Under perfect weather conditions, our photography group set out for the charming old town of Soest. We planned to meet around noon, and despite a few minutes’ delay, everyone—around 15 photographers and models—arrived and gathered at the parking lot.
The goal of the day was simple yet exciting: explore the historic center while ensuring that every photographer had the chance to work with each model at least once. To make this happen, we organized into small rotating groups. Each session lasted about two hours, during which we explored various locations across the city. After each time slot, we reconvened, reshuffled the groups, and set off again. In total, we managed two full rounds of shooting—enough to leave everyone creatively fulfilled, but also physically tired.
The day demanded a lot: walking with gear, thinking creatively on the spot, scouting locations, and bringing image concepts to life. Yet it was exactly this mix of improvisation and interaction that made the experience so rewarding. At times, spontaneity led to the best moments—like unexpected encounters with curious passersby who unknowingly walked into our frames. Some of these interactions turned into conversations, photo exchanges, and even sparked interest in our group.
There were also impromptu stops that added to the charm: we photographed in a church we happened to pass by, made use of a cozy bar as a backdrop, and even turned a pop-up car showroom into an urban fashion set. These spontaneous settings often led to the most unique shots and even some new connections.
We wrapped up the day with a shared meal at a local restaurant, reflecting on the experience and exchanging first impressions of the images captured. Now, the photographers begin their post-processing work—sorting, editing, and preparing to share the results with the models.
We’re already looking forward to the next event. Until then, it’s back to the editing suite!