As Covid struck last year, and we began to go into the subsequent lockdowns, I found myself working from home and suffering cabin fever with no inspiration to go out. I decided to use Local Guides as a driver to get out, walk the dog and do something valuable… all at the same time. With this in mind, I thought i would share my experiences.
I decided to start close to home, walking along high streets with lots of shops and opportunities to add photos. My iPhone 11 is well suited to this task as the multiple cameras including the 2x zoom and 0.5 zoom allow photo opportunities from positions not previously available. I quickly found that while 99% of shops have google maps listings, they seem to be split into those with lots of “glossy” photos of staff stood outside with balloons/DSLR shots of stock/food, and the other end of the spectrum where they haven’t added any photos and just have a poor quality street view image (often not even showing the shop).
- (Example of the 2x zoom which allows you to get the whole building in focus from across the street)
2. (example of the 0.5 lens which allows you to capture a large building from a close proximity)
The number of views on my photos suggests a few things which are probably a reflection of the change of habits as a result of lockdown. Notably, People seem to be viewing takeaways, cafes and other places which offer delivery services. This is probably representative of the huge increase from places like Just Eat who don’t show any photos of the shop. Parks seem surprisingly popular too. It’s not the photos you think will be popular, that are popular.
I try to plan my walking route in advance, walking on both sides of the road and taking a mixture of pictures and videos depending on what’s most useful. The 2x zoom allows you to take photos across the street with the whole shop front in view while the 0.5 zoom allows you to take a (slightly distorted) close up image. I try to cover all signed businesses and then add them later when I get home.
The nature of businesses makes for a slight challenge as shops with a night-time trade are often shuttered up, so a second evening walk will be necessary in most instances.
Lockdown offers opportunity to take photos of shops without the huge number of pedestrians stood in the way. My background in urban design and lots of urban sketching have led me to become confident in how to handle the challenge of photographing public spaces. I always try to respect other people’s personal privacy and try to position myself in such a way as not to cause upset. Timing is key.
Personally I’m looking forward to a time when I can start to go back into shops, bars and cafes and I will endeavour to continue adding to the maps within these places. But in the meantime I think I’m doing something useful that will be helpful to others and getting out and about in the process. The dog is also really enjoying all the walks… though I think stopping and starting to take photos all the time may be confusing her 
Also, your lock down experience reminds of 
Well done and keep up the great work!