If you want to improve your photography skills and confidence, regular practice is essential. Why not block in an hour or two each month to explore somewhere around where you are & experiment with taking different images.
Here are a few points to get you started.
Choose a location
Selecting the ideal location lays the foundation for a productive and creative photowalk. Town centre or countryside, try different locations. Look out for events advertising in the local press and social media and see what interesting images you can get.
Prepare your gear
A smartphone with a high-quality camera can be a versatile companion, or take your normal camera with you.
Pack light
Take a small bag containing essentials such as extra batteries, memory cards, a lens cleaning kit, and maybe a water bottle. Keep the load light to ensure your focus remains on the experience rather than cumbersome equipment. Ditch your wallet and bag, and use pockets to carry essentials so you’re not weighed down with extra stuff.
Time your photowalk
Do your research on when local events are happening. Think about special events, but also regular occurrences like a local market for instance.
Take advantage of the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the light is soft and warm, creating a perfect ambiance for capturing captivating images.
Find a good vantage point
Seek out a strategic location where you can sit, observe, and take photos without disrupting the natural rhythm of your surroundings. This vantage point allows you to blend into the scene, becoming an unobtrusive observer.
Observe and interact
Engage with your surroundings beyond the lens of your camera / phone. Take the time to notice intricate details, interact with people, and immerse yourself in the experience. Candid moments often produce the most compelling photos.
Experiment with angles
Challenge your perspective by experimenting with different angles. Get low to the ground, shoot from above, or explore unique viewpoints. This diversity adds flair to your collection and enhances the storytelling potential in your scrapbook layouts.
Capture the story
Each photo should convey a story or evoke emotions. Focus on moments that encapsulate the essence of a place, adding depth and character to your images.
Document your thoughts
Carry a small notebook to jot down thoughts, ideas, and inspirations during your photowalk. It’s easy to forget immediate facts and thoughts you have once you get home and there’s been a few days gap since you took the photos.
These notes serve as valuable additions to your scrapbook, providing context, and enriching the storytelling aspect of your layouts.
Reflect and edit
After your photowalk, take time to reflect on the experience. Think about which photos work, what you learned, and what you could do better next time you pick up your camera.
Edit the images as soon as you can, deleting blurry and poor standard photos, keeping only the best ones.