Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, attending a photo walk will inspire you to go out and take more pictures. Photo walks are walking tours designed for photographers and anyone who would like to gain new experiences while exploring different places.

For example, we offer small-group photo walks with expert, personalized instruction to help our guests grow as photographers. How do we do this? By providing opportunities to take images, express creativity and improve skills. We take our guests to places where compelling portrait, landscape and street photographs are waiting to be captured. We also learn the stories behind the images—the stories that bring them to life.

But what is the difference between a photo walk and a photography workshop?

Photowalk v. Photography Workshop

In our photography workshops, we teach participants how to navigate modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras with confidence. We cover various techniques for capturing images using light, composition, perspective, selective focus, shadows, highlights and other methods. Finally, we explore how to use your creative eye to create images you can be proud of.

We recommend workshops for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of photography. It does not matter whether you are a curious traveler or a professional photographer.

Photo walks are a more relaxed and adventurous way to explore a city. They are theme-based walking tours led by an expert photographer. They focus more on exploring the city and are a great option for solo travelers, couples, families with children, we prepare special tours for families, and team-building groups.

How to prepare for a photo walk

1. Do an image search of the location

A useful way to make the most of a photo walk is to search for images of the location. Looking up a particular hashtag on Instagram is a great way to do this.

Study the photographs uploaded by other people. What are the most common subjects? How were the pictures taken? Are you going to create similar images, or would you prefer to experiment with something different? If you plan ahead and visualize the photoshoot, you will feel more confident during the walk because you will already know what to expect.

2. Bring only what you need

Our photo walks last two hours, so it is important to pack lightly and dress comfortably. Bring only the essentials to keep the weight of your camera bag down, and resist the urge to carry unnecessary equipment. All you need is one camera and one lens. You can also use a smartphone if that is what you feel most comfortable with.

3. Set your camera in advance

Although we will discuss different camera modes, remember that this is a photo walk and a lot can happen around you. There is nothing wrong with using automatic mode if you are still learning how to use your camera.

When you are unsure which settings to use in a difficult shooting situation, switching to automatic mode will allow you to take the photograph quickly without having to adjust your equipment. Of course, this does not mean that you should depend on automatic mode forever. Learning how to use manual mode will help you unlock your camera’s full capabilities.

4. Anticipate the shot

Going on a photo walk is an excellent opportunity to train your eye to anticipate a shot. As you walk around, observe everything happening around you. Choose a place where there is plenty of activity and wait. Believe it or not, it is often possible to predict people’s movements.

For example, you know that as soon as the WALK signal lights up, pedestrians will cross the street. This gives you an opportunity to take photographs. If you miss the shot, wait for the WALK signal to light up again, and you can expect a similar moment to occur.

5. Shoot from different angles

Taking photographs at eye level can become repetitive after a while. Change your composition and experiment with unusual angles. Shooting from a different point of view adds variety to your pictures and can also change the mood of your images.

During a photo walk, try framing your shots in different ways and see what kinds of photographs you create. Take wide shots of buildings to show their scale and incorporate the surrounding environment to establish a sense of place and mood. Take close-up photographs to capture details that wider shots may miss.

6. Capture anything that catches your eye

A photo walk allows you to experience remarkable locations from a photographer’s perspective. You may be surprised by how much a place changes when you look at it through a viewfinder. Immerse yourself in the surroundings and watch for anything that looks interesting.

Look for patterns, colorful backgrounds and symmetry. It will not take long to notice these details because our eyes are naturally drawn to them. People enjoy looking at balanced and orderly structures, so do not hesitate to create strong visual compositions.

The final thing to remember about a photo walk is to have fun. It is not meant to be a competition, but an interactive photography lesson. Relax, enjoy the experience, share pictures and create memories.
Many photographers make new friends through photo walks, and sharing the experience with other photographers can inspire you to create better images. A photo walk may even change the way you experience photography.

Ready to practise these skills? Explore our private photography workshops in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and San Miguel de Allende. Explore Mexico with us and live life through a lens.