Every year, the city of Antwerp transforms for Darklands. While the main festival takes place indoors, the energy absolutely spills out onto the city’s streets. One of the most vibrant public moments is the annual puppy walk.
Last March, I decided to head out with my camera to document this event. My goal was not just to take standard event photos. I wanted to approach it with a pure street photography mindset.
I was looking for candid moments, interesting contrasts, and unique interactions between the participants and Antwerp’s everyday environment.
Capturing the atmosphere on the streets
Antwerp is already a fantastic city for street photography. The historic buildings and narrow alleys provide a great backdrop. But when you introduce hundreds of people wearing brightly colored neoprene masks, leather gear, and tails, the visual dynamic changes completely.
The contrast is what drew me in the most. You have tourists doing their weekend shopping, locals sitting outside coffee shops, and, right alongside them, a parade of people fully embracing their puppy personas. As a street photographer, these are the moments you actively look for. It is a break from the ordinary.
I spent the first few minutes just observing the crowd. When you do street photography at a specific gathering, it is easy to get overwhelmed by how much is happening. I had to force myself to slow down and look for individual stories within the massive group.
My approach to photographing the puppy walk
Whenever I photograph people in public, respect is my top priority. This is especially true at an event tied to a specific subculture. The puppy community is incredibly welcoming and playful, which translates beautifully on camera.
Many participants were happy to pose when they saw my lens pointed at them. While I appreciate a good portrait, I was really hunting for those unposed, in-between moments. I wanted to capture the genuine interactions. The way a handler guided their pup, the shared laughs between friends, and the quiet moments of rest along the route.
To get these shots, I relied on the techniques I use for my everyday Antwerp street photography. I anticipated where the crowd was moving, found pockets of good light, and waited for the subjects to walk into my frame. Using the frame-in-frame technique worked really well here to isolate subjects within the busy crowds.
The gear I used for the day
For an event like this, you need to be light and mobile. You are constantly walking backward, weaving through crowds, and reacting to sudden bursts of action.
I stuck to a simple mirrorless setup. I prefer using a single prime lens for street photography because it removes the hesitation of zooming. It forces you to move your feet. I went for my trusty Nikon Z7II with a 28mm lens.
Looking back at the images
Going through these photos a few weeks after the event gave me a fresh perspective on the day. Sometimes you need to let your images sit for a while before you can truly see which ones work best.
The photos from last March show a city that is open, diverse, and full of life. The Darklands puppy walk is a great reminder that street photography does not always have to be serious or moody. It can be colorful, playful, and completely unexpected.
I am already looking forward to seeing how the event evolves next year. Until then, I will keep walking the streets of Antwerp looking for the next interesting moment.
