Coolest new social trend isn't partying, it's waking up at 5 AM: Rise of photo walks among youngsters

Shambhavi Dixit | May 28, 2026, 17:19 IST
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There was a time when street photography was a niche hobby for professional photographers exploring the mundane lives of people, but now it is slowly being embraced by Gen Z.

One click on a random street and say cheese! The rise of photo walks among youngsters <br>
Image credit : ChatGPT | The rise of photo walking communities among youngsters is redefining the culture of street photography in India.
One random weekend spent, walking through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk with a DSLR in one hand and endless conversations about photography in the other is all a photography lover could ask for. What once felt like a distant dream has now slowly become a reality. As community-based activities continue to rise among Gen Z, niche hobbies like photography are also finding their place in this generation’s social culture.


Across the country, photography clubs and communities are bringing together people who share a passion for capturing moments. These groups curate photo walks across cities, allowing like-minded individuals to explore streets, markets, and heritage spots through the lens of a camera.

During these photo walks, people not only click photographs but also exchange stories, discuss history, learn about framing, and connect over a shared creative interest. The photographs they carry back home are not just images; they hold memories, experiences, and conversations attached to every frame.

Here are some of the best photo walk communities across India that every photography enthusiast should experience.

Photo Walks India

​One click on a random street and say cheese! The rise of photo walks among youngsters
Image credit : Photowalksindia | Photo Walks India is a community that curates photowalks across various cities in India.
Photo Walks India is a widely known community that curates photo walks across various cities in India. It offers photography enthusiasts an opportunity to create stories through pictures, based on the belief that every photograph carries a story within it. The community consists of experienced hobbyist photographers who explore different places and hidden lanes before carefully hand-picking them for photo walks.


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Most of these photo walks are conducted early in the morning or at night, when the streets are quieter, and the city reflects its most authentic and ordinary lifestyle. From local markets to narrow alleys, participants get a chance to capture the raw essence of everyday life while interacting with like-minded people who share a passion for street photography.

Delhi Photography Club (DPC)

​One click on a random street and say cheese! The rise of photo walks among youngsters
Image credit : iamdpc | Delhi Photography club is a growing community bringing photography lovers together in the streets and heritage of the Delhi city.
Delhi Photography Club (DPC) is one of the most recognised photography communities in the capital city. It is widely known for organising heritage and nature photo walks across different parts of Delhi. The community includes several experienced photography enthusiasts, including Avanish Dureha, a Greater Noida-based wildlife photographer with more than four decades of experience.

DPC encourages amateur photographers to capture and appreciate the decades-old architectural beauty and cultural heritage of Delhi. Beyond photo walks, the club also conducts photography courses, workshops and interactive sessions that help participants improve their technical and creative skills.

Photowalks Mumbai

​One click on a random street and say cheese! The rise of photo walks among youngsters
Image credit : Photowalksmumbai | Photo Walks Mumbai is a growing community bringing photography lovers together through photowalks in the city of Mumbai.
It is a widely known photography community in the city of Mumbai that curates photo walks every weekend, usually during the early morning hours. These walks are organised in iconic locations such as Dadar Flower Market, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and many other vibrant corners of the city.


The photo walks are not limited to simply capturing moments through a camera lens; they also focus on exploring the history and untold stories behind each place. Guided by renowned photographer and storyteller Anurag Kukrety, participants get the opportunity to discover Mumbai beyond its usual image. From the quiet Parsi lanes to the bustling Chor Bazaar, these walks allow photography enthusiasts to explore the hidden character and cultural depth of the city.

Basil Hashmi photo walks

Widely recognised photographer Basil Hashmi curates special photo walks through the old city of Lucknow. These walks allow photography enthusiasts to step into the visual grandeur of Lucknow’s nawabi past while exploring the hidden narrow lanes of the city.

The experience feels slow-paced, observational and deeply engaging, allowing participants to appreciate the architectural beauty and cultural essence of Awadh that still survives in the city’s old spaces. Through these photo walks, people not only capture photographs but also witness the timeless charm and history woven into the streets of old Lucknow.


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In a world where finding free time has become increasingly difficult, youngsters are now choosing to spend their weekends on activities that feel meaningful and creatively fulfilling. Community-driven spaces like photowalks help people reconnect with their inner creativity and talents, something that often gets lost in the fast-paced corporate lifestyle. Street photography is one such hidden talent many people possess without even realising it, and these spaces encourage them to discover and nurture it.
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