Meet Martin Smith, a photowalk organiser in London and Brighton. They run walks that focus on casual and social. In this interview they share their story, favourite routes, and tips for new hosts.
- Location: London and Brighton
- Website: photography.martinwsmith.co.uk
- Instagram: @westen30
- Host profile on photowalk.me: photowalk.me/westen30
Interview
What inspired you to start hosting photowalks?
I went on my first photowalk in 2015 and really enjoyed the experience and got to meet loads of great people who had a similar interest to me. I didn’t know where to find more photowalks so I started to host my own.
How would you describe the style or vibe of your walks?
Casual, is how I would describe the vibe of my photowalks. Some people are really well organised, have printed maps etc. I quite often take wrong turns and have to double back. They are usually fun though and end at the pub.
What’s been your favourite photowalk so far, and why?
One of my favourites was a recent one I did with instant cameras around Shoreditch and Brick Lane. The reason is that I thought it was going to be a wash out. I’d already had to rechedule it once because of travel problems and when I arrived at the starting point it was pouring with rain. It felt like it wasn’t supposed to happen. But then I had some last minute sign ups that I wasn’t expecting and who I know well and the rain suddenly stopped. Meeting up with friends to take photos like that made me remember why I do it.
Do you have a favourite spot or route for photography in your area?
I like Camden and the canals in London. I like being by the water and seeing all the different colour canal boats and the bustling of the markets in Camden.
What do you enjoy most about meeting other photographers in person?
I like to see what kind of cameras they use and how they see the same scene as me differently. I’m not the best photographer and I quite often miss things, but other photographers see things I don’t. I find that really interesting.
Any advice for someone thinking of hosting their first photowalk?
Have a clear route in mind and try and walk it first to check timings and good places for stop offs along the way. Make sure there’s a pub big enough to hold everyone at the end.
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