Creating a Local Photowalk - join the hashtag!

If you don't know what Blogtacular is, firstly, where have you been? I am yet to write up about this year's conference but you can still check out last year here: http://www.justcreativejulia.co.uk/blog/the-future-of-creativity-my-takeaways-from-blogtacular-2016. The long and short of it is that Blogtacular is an annual event for me. It's a blogging conference and my chance to be a part of a community of passionate creatives.

One of the things that is included in your ticket is a photowalk around London. Where street graffiti or pretty pastel houses are the focus point. I went on the one with graffiti. The photo below is one of over 100 photos taken on last year's walk!

A photowalk is a great way to get those creative juices flowing. Particularly on the Blogtacular walk, when you put a bunch of us creatives together, the excitement levels go through the roof! I remember it being a little overwhelming as I turned up not knowing anyone! And quickly glued myself to fellow blogger Steph Hunter of www.beyondthesofa.com. Below is a photo of us trying out the obligatory jump shot!

I also remember it being pretty crazy at points! There were deep reflections, mad frenzied moments and lulls of just taking it all in. Here's an example of a mad moment where I just clicked a selfie spontaneously!

Going to London for a big event or arranging small meet ups amongst your fellow creatives is great. But I wanted to talk about creating a local photowalk and starting a new hashtag along with it - #localphotowalk. When I was out running the other week, I noticed how many pretty houses there are. I tend to jog in a loop around my local residential streets and was amazed at the little details I'd previously just walked straight past. Such as these yellow and pink houses below.

I also love all the little details on this green house. The design features and styling made me stop and stare.

Not to mention this sleek grey house. Very chic!

I live in Southend-on-Sea, in Southchurch. Or Southchurch Village as it has been recently re-named. My town hasn't had the best reputation and has been called a scummy dump in times past! But I love my town! We have beaches (as featured in the header pic!), our very own theme park (Adventure Island) and the longest pier in the world!

So how do you do a photowalk in your local town? Here's my top tips.

1. Think about what your town is famous for. If London is full of street graffiti and pretty houses, what's your town's most prominent feature? For example, in my town, there are anazing sunsets to be captured on the beaches.
2. If you can't think of anything, then just pick an area to walk around and really concentrate on your surroundings. If it's rural, there will be plenty of opportunities in capturing the beauties of nature. If a town, why not look more closely at your residential streets. The colours of the houses, any unusual architecture.
3. Grab a friend or two, some props and have fun! Do some jump shots and make a Boomerang/gif. Bring a rainbow umbrella and pose. Bring chalk and make a pretty pattern on the ground for a 'from where I stand' shot.
4. Make a day of it. If you were going to a photowalk in London, would you plan on sightseeing too? Museums, galleries? Why not factor this in for the day and visit your town's local sights. In Southend we have a small museum, a small gallery in our local library, the pier, Adventure Island theme park to name a few. Pretend you're a tourist for the day!
5. Another way to get creative is to give yourself some simple prompts. Treat it as a live Instagram challenge! Tailor them according to where you live to keep it simple. For example if you live in a tiny village, don't have a prompt such as 'skyscraper'! You can make them as simple or as obscure as you like. Such as 'reflection' is a nice open one that can be taken literally or figuratively.

With all this in mind, I thought it would be a great idea to start a new hashtag! #localphotowalk. So get involved! Go forth and show off your local town! Tag me on Instagram @just_creative_julia and include the hashtag! Let's blow this hastag up!