Photowalking - Trial run

Thanks to Sam for participating the Photowalk!
(Portrait Photography)

Trial Run - conclusions

Doing a trial run of a photowalk this sunday (1^st December), it is clear that timing is difficult to manage. I found that sometimes, getting a particular shot can take time. People have different speeds of taking shots. Some like to take many shots from different angles. It would be best to allow photographers to spend as much time as they needed on each location. However, there needs to be some strict control over time; there shouldn't be a worry that people didn't have enough time to explore to get the perfect shot. However, a positive attitude to explore the nect location should be encouraged. I should also note that there needs to be time allocated to reviewing photos, there is to be learnt by not looking at the photos you have just taken. I would recommend at least four good locations, each encouraging a broad range of photography skills. Remember, this is a photowalk, and needs to appeal to a variety of photographers. Taking people out of their depth is good to improve, and promotes question-asking.

What do I find interesting?

What kind of photography I like?

How can I use this lens in this situation?

Problems I realised during the trial is that there are times when you do not know what to do. What to take photos of and find it hard to find something interesting. When these situation arises, boredom will take place. There is disinterest, and may make people within a group dis-satisfied. Therefore, I think there is a need to have some sort of guide book, so that whenever you have a mental creative block, you can refer to this to spark some life into your brain. It should bring out the many possibilties with shots. Something to illustrate very easily what can be achieved in York.

Photo-journalism

Architectural photography

Photography here has to be quite specific to York and this type of environment. I think this because often, there are many times when you may look at amazing photographs from prefessionals, and you think “I wish there was something like that in York”. You may see an amazing street photograph of an indian woman, lots of colours and activity. But in York, England, there is no way you can take a similar, inspired shot. Therefore, this guide book will need to highlight aspects of York which will work. From past experience, clearly there are limitations such as landscape, wildlife, sports photography, event/wedding and studio type photography. A photowalk in York would best suit outdoor, street and architecture photography most. Landscape photography in York can be very isolated and more touristy type photography, much of which is against this concept. Landscapes usually require very strict conditions, and often weather is a huge factor.

Finally, this guidebook should not be filled with awe-inspiring only. It's purpose is to encourage expirimentation and photos need to be used in a way to emphasise a way of shooting and looking at the world. Ways to look at a single subject, but approach it from different angles! There could even be simple creative excerises inside. Lastly, remember that this is a book to be accompanied on the walk; users should not be totally consumed into the book, rather they should also learn from others within the group. That's what the group leader is there for!

Landscape photography

Street photography