Walks

Since I began taking photos, I’ve found that my most meaningful experiences often come during spontaneous walks. There’s a simple urge to step outside, break away from the routine of daily life, and explore with my camera in hand. I often hop on a nearby train or bus, riding until something outside the window catches my eye. When I see something interesting, I get off and wander, open to whatever I might discover.

In these moments, my surroundings shift; the familiar becomes new, and I feel a sense of adventure similar to traveling in an unfamiliar place. This feeling of novelty sparks my curiosity and sharpens my awareness. Ideas flow more freely, often inspired by the sights and sounds around me. I find myself taking photos of anything that intrigues me, from the way light falls on the pavement to everyday scenes unfolding before me. Sometimes, I return home without capturing a single image, yet I still feel fulfilled, having taken time for reflection.

A chance encounter with a friend deepened my understanding of this practice. He described his own spontaneous outings as a “dérive”, a term I later learned comes from the Situationist International movement. Coined by Guy Debord in 1956, dérive refers to an unstructured journey guided by curiosity rather than a specific destination. Debord suggested that this practice allows individuals to break free from the monotony and predictability of modern existence in advanced capitalism.

I find truth in this idea. My walks often lead me into new and unfamiliar territory, both physically and mentally. Without the constraints of specific projects or assignments, I let my mind and camera wander toward whatever captures my interest in the moment. The images I take often reflect my mood and thoughts during these outings, but they also tend to be more whimsical and less focused on composition and meaning. In these moments, I feel liberated from the rules I usually impose on myself when creating art.

In a time when our lives are increasingly dictated by consumerism, work and routine, it’s reassuring to know that the simple act of taking a walk can provide a much-needed escape.

Justus Lemm is part of Issue 17 by Guest Editor Torbjørn Rødland.

Check out his Artist Feature Lithics.