As we approach the World Wide Photo Walk on October 1 & 2, here are a few ideas…
First and foremost, think of your health and safety. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, rain jacket, bug spray and an extra pair of clean underwear, Okay, you can skip the last one, but think about where you are walking (and the time of day) and prepare accordingly.
If you’re a first-time walker, Larry Becker has put together a very helpful video (from last year) that you can watch here. Here’s a FAQ page on this year’s official walk page.
Of course it’s up to you, but personally, I don’t plan on bringing a tripod. It’s certainly nice to have for some shots, but as the walk wears on, you may be less and less happy that you brought a tripod. (At the very least, consider bringing a lighter, more portable model if you can get your hands on one). And don’t forget, some locations don’t take too kindly to tripods.
As far as lenses, I would either bring one lens that gives me some options (such as an 18 – 200 mm), or if you want to give yourself a challenge, bring only one lens and make it a fixed lens. Last year I only brought a 50mm lens and it really made me work a little harder since I couldn’t just zoom in or out to get the shot I wanted. Again, you can bring a whole camera bag full of gear if you like – I like the idea of trying something different.
Speaking of challenges, if you are a veteran photowalker and want to stretch yourself a bit, try couple of ideas from a previous blog post of mine:
• create a self-assignment, such as colors, shadows or circles
• cover up the LCD so you can’t always be checking up on yourself
If you find yourself walking around an area that doesn’t inspire you, try looking at something other than “the big picture”. It won’t win you any prizes, but try capturing textures that you can use later in Photoshop.
Here’s a few thoughts borrowed from the excellent online class “A Day with Jay Maisel”
“Take that off and put it in your pocket”. Jay suggests keeping the lens cap off all the time so you don’t miss anything. And he keeps his camera turned on all the time (“But you’re draining the battery – so bring an extra battery!”)
“Life is going on while you’re chimping”. If you’re too busy looking at your camera’s LCD, you could miss a great opportunity for a shot
Another thought paraphrased from Jay: even though it’s a photo walk, sometimes you gotta just stay in one place to see what develops. If you are walking, walk slow enough to see the relationships between people and to be able to see things that are going to happen before they happen.
Overall remember that first and foremost this is a social gathering where photographers can come together and enjoy some time taking photos. Yes there are prizes available, but perhaps the best reward is just being part of the experience and trying something new.
Enjoy your walk!
Neal
09/22/2011 at 2:01 amSome very wise words from Mr Maisel, who I consider to be a master of the ‘walk’. Looking forward to the walk in Oxford, UK, we will not need sun screen though that is for sure. Enjoy the day
Steve
09/30/2011 at 4:12 amI think the Oxford walkers will indeed need their sunscreen! 27C all weekend – unseasonably high for the start of October!!
Cynergist
10/01/2011 at 6:26 pmSaw in the news that today was the hottest day of the year in Oxford. Hope you brought your sunscreen.
Craig Beyers
09/22/2011 at 10:54 amGreat stuff, Dave. I’d also add: 1) get to the Photowalk starting point no later than on time; early is better so you can meet people. 2) Charge your mobile phone just in case. 3) Be willing to share and answer questions (prior photowalks have had new photographers who just want to know things and it’s fun to work with them).
Any cruises planned (hint, hint).
Thanks.
CPB
It’s Worldwide Photo Walk Friday – Anders Dahl PHOTOGRAPHY
09/30/2011 at 5:06 am[...] Gode tips kan iøvrigt ses her: Dave Cross’ blog [...]
It’s Worldwide Photo Walk Friday! The Photo Walk Starts Tomorrow!!!! « Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider Blog » Photoshop & Digital Photography Techniques, Tutorials, Books, Reviews & More
09/30/2011 at 7:12 am[...] (6) Go read Dave Cross’ “Photo Walk Ideas” article If you’re looking for some great ideas, give Dave’s great article a quick read. It’ll increase your chances for a killer shot! Here’s the link. [...]
Pedro Da Silva
10/12/2012 at 4:07 pmThanks for the tips Dave!
I’m preparing for the 2012 Worldwide Photo Walk which is taking place tomorrow. It’s my first and I’m looking forward to meeting my fellow Photo Walkers in Windsor, UK.
I had pretty much packed everything for tomorrow, but thanks to your post, have now also packed a pair of clean underwear… just in case
Pedro Da Silva
10/12/2012 at 4:13 pmI’ve now packed my clean pair of underwear as you’ve recommended & I’m ready for the Worldwide Photo Walk 2012 that I’ll be taking part in around the beautiful town of Windsor, UK.
Oleg Moskvin
10/12/2012 at 11:48 pmThanks! I am going to do this for the first time, with wide angle (14-24mm) only.