Tips for Photo Walking
On October 1, 2011 I was one of the leaders for the official 4th Annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk this year. Myself and 50 other photography enthusiasts set out to have an afternoon of photography and have fun. My goal was to capture some of the essence that is Whyte Avenue, a trendy area of Edmonton full of coffee shops, people, dogs and on this particular day bicycles!
Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk 2011 - Edmonton Group Oct 1, 2011
When doing a Photo Walk (which you can do yourself or create a group, or find one) I suggest that you set out with a plan for the day. What is it you’d like to achieve? Is there a new technique or lens you want to try? If you usually shoot all horizontal try shooting vertical. If you usually shoot with a wide lens, choose a longer telephoto – and so on. Give yourself a challenge, but ultimately have a goal in mind.
Let Your Photographs Tell a Story
You’ll find that your images will have more meaning if you shoot with the intent of telling some kind of story. What is it you want the viewers to “get” by looking at your images. What I’d like viewers to get out of my images is that this is a cool street with lots of action. A place to hang out on a lazy afternoon, or meet a friend for coffee. A place to walk your dog, ride your bike or browse in an eclectic shop. You tell me – what do you get from my images? Have I achieved my goal?
Self portrait in a puddle - get creative!
Quote from one of the Photo Walkers
Thanks again for putting on the awesome walk — I think I can speak for everyone when I say you’re definitely the best person to organize such a thing. Well done! Looking forward to next Fall! – Take care, Braeden
If you enjoyed this photography tip and these images you can see more of not only my photographs from this walk, but the other 50 people on the walk and a few from the October 2nd walk in the river valley as well at the Flickr Group for Edmonton Photowalk 2011.
If you think you’d like to join a Photo Walk, you can keep an eye on the official Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk page for 2012. I will also be leading another one in the spring of 2012 through Metro Continuing Education in Edmonton which will also include a classroom component and an image critique and discussion after the walk.
Morning Darlene:
I am AMAZED at the story you told above!!! I can certainly say that your photos depict a coziness and you describe the area perfectly. I find it also amazing how we see totally the opposite things in that area!! LOL Thank you again, had a great time and it was a pleasure meeting everyone.
Thanks Corrina!
Thanks for a great introduction to the world of photowalks. My daughter and I had a great time really experiencing Whyte Ave and the surrounding area, even though we’ve been down there to shop on numerous occassions. While looking through everyone’s posted photos, I have marvelled at how differently we each saw and capured that same location. It was also great mother-daughter time; what could be better than bonding over photography?
I began the walk with the specific goals of keeping an open mind, and as I am still learning the basics of photography I wanted to work on getting the photo right in the camera. Given the somewhat tricky lighting conditions, and a basic set of equipment, I felt that I certainly did accomplish what I set out to do. I will definitely be joining you again next year, and will be looking for more opportunities between now and then, even if it’s to simply take an afternoon by myself.
:)Lisa
Awesome Lisa, glad you had fun!