Around a dozen photographers looked through their viewfinders as the sun began to set around Norse Way on May 10. Their lenses pointed toward flowers, shops and interesting architecture along the way.
During the monthly meetup, Long Beach Night Walks, photographers ranging in experience from first-time amateurs to professionals gather in different areas of Long Beach to take photos together.
“One of my favorite things is just going out and doing something that I love, and being around people that love the same thing that I do,” said Sirley Ramirez. “It’s really exciting.”
Long Beach Night Walks is the brainchild of local photographer Travis Stock-Tucker. After living in Long Beach for 13 years, Stock-Tucker set a goal to meet other creatives while giving back to the community.
“I’ve never really connected with the other photographers and what I wanted to do,” Stock-Tucker said.
Stock-Tucker inherited his love of photography from his grandmother, who bought him his first 35mm camera when he was 7 years old, and captured the moment he unwrapped it on her own camera.
His grandmother could always be seen on the periphery of family events clicking away on her camera. Throughout her life, she amassed a personal collection of thousands of photos.
Inspired by his grandmother’s passion, Stock-Tucker has continued taking photos and building his unique style for over 20 years, and is now sharing the art form with others. Stock-Tucker said his photos are typically darker night shots using long exposure.
During the last Long Beach Night Walk on May 10, participants formed a loose circle as Stock-Tucker explained the guidelines for the evening, which included announcing the monthly theme, “service,” and instructions to respect local business owners who may not want their establishments photographed. In line with the theme, some photographers focused on tables where people could be served, with others peeking through shop windows to take photos of the services offered within.
At each Long Beach Night Walk, photographers are invited to take photos based on the theme and submit them to Stock-Tucker, and the best one is recognized. Last month, Ramirez took the best photo for the theme “pastels,” with her photo of the Aquarium of the Pacific during sunset.
Stock-Tucker said Ramirez is a new photographer using her first camera, and has become a regular fixture at Long Beach Night Walks.
Among the other burgeoning photographers at May’s Long Beach Night Walks was 9-year-old Julien Del Solar, who was still wearing his elementary school uniform as he walked along Norse Village Way taking photos with his father.
“For me to help somebody that’s brand new, that’s probably my favorite part,” Stock-Tucker said.
Long Beach Night Walks take place on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To learn the location of each meet-up, visit @happilybeardedafter on Instagram.
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