I like to take pictures. I like exploring new cities. The best way to do that, in my opinion, is a photowalk.
I’ve had photowalk experience before. In fact, I’ve planned one in Ann Arbor, Mich. I’ve done them around my hometown several times, but I’d never done one in another city. When I found out I was going to be in Boston for a conference, I decided to try and find on in the area.
I searched online for Boston photowalks and found Saba Alhadi, who runs photowalks.com and does these types of walks all over Boston. I was staying in the Back Bay area of Boston and really didn’t know anything about it. Saba’s tour was not just about taking pictures, but also about the history of the area and photography tutorials.
Before the conference, I sent out several tweets and attempted to get a few other participants to go along, but no one seemed interested. It worked out given that we had some terrible weather and had to reschedule for lunch the next day. After scarfing the lunch meal, I ran down to the Boston Public Library to meet Saba.
And she helped me take these.
I don’t consider myself an awesome photographer. I take pictures. As a hobby. I don’t get experimental or screw around being artistic. Mostly because I don’t want to miss the moments my children make or my that I experience with my family. However, after this photowalk, I’ve been a lot less scared of trying things out.
Saba really taught me how to use the aperture priority settings. I learned about taking photos of details rather than worrying about capturing something that isn’t as intriguing to look at.
After the photowalk, Saba followed up with me and sent me a PDF of photography tips.
The photowalk was so awesome that I decided to head out the next day and explore Boston on my own photowalk. While I focused on architecture with Saba, I spent time myself trying to capture Boston. I wanted to remember what I saw, but I didn’t want to take boring photos.
I think I did okay.
Another recent trip to Washington D.C. had me contemplating a second photowalk, but I just did D.C. last year and created my own photo walk. Plus, I was traveling with a coworker this time around and I knew she wouldn’t love it.
However, I did do a quick search and there were many in the area. I assume that this is true in many highly touristy towns. So if you are ever heading out to a new place and want to learn more about it while capturing it all on your memory card, look up a photowalk. Or, use it as an excuse to explore your own city.
And if you are ever in Boston, visit Saba.
Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for writing this post about Photowalks.com. I just had a great time doing it and wanted to share it!