Cork Photowalk, July 2009

So, you like the idea, but there are no photowalks planned in your corner of the land.

Why not organise your own?

There’s not a whole lot to it.

Some things to consider in your planning…

Location

Obviously, you need somewhere with plenty photographic opportunities.  But you’d be surprised what that includes. Past photowalks have been city centre based, in both Dublin and Cork, at festivals, castles, forest parks, a racetrack, gardens, beaches, docks… the list is long.

• Consider the weather! Isit likely to rain, hail or snow, and will you be able to shelter somewhere if it does?

• If you’re going somewhere indoors, is there a limit to the amount of people that can fit?

• Is it remote, or is parking or public transport easily available?

• Make sure you won’t get into trouble for trespassing or photographing. Areas like the IFSC have their own rules.

• Does it cost to get into the venue? Be clear upfront if people are going to have to stump up their own entry fees.

• Are there facilities for lunch nearby? If not, make it known that photowalkers need to bring their own lunch.

Timing

Basic stuff, really.

• Plan it for a date that doesn’t have an important sports fixture scheduled already. You may struggle for attendees if it clashes…

• If you’re going to a tourist destination, is it going to be particularly busy on the date you’ve picked?

• Choose a time to meet that allows you a good while to wander around. It takes longer to get from a to b when you’ve 15 people stopping to take pictures inbetween!

• Consider the light. Will it suit your location to be shooting with the sun directly overhead at noon? Will you start losing light in early afternoon in the winter?

That’s the where and when. Now it’s up to you to get it out there to as many people as possible – let us know you want to put your walk up here (leave a comment) and we’ll post it, and send everyone we know to take a look too!