Photographers and artists are often solitary people

Even the most gregarious artists tend to spend their creative time on their own. As a photographer, I like my own space to make my images. Whether I am behind the lens or editing, I prefer not to be distracted by other people. When I am alone, I tend to be more mindful. I believe that I see things better and know how to interpret them when I am working solo.

However, over the years I have realised that I will evolve better creatively if I do not spend all my time on my own. I have found that there is much to learn from spending time with others. So I now make it part of my practice to spend time working with people in my creative network.

One way in which I do this is to go on walks with other photographers

Sometimes we go to a place that one of us knows well. Sometimes we will go and explore a new place. We might set a theme to challenge ourselves. Or we may stay free to do whatever we want.

Whatever the format of the walk I always come away having learned something. And I always come away with some interesting images to work on. Often they are of a very different style or subject matter than they would have been if had been on my own.

So here are three ways in which photowalks can be beneficial:

Others see things that you may not

I am always surprised at what my companions choose to make images of. They see details that I don’t normally think of taking in. Equally, some see images with a much wider vista than I normally do.

Many of us are guilty of constantly making images of the same sorts of subjects. I know I certainly am! But, when I am with someone else, I find myself broadening my visual horizons. Equally, I have inspired others to make images of pavements, parking bollards and torn posters.

Others interpret things in different ways

I enjoy seeing how others approach the same subject. It is rare that someone makes an image that is similar to the one I would have made. So, again, I broaden my visual horizons. Just looking at how they spend time with a subject, the angle at which they approach it and the lens they choose to use can be very instructive.

I also learn from the compositions they make. Are they detail focused? Do they choose to put the subject into a broader context. What could I achieve if I approached the same subject with a different frame of mind than my normal one?

You talk and learn

Inevitably, as you walk together, you start to talk. It may be about your surroundings, what inspires you and what you are looking for. Or it may be more general. It may be about how your artistic practice and approach.

I was talking to a fellow photographer recently who told me about how their graphic design training had influenced their work. Since then, I have certainly thought about this conversation and how graphic elements could influence my images.

Don’t you just end up copying what others do?

I have found that this just doesn’t happen. Everyone has their own take on how to approach something. A different approach can influence someone else without tempting them to copy. 

This isn’t just for photographers

This kind of walk can be beneficial for artists and writers too. To visit and paint or write in a new place and in the company of others can be very liberating.

Equally, even if you are not a photographer, a walk with a smartphone can be very inspirational. The camera will help you see and interpret things in new ways. Even for photographers, leaving the normal camera behind will change the way we see things. That change is all the greater when in the company of other creatives.

Put a date in your diary

Invite other creatives to go on a walk with you. Do not have expectations but do go with an open mind. You may be pleasantly surprised at the way your creative practice is invigorated.

Sometimes it can be better not to be a solitary artist all the time.

PS Put a date in your diary and come on a photo walk with me

I have just launched a seriues of smartphone photography walks in beautiful Wiltshire. Come and find out more about how to make the most of your smartphone photography and editing. I’ll show you some interesting photography locations and you receive feedback on your work. Find out more here.