TOP TIPS FOR A GREAT PHOTOWALK OR INSTAMEET

21 Apr TOP TIPS FOR A GREAT PHOTOWALK OR INSTAMEET

I love a photowalk or instameet – totally LOVE it!

A photo walk or instameet is group of creatives gathered together… walking… chatting and photographing the beauty around them, sharing tips and Instagram stories… and making fun photos with the people they’re with.

It can be such a good time… opening your eyes to new things to photograph, a chance to learn and see how other creative people work.

If you never been on a photo walk or instameet before…

HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS –

PREPARATION – Charge your batteries, gather your memory cards and make space on your phone. My iPhone is always bringing up the dreaded warning sign of “No more photos” – make room for plenty more photos!

Choose which camera/s you’re going to bring. Bring what you’re comfortable shooting on or a camera you’d like a chance to play with.

Check out the weather – Bring an umbrella if it’s raining or shades for a rare bit of sunshine! and dress appropriately. I think it’s fun to wear colourful outfits, especially if you are on a walk where you might be photographing each other. I always say shoes can be practical, but they’re much more fun, if they’re pretty!

It’s up to you but consider bringing water, snacks or even both. So your energy levels stay up.

DURING THE WALK – Play with shooting your surroundings in a variety of ways – looking up & down, get in close, shoot wide, even shoot along the ground. Be creative… Look for interesting light, shapes, textures, lines and colours. Shoot in abundance & play, this is chance to experiment! and see how other people shoot and approach photographing the same subject differently.

Think about hashtags you love and creating photos for them – some of my favourites are : #doortraits #caughtgramming #instagrammerdown #colorcolourlovers #thisislondon #jumpotd #strideby etc – there are SO many and you might learn some new ones from your new friends!

It’s likely that there will be photographers of all levels, shooting with all sorts of cameras. Don’t get caught up on comparing your skills or equipment. Ask questions about camera gear, photo apps and shooting preferences. Connecting, making new friends and conversation is a big part of the experience. Most people are willing to share what they know – I’ll certainly try my best to share anything you’d like to know.

Be brave… if you have an idea for a certain shot – go for it. There’s nothing worse than going home wishing you’d tried that creative idea in your head. If you like photographing people, ask someone or a group of people to pose for you… if you see something round the corner away from the crowd – sneak off, shoot it and catch up with them after. If you’d like your photo taken, ask someone to snap it for you on your device. If inspiration strikes, embrace it!

But most of all – enjoy this time to play and be spontaneous and open your eyes to this amazing colourful world!

HAVE FUN!