start.
But do some research before committing to an organization. Ask the organizers questions about any fees to join, when most outings are scheduled, where they’re located and places visited most frequently, and the average age of its members.
It will take some time, but you’ll find photography buddies who share your enthusiasm. When you feel comfortable, suggest doing or organizing a photography walk. Then compare photos. It’s surprising how differently each person captures the same topic.
6: Share Your Photo Walk
After your photo walk, it’s easy to leave the images on your phone or external hard drive. And then forget about them and the experience. Here are some options on what to do with your photos.
You can share some of the images you captured on your favorite social media app. Perhaps print and frame some of the best ones. Possibly send one to your local news publication or area travel magazine. There are so many potential opportunities available to share your work.
7: From Photo Walk To Photography Project
Lastly, combine your specific photo walk topic into a common overall theme. Consolidate, organize, and combine simple photo walk topics and create a more extensive photography project.
For example, if circles are my photo walk topic, then shapes are the overall photography project theme.
Another way to combine photo walks into a cohesive project theme is to organize topics by seasons. This is particularly true for places or objects that have visible changes throughout the year.
Wrapping Up
Photo walks are a fun way to improve your photographic creativity. And since they’re easy to design, it’s worth including into a photo routine.
In between my photo travels and scouting locations for potential photography hikes, I schedule myself a monthly one-hour photography walk. Some times I bring along the big camera, while at other times, I only use my smartphone.
Pick a topic, a simple one at first, then one that will take you out of your comfort zone. But remember to adhere to the photo topic.
Keep your camera gear light and to a minimum. And use this time to thoroughly learn how your equipment handles in various situations.
Whether you’re using a DSLR camera or your cell phone for photography, participating in a photo walk will strengthen your creativity muscles. Most importantly, have fun, and enjoy the experience.
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