Preparing for a photo walk
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Tips for your next photo walk
Join me for my 2022 World Wide Photo Walk. Click the photo to join the photo walk.
Arrive on time
Respect everyone’s time. Don’t expect everyone to wait for you if you run late. Try and catch up along the way.
Pack Light
We will spend a lot of time walking, and your gear gets heavier as the walk progresses.
One camera body
One lens - medium zoom or fixed prime — depending on what you plan to capture.
Dress comfortably
Remember you will be walking. You’ll be glad you wore comfy clothes and shoes.
Be safe
World Wide Photo Walk 2019 at Union Square Park, NYC
Safety first. Don’t get so focused on shooting that you are not aware of your surroundings
Stay with the group if you can.
Let someone know where you are going if you peel off.
Pick a buddy for both of you to watch out for each other.
If you are going off to photograph something different, and you won’t be back to the group, let someone know.
Keep your gear where you can see it. Don’t use camera straps or other accessories that advertise your camera model.
Be social
That’s the point of the photo walk. Don’t go off and shoot by yourself. Try and make at least one connection.
Help and be helped. Help someone who knows less than you. Learn from someone who knows more.
Take business cards, so you can keep in contact.
Talk about more than gear. What inspires you. What are you working on? What do you hope to create on the walk?
Pick a theme
If you feel overwhelmed and can’t find anything interesting to photograph, try using a theme. That might give you better focus.
Know your rights
You have the right to photograph most people or subjects as long as you are on public property. On private property, defer to the property owner.
Mind your manners
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. If someone asks not to be photograph, do the courteous thing and honor their wishes.
Don’t expect someone to spend the entire walk teaching you
It’s not a workshop. No one is getting paid to be there.
World Wide Photo Walk 2015 in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC.
Don’t shun the selfie
Take a group picture and your own selfies. Make memories as well as photos.
