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Researching your chosen route is essential before you start,

so it’s important to look at some maps. All maps are segmented

into different territories – be they national, regional or political.

Yet, as the notorious name of Area 51 suggests, some of

these enclosures have a meaning that goes beyond the

purely descriptive.

Look at maps of your local area and see if there’s a section

that has its own unique folklore. See how that may contribute

to your shoot. Look in local libraries and online local historical

societies for information about the recent past. This kind of

research will always unearth stories, buildings and former sites

that may still be lingering on today, but largely unrecognised.

This example of discarded bathroom scales being slowly

sucked in by the encroaching bog was shot in an area of

Achill Island, a place formerly renowned for hardship, rural

depopulation and famine.

If you are inspired by books, explorers or travel writers then

remaking a known walk is a great way of defining your project

territory. With the benefit of a script, you can visit places that have

sparked your interest, then record, collect and mix new and old

together. If you’ve got the overseas walking bug, then check out

inspiring writers such as Bruce Chatwin and artist Richard Long.

This example, shot in Greece’s unspoilt Mani region, was taken

along a walk made in the footsteps of writer Patrick Leigh Fermor.

Many of the best projects have taken place when the

photographer tackles the subject as a complete outsider. Without

the burden of prejudice or familiarity you’ll see a new location in a

way that a local resident can’t.

A great way to run a new project is to pick a location that you’ve

never visited before, set yourself a time limit – then go. Take note

of everything you see, inside and out, wide and detailed. This

example was shot inside at an overnight rural stopover.

AREA 51

REMAKING A LITERARY WALK VISIT AS AN OUTSIDER

SECTION 2: DECIDING ON YOUR SCOPE

Without a framework, many photographic projects would spread out, meander and spiral off into irrelevant territories,

so it’s a good idea to set out some boundaries before you start your walk.

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