On Saturday, September 7th, 2024, Katja (@katja_zuerich) and I had the pleasure of leading the very first Zurich Street Photography Walk. The anticipation had been building for weeks, and the excitement was palpable as we gathered in the heart of Zurich with a group of ten enthusiastic photographers, each one eager to explore the city through their lenses.

Our day began with a quick meet-and-greet at a cozy café at the Zurich Main Station, where we shared our plans for the walk, exchanged a few photography tips, and, most importantly, fueled up on some strong Swiss coffee. The group was a mix of seasoned photographers and passionate newcomers, all united by a common love for capturing the essence of life on the streets.

Thanks to @strassenmomente for this video!

With cameras in hand, we set off on our adventure. The first stop was the vibrant and bustling Bahnhofstrasse, where the morning rush provided an endless array of subjects. From the hurried footsteps of commuters to the quiet moments of shopkeepers preparing for the day, the streets were alive with stories waiting to be told through our lenses. The group quickly fell into a rhythm, snapping shots of the city's pulse, each person finding their unique perspective in the midst of the urban hustle.

As we wandered through the city, we made our way to some of Zurich's hidden gems. The narrow alleys of the Rennweg area offered a stark contrast to the busy main streets. Here, the old-world charm of cobblestone streets and historic buildings provided a perfect backdrop for more intimate, reflective shots. The group spread out, each photographer drawn to different details – a weathered door, a passerby’s fleeting expression, or the way light played off the ancient stone.

One of the highlights of the walk was our stop at the Bürkliplatz, where the weekly market was held. The encounter of so many different characters, both on the stall operator side and among the customers, offered a variety of subjects for photography and everyone found their spot.

As the afternoon wore on, we split in two groups. One group made its way back towards the Zurich Main Station. The other group went again into the winding old town around the Rennweg to photograph further hidden suituations.

By the time we wrapped up the walk, five hours had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. We ended our trip at Rennweg, where we sat down together for a moment to reflect on the day and share our experiences. The variety of images was amazing - from spontaneous street portraits to abstract shots of architectural details, each photographer had captured a unique part of Zurich.

The first Zurich Street Photography Walk was more than just an event; it was a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of photography to connect us with the world around us. As Katja and I looked around at the smiles and shared stories, we knew that this was just the beginning. There will be more walks, more photos, and more moments like these – where we come together to explore, create, and see the world through each other’s eyes.

Until next time, keep your cameras ready and your eyes open – because the streets of Zurich are always waiting to tell their stories, and we’re here to capture them.

1st Street Photography Walk in Zurich

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