Photo Safari

Purpose

Photo Safari sends teams out to photograph items, scenes, or concepts from a creative challenge list within a set time and area. It develops observation skills, creative thinking, teamwork, and time management. The exercise gets people moving, exploring their environment with fresh eyes, and collaborating on artistic interpretation. It works equally well in urban, campus, or nature settings.

At a glance

• Group size: 6–40 participants (teams of 3–5)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Facilitation style: Briefing with autonomous exploration
• Setting: Outdoors or indoors; any interesting environment

How to run

1. Brief (5 min): Distribute the photo challenge list. Examples: something that represents teamwork, the most interesting texture, a shadow that tells a story, your team spelling a word with their bodies.
2. Explore and shoot (40 min): Teams roam within boundaries. Set a firm return time. All team members must appear in at least one photo.
3. Gallery and judging (15 min): Teams present their best photos. Categories: most creative, funniest, best interpretation. Vote or let a panel judge.

Materials needed

• Smartphones with cameras (at least one per team)
• Printed challenge list (one per team)
• Timer
• Projector or screen for the gallery review (optional but recommended)

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Challenge list too literal: Make the prompts open to interpretation. Photograph a red object is boring. Photograph something that represents courage is engaging.
• Area too large: Set clear boundaries. If teams wander too far, they miss the deadline.
• No gallery review: Sharing photos is the social payoff. Never skip it.
• Ignoring team safety: Set buddy rules. No one should explore alone.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Ensure the exploration area is accessible for all mobility levels.
• Allow teams to choose their own pace — no running required.
• Participants who cannot photograph can direct, frame shots, or provide creative ideas.

Variations

• Video Safari: Instead of photos, teams create 30-second videos.
• Nature Photo Safari: Focus on natural elements — textures, patterns, wildlife signs.
• Storytelling Safari: Photos must form a narrative when presented in sequence.

When NOT to use this

• In extreme weather without shelter options.
• In private or restricted areas without permission.
• When participants are uncomfortable being photographed — offer opt-out for appearing in images.

Source & further reading

• Various experiential education and corporate team-building resources.
• Photography education guides on creative prompts.