Guided Neighborhood Point and Shoot Photography Tours

TOUR DETAILS

 

Eye Spy Photography Tours are for anyone who enjoys exploring their neighborhood and region and documenting that journey through photography. I believe that once you know how to look you'll see new things in your every day surroundings. I will show you how you don't need expensive cameras and gear, nor do you need to wait for that once-a-year vacation to take really nice pics. But the experience you'll gain here is something that you will be able to take with you anywhere and know forever. I can guarantee that with every session you'll walk away with, at least, one pic that you'll be proud to post.
 

Locations

Dates / Times / Cost

The dates for all currently scheduled walks are shown here.                               

 

These excursions average 1.5 hours, longer if a nice light emerges, and cost averages $40 per person with a 3-person minimum and a 7-person maximum. Currently there are twenty seven locations but I am happy to come to your neighborhood when 5 people have signed up. Can be a fast walk as we'll need to follow the light.

 

Sign Up

Don't see your neighborhood?

Let's talk. I'd be happy to create a walk with you and your 4 friends. I can design walks in any Bay Area neighborhood and will meet you there in order to provide you with the ultimate convenience. New neighborhoods require a 5-person minimum and may require an additional convenience fee. Just email me at jim@eyespyphototours.com.

Required gear

A point and shoot camera, whether a cell phone or pocket camera, are what these sessions are all about. Use the gear that, most-likely, you already have. Bring a mask as we are COVID-sensitive. Also bring an extra battery and case. No tripods, please. Unless we are walking out of or into the night. Then it is almost required.

Recommended gear

You and your pup, if you are well-behaved. No dogs allowed at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park. Dogs not recommended on the tour at Joaquin Miller Park.

COVID / Accident disclaimer

By signing up for a walk, you assume all responsibility for accidents and COVID. Eye Spy Photography Tours accepts no responsibility, whatsoever.

Starting Point

Each session has a Google Maps link that shows you where to meet. The walks are all within the area of the starting point.

What to Wear

Street shoes are fine unless we are walking in parks or hills. Then sturdier gear is recommended. Bring a jacket and water if you like. But try to be light on extra gear.

What to Expect

Photographers who are beginners are welcome. In fact, that is the point of Eye Spy. To teach and learn from others. But mid and pro level photographers are also welcome. I have always relied on the experience of other professionals to help me as I learn to help others. My tours can be short distance and easy (city tours) to long and somewhat strenuous (trail tours). They are designed to move quickly while discussing our surroundings and photography, with stops for pics and instruction when the opportunity arises and will always circle back to the starting point. Tours will last between 1-2 hours, depending on the light, weather, terrain and enthusiasm. So choose your tour carefully and come prepared.

Topics we can cover:

Understanding light and subject
Camera settings
Composition
Exposure guidelines
Flash settings
Lightroom and Photoshop

Ideas for other styles of photography:

Long Exposure

Fast Exposure
Nightscapes
Water Motion

Summary

The goal of Eye Spy is to teach you how to see remarkable things in your everyday surroundings and how to use your camera to document your journey. You will learn new skills that you can take with you wherever you are. Bring your pet if you like and be ready for surprises.