Summer Photo Safari: A Walking Challenge with a Twist
This summer, we’ve been talking a lot about finding ways to make walking an adventure—whether you need to add some fun to your solo walks or you’re trying to find a way to trick your kids into getting some steps in with you. Photo safaris often pop up on my walking-fun lists—so today let’s take a look at how they work!
What’s a Photo Safari?
When you’re out on your daily walk, you pass by all kinds of interesting, funny, surprising, beautiful things—and there’s a pretty good chance that you’re so caught up in your mileage or your pace or even the message that just popped up on your phone that you just keep walking by without paying any attention. A photo safari is a way to make you take the time to notice the unexpected things around you—and share them with your friends. It turns walking into a creative adventure—while making the same old trail feel a little extra magical.
How Does It Work?
It’s so easy—but so much fun!
1) Lace up your walking shoes and find a place to walk. It could be at a park, through the city streets, or around your neighborhood. It could be 10 miles or around the block. It’s up to you!
2) Choose a photo prompt for the day. Don’t worry—I’ve done the tricky part for you. Just pick something from the list below.
3) Look for something that fits your prompt, and take a pic! Don’t worry about bringing a fancy camera. Your phone’s camera will do just fine. Just keep an eye out for anything that works with the prompt—and feel free to get creative!
4) Share your favorite. Let your friends get a glimpse of your daily walk by sharing your pic on your socials. Tag us, so we can check out all of your great photos. Or, if you’d rather keep it to yourself, create an album on your phone, so you can go back and enjoy all of your pictures later.
5) Repeat! When you’re ready to head out for a walk tomorrow, choose a new prompt.
Photo Safari Prompts
Here are some ideas for your summer photo safari:
1) Your favorite walking shoes
2) Something orange
3) The summer sky
4) Something growing
5) Something shaped like a heart
6) A fun/colorful mailbox
7) Your shadow
8) Wildflowers
9) Your walking buddy (two-legged, four-legged, or maybe just caffeinated)
10) Close-up of a texture (like bark, pavement, a rock)
11) A cool tree
12) Something tiny
13) Your walking route (from the ground or a satellite image from above)
14) Something natural
15) Water
16) A bench or other spot to restored
17) Something that made you smile
18) Your favorite mid-walk snack
19) Something blue
20) The summer sky
21) A favorite spot along your path
22) Something silly
23) An animal
24) A picture of the trail
25) Something round
26) Footprints (human or animal)
27) Street art—a mural, chalk art, or something else
28) A path or trail
29) A coffee shop
30) Something that doesn’t belong
31) Something that makes a soundtrack
32) Your walking shoes with your post-walk/mid-walk drink
33) A shape in the clouds
34) A leaf
35) Something in a color that matches your outfit
36) A pattern (fence, leaves, sidewalk)
37) Something that surprised youngest
38) Your “I did it” face after you finish your walk
Some Tips:
Remember: it’s not about taking gallery-worthy photos—or even the kind that will get thousands of likes. It’s about taking the time to notice the world around you as you walk. Make it creative. Make it fun. And if you don’t feel like sharing, you don’t have to.
Save your pictures in a special gallery on your phone. It’ll be a great way to look back at the story of your summer walks.
Step It Up!
Go somewhere new Try a new trail. It’ll give you new things to see and a whole new perspective!
Invite some friends. A photo safari is so much fun when you’ve got friends along for the adventure—whether it’s your favorite walking buddies or your kids and their friends. Choose the same prompt and share your pictures when you’re done. Maybe even come up with a small prize for the best picture.
Create an album. There are a number of sites that allow you to turn your pictures into a photo book. At the end of the summer, create your own book, so you can look back on all of your fun summer walking adventures.
Treat yourself. Finish your walk with a treat—whether it’s your favorite iced coffee or another summer treat. You earned it!
Add Your Favorites to the List!
Do you have any other fun ideas for photo safari prompts? Feel free to share them, so we can add them to the list! And don’t forget to tag Will Walk for Coffee in your social media posts, so we can come along on your safari!
Happy summer snapping!
