CAPTURED - Weekly Newsletter

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The Rhythm I Follow On Every Photo Walk

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Hey Reader,

If you’re travelling soon or in a new city right now, this is how I do photo walks.

It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it works.

And it’s what yesterday’s YouTube video was all about, if you want to see it in action.

Let’s dive in!

My Process (And Why I Keep it Simple)

I used to overplan my photography days.

I'd scroll on a location's top Instagram posts, drop a pin at every ‘must-see’ spot, then rush from one to the next.

By the end, I was exhausted, my photos felt rushed, generic and I barely enjoyed the walk.

These days, I do the opposite.

I keep it simple and give myself creative boundaries.

That shift made all the difference.

Whether you’re just getting into travel photography or want to slow down and shoot more intentionally, here’s how I do it now:

1. Plan Your 'Golden Triangle'

Before I leave the house, I open Google Maps and pin just three locations.

I call it the Golden Triangle.

They’re close enough that I can walk between them without stress.

That triangle becomes my entire playground for the shoot.

Why it helps:

Limiting where I go means I don’t miss good light by hustling all over the city, jumping on metros or contantly feeling FOMO for not making every spot.

I always say this: Light > landmarks.

Always schedule your photo walks around your locations and the best lighting conditions.

Ironically, these are often the periods when landmarks are the quietest.

2. Bring One Camera & One Lens

This is big. If I bring too much gear, I don’t enjoy it.

It’s heavy. It slows me down. Sometimes I don’t even shoot.

So now it’s just this: Fujifilm X-E4 + 35mm f/2.

That’s it. Light, compact, fun.

And for any Fuji fans reading, get excited. The June 12th announcement is coming. 👀

Other Notable Gear Mentions:

• Peak Design 6L Sling
• DJI Osmo Pocket 3
• FreeWell ND Filters
• Mecca Cosmetica Sunscreen thanks to my sister

3. Set Creative Limits

This one’s underrated.

Every time I go out, I give myself one small creative rule:

• Only shoot vertically
• Only use one composition technique
• Only capture scenes with shadows

The point isn’t to make it harder. It’s to give yourself a focus.

If you try to shoot everything, you’ll end up with nothing.

And sure, rules are made to be broken, so if you see a shot that's just too good to let go, capture it - I won't tell anyone.

4. Abuelo Pace Only (i.e. Slow Down)

No podcasts. No AirPods.

Let the walk be the thing.

Let it be your meditation for that afternoon or morning.

When you start focusing on simply capturing photos, you'll start noticing a lot more.

You'll notice the way the light hits a wall. The speed of a passing bike. A person sitting at a window.

Sometimes it’s the small, throwaway moments that end up being your favourite shots.

So why rush?

5. Stay Curious

Don’t just stick to the main streets or the €6 Instagram cafés.

Go down that alley. Walk a little further. Say hi to someone.

Some of my best photos have come from staying out 10 minutes longer than planned or chatting to a stranger.

Channel your inner Anthony Bourdain and go off the beaten path.

A photo walk isn’t just about getting shots, it’s about experiencing a place properly.

And don’t let anyone (even me) tell you how to do it.

This is just my way. One that’s made shooting feel a bit lighter and one that I know will make your life easier.

BTW, if you’re still figuring out your settings or struggling to get consistent photos when you travel, check out Capture to Keep.

It’s my beginner-friendly course that helps you get confident with your camera and create images you’re proud of (without overcomplicating things).

Catch you next week,

Matty 📷 🚀

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Whenever you're ready, there are 3 more ways I can help you:​

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🚀 Free Training – If you’re ready to grow your brand & start making money with photography, this is for you.

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🤔 Not quite there yet? Start here:

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📸 My Photography Course – Learn the fundamentals & take pro-level shots with my beginner course.

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