Pexels photowalk meetup Stockholm: Horror at Humlegården

Creativity thrives in good company, which is why I love joining these photowalks.

Introduction

On October 25th I joined the Pexels Autumn Meetup in Stockholm, hosted by Aleks Magnusson. What better way to spend a Saturday than being out with like-minded people, exploring new photography locations, and learning new styles and techniques.

Aleks leading the group towards the first photo spot.

Info about the event:

Pexels Meetup: Autumn Photowalk. Horror at Humlegården

Location: Svampen, Stockholm → Photowalk through Humlegården
Date: Saturday, October 25th at 2:00 PM
Theme: Autumn Photowalk: Horror at Humlegården
Host: Aleks Magnusson
Who’s it for: Open to all levels, from beginners and hobbyists to experienced creators
Free to join. Ages 18+
View the official event page →

1. Unplanned encounters

Some of the most memorable photos came from completely unplanned moments.
While crossing a side street in Östermalm, a couple of guys appeared out of nowhere, wearing mushroom hats… and wearing them with style. They weren’t part of our group, but they became instant subjects. I love these types of random interactions that make street photography what it is: unfiltered, quick, and unpredictable.

People crossing a street on a grey autumn day in Östermalm

Two men in suits, sunglasses and red and white mushroom hats

Two men in suits and mushroom hats posing beside a stone pillar

2. Humlegården photo challenge

The group met at Östermalm, then walked over to Humlegården with cameras and equipment in hand where Aleks organised a team based photo challenge to snap a Halloween-style photo in 15 mins. This type of challenge helped us all think outside of our usual photography styles, as well as collaborate and learn from each other.

We had masks, smoke, candles and other props to help us get creative. Aleks also brought along a DJI drone and softbox for us to try out.

A photographer holding up an old doll and a red candle while others take photos in the trees

A drone hovering in front of blurred photographers in Humlegården

A painted doll with a candle in low light

3. Pumpkins

Later at Östermalmstorg, I stopped by a small outdoor stall selling pumpkins and seasonal decorations. The textures, colours, and soft afternoon light made for good conditions to test out the colours that my Fujifilm X-T5 can produce.

Orange pumpkins piled together

Striped green, yellow and orange ornamental gourds piled together

4. The second unplanned encounter

Not long after, we spotted Mada S Aly, who was filming one of his viral TikTok dance videos on Riddargatan, by the Army Museum. He ended up posing for a few of us, and I took some flash-style fashion shots that played with contrast and motion.

Photographers gathering round a man in a pink cap holding an umbrella against a brick wall

A smiling man in a pink cap holding an umbrella in front of a brick wall

A man in a pink cap and black coat holding an umbrella, looking to the side

5. Corpse Bride at the Theatre

Then Mariia Glade modelled in a Corpse Bride-inspired outfit in front of the theatre, a creative twist that added an unexpected cinematic tone to the day.

Black and white portrait of a woman dressed as the Corpse Bride, with a veil and curled hair

A woman in a white dress and veil posing beside carved stone columns at the theatre

Summary and reflections

I’ve been to a few of these types of meetups in Stockholm now, and what I always take away is the same: you learn something new each time, whether it’s a technical tip, a new way of seeing light, or just the value of connecting with people through photography.

Huge thanks to Pexels and Aleks Magnusson for putting these together. Every time, I walk away inspired, not just by the photos I take, but by the people I meet and the creative energy that you get from these walks.

If you want to know more about upcoming events, or you’re interested in collaborating on some photography, get in touch!

Get in touch