A photo scavenger hunt is a list of things to find and photograph on a walk, alone or with a friend. There is nothing to print and nothing to buy. This list is written for adults and for an ordinary walk, with one photo per item. If you want an app that keeps place and time in each photo, there is Glenby.
How to play in two minutes
Pick five items from the list. Take one photo of each as you walk. At the end, look through the five photos and share the ones you like. Alone, you collect. With a friend, you can each pick five and swap lists.
Nature close by
- A leaf with a visible pattern of veins.
- A tree with bark you want to touch.
- Something that grows out of a wall or a crack.
- A bird, or a feather.
- A shape in the clouds.
- A puddle with a reflection.
- A seed, a nut or a pinecone.
- Moss on something unexpected.
- A stone with a line, a crystal or a colour that surprised you.
- The smallest living thing you can find.
Streets and city
- A door with character.
- A sign that has aged badly.
- A shadow that makes a better shape than the thing casting it.
- A bench someone chose well.
- Something painted by hand.
- A window with something in it.
- Three different greens in one frame.
- A place you walk past daily and never looked at.
Seasons
- Autumn: a tree halfway between green and colour. If you are looking for a fall scavenger hunt, this is the section to use.
- Autumn: the first leaf on a pavement.
- Winter: frost or breath in the air.
- Spring: the first flower in a place it should not be.
- Spring: something that just opened.
- Summer: the longest shadow at the end of the day.
- Any season: light through leaves.
Making it honest
Part of the fun is knowing a photo shows where and when you were. Glenby is an Android app by Senorit built on this idea: each photo carries place and time, and each day brings one or two small tasks. It is for adults, 18 and over, and free to start. The app's own site is glenby.de, and for more on the idea see microadventure ideas.
A word on safety
Tell someone where you are going, check the weather and keep to paths you know. These are general tips. Glenby's Back safely feature can send your last known location to one person you choose if you go quiet, but it does not replace planning.
Questions and answers
What do you do on a photo scavenger hunt?
You find items from a list and photograph each one.
Are there scavenger hunts for adults?
Yes. The list above is meant for adults on a normal walk.
What can you find on a nature walk?
Leaves, bark, birds, seeds, moss, puddles and stones. The list has more.