Photo walks are one of the simplest and most powerful ways to grow as a photographer, especially when they are shared with others, because walking the same streets together with cameras in hand quickly reveals how differently each of us sees the world, even when we are standing in the exact same place at the same moment. During our Wellington photo walks, everyone starts with the same environment, the same light, the same weather and the same timeframe, yet the photographs that come out of it are always remarkably diverse, shaped by what each person notices, values and responds to. Some are drawn to small details like reflections, textures or fleeting shadows, while others focus on people, movement or quiet stories unfolding in the background, and seeing these different approaches side by side gently challenges your own way of looking, helping you notice things you might otherwise walk straight past.
To keep our photo walks open, playful and free from pressure, we draw a theme on the spot at the beginning of each walk, which means the theme is a surprise for everyone and removes the temptation to plan images in advance, encouraging participants to respond instinctively to their surroundings and interpret the idea in their own way. This approach levels the field between beginners and more experienced photographers, as everyone is experimenting at the same time, relying on observation, curiosity and personal interpretation rather than technical perfection.
The following pages showcase only a tiny part of the photographs we have taken during our photo walks this year, offering a small glimpse into the variety of perspectives, interpretations and moments that emerge when people slow down and truly look.
After each walk, we continue the experience by sharing our photographs in our online community, where people reflect on what they noticed, what challenged them and what surprised them, and where seeing each other’s images often becomes just as valuable as the walk itself. If you have joined us on a photo walk, you are warmly invited to be part of that ongoing conversation, and if you are curious to explore photography through shared experiences and fresh perspectives, you are very welcome to join our online community - Excio Circle.
