finalimage Loc: Brattleboro, VT

I have led a photo walk for Kelby One for three years in Vermont. Walker numbers varied from 10 to 20. We walk a route I check out in advance to make sure I have the timing right-about 2 1/2 hours in my case. We start the walk and finish near the same location so walkers do not have to walk more to get back to their cars. At the end of the walk we all head to a restaurant for lunch and discussion of what we did. Along the walk there is no rule about staying together, some folks like to concentrate on a specific spot and everyone knows where we will meet at the end of the walk. I enjoy the walk every time-I always learn something new from others points of view. I say DO IT!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Generally, you lead from the front. ie. You make the decisions on theme, hints, examples of what to do. Go in advance and check the area out. Check with local rangers if available, take sample photo's. In other words, plan your work and then work your plan. Simple.

Franku Loc: Wallingford, PA and Parrish, Fl

It sounds like it could be a lot of fun....if you and a few others would bring flasks of Scotch and compare different brands during the walk.
Good luck...I'm sure you will do well.

photostephen

I have lead Photo Walks as part of the www.worldwidephotowalk.com for 4 years, and I have signed up to lead this year as well.

The key to my success is planning. My first step is to determine the route for the photowalk. I use a bicycle to check out multiple routes, and then pick one. I aim for a two hour walk (figuring that Photographers walk very slowly as they constantly stop and take photos.)

Before the walk, I pre-walk to make sure I know the parking options and where rest rooms are located. And of course, a meetup location at the end of the walk.

Prior to the walk, I put together a detailed map with the actual route, parking information, rest room information and other relevant details. This is sent out to participants prior to the walk, and also handed out at the start of the walk.

At the actual photo walk, everyone knows the route and where we will meet up at the end. Then everyone is on there own, can go at their own pace until the meetup end point.

I usually encourage people to make friends and walk in small groups. I do not try to "herd cats" or keep the group together.

At the end point we discuss what we found.
For the post walk, I setup a Flickr group to share the photos.

So, with a little planning, leading a photowalk can be a lot of fun.

finalimage Loc: Brattleboro, VT

I agree entirely!

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

I have gone a couple these walks and it was fun. I lead photo events almost every Saturday for a couple of groups I help lead. One important thing is to go places that allow for several different types of shooting and do not dictate what people should shoot. At the beginning give people basic insructions as to time frame and if there are plans afterward. Tell them aobut how the area is laid out. This means that as the leader you should do your homework and visit that area before the event.

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

Wehave done a few, we hand out a mapof the streets e are shooting and where we are .meeting later and what time. We start as a group butvas the walk progresses the group starts to thin out as some people find something they really want to shoot. One walk.i was on a lady went into a shoe repair shop and shot there the whole time, she had thise images in a show and published. Announce that anyone whonneess help to stick close to you or a co organizer keep it informal and fun

ole sarg Loc: south florida

First thing is to walk in front

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Don't lead, let them wander. Maybe give some highlights of what and where. Encourage them to share with each other, or not. Our club does field trips, everyone wanders and we learn from each other as we go.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Yes! I was on a Nikon sponsored walk (as a participant, not a leader) last year. I thought it would be easy enough to keep up with a slow moving group of 30, but I was the one who got distracted and couldn't find the group again for an hour. :(

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I was notified by a photographer I had never met of a photo walk that was taking place in the downtown area and would be covering some of the business district and some of the seedier areas. We met at a Starbucks before dawn, did a short meet and greet over a cup of joe, and headed off at first crack of light. Leader knew what he wanted to show which made it easier and allowed ample time for everyone to set-up and shoot. On the way back we stumbled upon an antique car show, said our goodbyes and I stayed longer to shoot images there. Our group was about a 50/50 mix of experienced and new photo walkers.
My advice - several e-mails to the group. Insist on RSVP's. Share the itinerary, set a start and ending time, encourage communication between group members to allow you time to lead. A little planning on your end will make it a great experience. People just wandering around together with direction will probably be a disaster and guess who gets the blame! Let us know how it went.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Regardless of how professional you are, to cats you are mere staff.

pdsdville Loc: Midlothian, Tx

I've been on a number of these photo walks under a number of different leaders. The walks I had the most fun and got the best results from were those where the leader first selected a location. Say, downtown, then a half dozen to a dozen items of interest at the location. That depends on time. Give each photographer a list, or maybe a map of the items with a return meeting time. Suggest a place to meet for lunch and discuss what they shot and maybe why. If a person wants to shoot all items on the list or just a few it won't matter. That way no one is waiting on the group. Let them pair or group up as they wish. The neufs will go with the more experienced people of their choosing. You can end it with a discussion or schedule a meet a couple of weeks away to show off and critique the work. It's a learning experience for the neufs and the experienced photogs as well. I'd jump at the chance.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I used to do photo walks in my City, New Orleans. First off, you have to have knowledge of the sites you are going to take the customers. Know a little history of the site you're going to. Be sure know a little bit of the equipment the people will be carrying. Nothing like a guy showing up with a brand new Canon 1D X and not know how to turn it on, or install a battery, with a 600mm lens, for a inner city photo walk. Do you plan to charge for the walk? If so find out what permits are required before you go any further. I needed a "Professional Guide" class and pass a test to get a permit. You'll be asked all sorts of questions about exposure, aperture, shutter speed, just to name a few. Don't forget someone will ask you what does this little thingy do? By the way, the guy with the 1D X, I took him and his wife, and several of the other walkers to Lakefront Airport to shoot his private jet, inside, and outside.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

I can fully understand, Larry.
That's why they should never pass near a nudist colony. :shock: