Shutterbugs get to know the city and each other on monthly photography walks around town
Written by ALLISON STICE
Photography by ZACH WALLER and MONTAVIOUS BROWN
IN SAVANNAH, a city famous for its picturesque landscapes, a group of photography enthusiasts is proving that a camera can be more than just a tool for capturing moments — it can also be a gateway to community. The Savannah Photo Club (@savannahphotoclub on Instagram), founded by Daniel White, Joshua Lindsey and Randall Lyvers, has become a focal point for both newcomers and longtime residents looking to explore the city, gain a fresh perspective on familiar surroundings or find their place in a new environment.
On the third Sunday of every month, the club hosts a walk that begins at rotating locations, such as Float Coffee in the Starland District, Origin Coffee Bar in west Savannah and PERC Coffee, 2024 Runner-Up Best Coffee Roaster, on the east side. At a recent gathering at Waters Café in Midtown, a crowd of more than 50 photographers wrapped around the brightly colored building — a burst of popularity from the club’s initial 10 or so participants when it began less than a year ago, Lyvers says, and proof that Savannah needed just this kind of group.
“I love hearing someone who hasn’t picked up their camera in a long time say they were inspired to [do so] because of the club. Reigniting someone’s passion in the craft — that, to me, is the best thing.”
— Randall Lyvers, co-founder of Savannah Photo Club
“Savannah is a very transient town, and a lot of people aren’t from here originally,” says Lyvers, who hails from Baltimore, Maryland, and is the general manager at PERC. “So it’s cool to have a place where people from a lot of different walks of life and places can come together and get to know each other.”
Zach Waller, who moved to Savannah without knowing anyone, arrived at a photo walk toting his Fujifilm X-T5 and began snapping portraits of fellow members. As a remote worker, Waller says the club has helped him make connections in a new city. He also appreciates how it welcomes all skill levels; Waller just began practicing his new hobby last October.
The diversity of gear on display at these meetups is a testament to the club’s inclusive spirit. From cutting-edge digital cameras to quirky options like the Lomography Colorsplash, which infuses pictures with vibrant hues for trippy effects, participants bring whatever tools they have to capture Savannah’s essence. Even smartphones are welcome. Clinton Edminster, owner of Waters Café and Starlandia Art Supply, joined in with a charmingly temperamental film camera that he estimates only works one-third of the time.
Lozzie Kennedy, a recent transplant from Chicago, says the monthly walks help solve a familiar quandary: how to make new friends as an adult. “When you’re not in school, where do you meet people who have similar interests?” she asks. “Here, everyone understands why we do strange things like get on the ground or climb a tree to get the perfect shot.”
After about an hour of sipping beverages and chatting, the Savannah Photo Club poses for a group photo (naturally) before setting off on foot. From there, some will branch off while others stick close by, turning the lens on each other. In addition to making connections with fellow photographers, the monthly walks provide a unique way to explore Savannah’s neighborhoods and interact with locals. Some members have challenged themselves to grow their skills by asking strangers for portraits, Lyvers says.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect for Lyvers is witnessing the rekindling of passion among participants. “I love hearing someone who hasn’t picked up their camera in a long time say they were inspired to [do so] because of the club,” he shares. “Reigniting someone’s passion in the craft — that, to me, is the best thing.”
