The Photowalkers provide a welcoming space for photographers to connect, learn, and see the city differently, with members ranging from locals who want to explore the city on foot to expats and tourists looking to connect with curious and like-minded people. Photo-taking outings range from city strolls and festivals to creative experiments with light, macro, and skyline photography. They often collaborate with Johannesburg In Your Pocket for events such as our annual #JacarandaInYourPocket season walks.
Exploring the city for Women's Day 2025
The Joburg Photowalkers took to the streets on Women’s Day 2025 for a sunrise walk focused on street photography, exploring the city in gentle light through their lenses. They visited the reopening of Johannesburg City Library and ended at Grayscale Gallery in Braamfontein, where artists were adding to a new wall. From long-time members to first-time participants, the walk offered a mix of urban adventure, artistic inspiration, and the joy of seeing Joburg from fresh angles.We spoke to several photographers about their experiences on the day and what keeps them coming back to the Joburg Photowalkers.
A JOBURG ADVENTURE
From there, we walked to the Johannesburg City Library. Once back, we drove over for an afternoon event at Grayscale Store and Gallery and did a walk around Braamfontein and across Nelson Mandela Bridge to see more graffiti and to see the newly installed benches, painted columns, and light boxes."
Reflecting on the day of art and exploration, Bill Ward shares: "I attended the library opening and then the Grayscale Gallery in Braamfontein, where the artists were working on a new wall. I have been a member of The Photowalkers since March 2017 and have had the privilege of spending many happy hours in this fascinating city of ours."
JOAO PAULO DAPIEDADE AKA 'DJOCA'
For a newcomer Joao Paulo Dapiedade, the experience was all about adventure. "I am from Angola," he tells us. "This was my first time walking with the Joburg Photowalkers, and I had a blast! I didn’t take many pictures because I was there more for the experience and the adventure."
PENNY WARD
Penny Ward found the walk to be a heartfelt tribute to a friend and fellow creative. "I am the admin for Urban Sketchers Johannesburg. I have been urban sketching since 2016. I have always loved the inner city and haven’t sketched Marshalltown for a while," she says. "Gail Wilson’s untimely death put me back in contact with Mark Straw, allowing me to join the Photowalkers last week. I thought it would be a good way to honour Gail’s legacy. She had such a passion for Johannesburg and was always telling me about new venues we could visit to sketch. I miss her greatly."
MARYAM SANATKARAN
For seasoned photographer Sanatkaran, Johannesburg’s streets offered a long-awaited sense of freedom and inspiration: "I am Persian, born in Nigeria and moved to Joburg a year ago. I have been friends and colleagues with Mark for almost twenty years and I’ve been taking pictures for the last fifteen. I only joined the Photowalkers about a year ago but I have been attending walks with Clare for years. I love this city but I struggle to find people to go in and take urban pictures with me. I’m a big fan of street photography and shooting in the streets of Johannesburg felt like freedom – a dream come true to walk my own city like the photographers of London and Europe, capturing its soul for the world to see."
REGAN LEVENDALE ('KULLRD PHOTOGRAPHY')
Levendale reflects on the city’s shifting atmosphere: "I joined the Photowalkers in 2022/2023 so I’m fairly new to the group of amazing photographers who I learn from and inspire me to think outside of the box and explore the city with fresh eyes.
I don’t usually go into the Joburg CBD on the weekend but it was a different city compared to during the work week. The buildings had a different look and feel. The cherry on top was the City Library reopening - a majestic architectural building housing stories and tales, but also history, beauty and grace. It was a day to remember and cherish."
ESTHER LOUW
For Louw, the Women’s Day outing revealed Johannesburg in a new light: "I am an amateur photographer from Centurion and joined Mark and the group for the Women’s Day opening. It was a mind-blowing new experience that exceeded my expectations. I learned so much – about history, different cultures and beliefs, and even about photography itself.
Mark guides and advises us while he shares his hidden treasures. The group is mainly from Johannesburg, but very diverse. However, we all go on the walks with the aim of capturing the special moments. Not to make money off of it, but for the love of photography. This unites us despite background, race, origin or language.
I have now seen Johannesburg from a totally new perspective. The people are so wonderful and friendly. Whether you’re in the inner city, the suburbs, or photographing the Northcliff Water Tower, it is always a delight.
I am thankful for people like Mark that are so willing to facilitate the walks and open a whole new world for us."
CLARE APPLEYARD
For Photowalkers veteran Appleyard, the return to the city centre stirred memories of the group’s early days: "If I recall, my first walk with the Joburg Photowalkers was in 2011. It was a night-time shoot under the M1 bridge in Newtown and introduced me to the community that is still going strong today. Sadly, many of the old members whom I met on that first walk have passed away. The group is a great way to meet enthusiastic photographers and allows one to take advantage of the "safety in numbers" concept when you're photographing Johannesburg. Saturday was the first time that I hit the CBD streets in over a year and I must say, it was good to be back. There's a vibe and an energy about downtown that is hard to explain. It's gritty, it's edgy, and, whilst it's far from perfect, it's a city I love. Spending a brief couple of hours there on Saturday has inspired me to get back to it more often, to capture what I love.”
The Joburg Photowalkers continue to offer more than just photography outings – they create a space for connection, discovery, and shared passion. From first-time participants seeking adventure to seasoned members revisiting familiar streets with fresh eyes, each walk celebrates the city’s unpolished and offbeat beauty. These walks reveal a Johannesburg as alive and vibrant as those ardent enough to capture it. Get in touch with the group here: Joburg Photowalkers.
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In photos: Joburg City Centre with the Johannesburg Photowalkers
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