Plan a Photowalk
There is much joy wandering through a neighborhood and sharing perspectives.
Walks allow us to connect meaningfully with our neighbors and influence how we regard our city’s past and future. They’re great for those that are just beginning to explore photography, hobbyists, amateurs, professionals and frankly? Anyone that simply likes to walk or share stories!
It's seriously good to get the body moving and the mind engaged.
1. Establish a route
To reach the widest audience, plan a walk that can be completed in less than 2 hours (between 2-4 miles). Bear in mind that photowalks are generally slower as folks pause to regard and capture the environment.
Provide a variety of viewpoints that include architectural interest, landmarks and a mix of locations (urban, residential, parks).
Make your route a loop.
Meet in a location that has ample parking.
2. Get a guide
If your neighborhood has a historical society or community council, reach out to find out if someone is available to lead the walk or knows of an individual that is deeply rooted and eager to share insights of the area.
A walk is wonderful with folks versed in the history or architecture of a neighbhorhood just as much as someone who has lived there a long time.
3. Pick a Date
Take a look at the calendar. Try and work around big events that might pull your audience away, or find an event in the neighborhood to dovetail with the beginning or end of your walk!
Weekends are your best bet. Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons tend to have the fewest conflicts with schedules.
Work as far in advance as possible to help get the word out.
4. Spread the word
A combination of social, traditional and print media are your best bet.
Contact local papers and stations with a a title, date, time and short description well before the event.
Set up up a public Facebook event. Coordinate with local organizations to become co-hosts and extend the word. Ask them to share on the event on Facebook, Instagram, Email newsletters or at meetings.
Share event details on Nextdoor.
Invite local photography groups from Meetup by contacting their organizer directly though the site.
Print simple flyers and hang up around the neighborhood and drop off at local businesses. Need a template? Download this Photowalk flyer.
Each one of these approaches reaches a different audience!
5. ENJOY AND SHARE
It's time for the walk! Start off by asking the each person to share their name and neighborhood. This helps those outside the area know who might have insight. If the group gets large, it's great to break into smaller groups with a mix of folks from inside and outside the neighborhood.
Take your time. Enjoy the views. Ask questions. Share stories and angles.
Once the walk has completed, encourage everyone to share their photos with a common hashtag online or create a shared gallery.
Are you planning a photowalk? Let us know!