What we’re about
At least once a month at HoustonPhotowalks.com, we drum up some crazy idea for a place to photograph and practice our photo techniques. We're a fun bunch, no pressure, no stress. Come ready to learn and share what you know among other photographers.
Check out our Member Discounts, Sponsors and other cool stuff on our Good Stuff page: https://houstonphotowalks.com/member-perks/
This group is perfect for new camera owners, novice hobby photographers, and old dogs that have been shooting photos for a long time.
Our group has 3 main principles that guide our way:
• Fun and Safe (we want you to have a great time, and not die).
• Honor the amateur photography clubs that came before us. Their enthusiastic interest in photography paved the way for the technology evolution that allows us to capture light today.
• Education, of ourselves, each other and the community. We learn our best techniques from each other, and we teach the community that photographers aren't jerks, criminals or terrorists.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Photowalk: 12 Hours Overnight Inside the Abandoned Yorktown HospitalYorktown Memorial Hospital, Yorktown, TX$60.44
Surprise! We didn’t think we’d be able to return because of the rental cost. But the new owners heard how well our past visits went and offered us a special weekday rate. That means we can bring up to 15 people for an overnight photo adventure!
Sign up early and save. To cover our rental costs, we need to collect the money in advance. So, the cost will double one month before the event date. Please sign up early!
I shared some pictures from previous events on our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/houstonphotowalks/permalink/7329167453772289/
Explore & Shoot: 12 Hours Overnight at Yorktown Memorial Hospital
Join us for a thrilling overnight photowalk inside the long-abandoned Yorktown Memorial Hospital in Yorktown, Texas. No electricity, no plumbing, just pure exploring and shooting. Perfect for practicing low-light, flashlight, and light‑painting techniques.
WHY PHOTOWALK AT YORKTOWN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL?
This location has a real story—and character.
- The hospital was built in 1950 by the Felician Sisters and opened in 1951; it served the community until 1986, leaving behind a haunting, frozen-in-time building for us to explore.
- The building is entirely pitch‑black at night—no lighting at all—great for honing low-light compositions, light painting, and flashlight techniques in a challenging environment.
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
Come spend the night with fellow photographers in this captivating, eerie setting. We'll kick off at 8 PM, meet the caretaker, sign waivers, and get the lowdown on touring. Then it’s lights‑out photo time until 8 AM! Our guide will escort the group initially, pointing out notable sites like the chapel, basement, wings, and boiler room, then give you time to explore and shoot at your own pace.
At this time of night, the hospital’s long corridors, peeling paint, and shadowed doorways take on new life, great for moody, atmospheric shots. Since there’s no power on site, bring headlamps, flashlights, and creative lighting tools to paint your images with light.
Although often called "the most haunted hospital in Texas," our focus is purely on the creative and historical, it’s about capturing atmosphere, not chasing ghosts. But if you feel a chill in the chapel or flicker of movement, feel free to make it part of your photographic story!
This experience is suitable for photographers of all levels, but it's strongly encourraged for you to practice your lowlight photography skills prior to the shoot. If it’s on your list to push your low-light game, this is your playground. ☺️
IMPORTANT INFO:
- Liability waiver is required before entry.
- Due to the small group size we are allowed to bring in, this is a photography & photographer's experience only, please don't bring +1s.
- Wear sturdy shoes—uneven floors and debris abound.
- Bring a flashlight/headlamp—mandatory gear.
- NO BATHROOMS - There is a 24 hour store around the corner.
- No electricity, plumbing, bathrooms, or running water on site, plan ahead.
- Food is not allowed inside. Personal reusable (not disposable) water bottles are allowed. No trash or leaving anything behind please.
- Certain areas are blocked off with grates—do not cross.
- The boiler room may be off-limits if it’s rained recently.
- If you leave early (before 8 AM), LET JOE KNOW so we aren't searching for your body for no reason.
- The Building Caretaker may enter at any time to check on safety and compliance.
PARKING:
Free parking is available directly in front of the hospital. It’s easy to access, but since the property is remote with no amenities, consider planning for the full 12 hours or booking a local hotel if you're not staying the whole time.
RSVP AND PAYMENT INFO:
- If you need to change your RSVP, please post a comment so others know a spot’s open.
- If the event fills, post "I want to go, let me know if there's an opening" in comments. Meetup will email you if someone posts a message because they drop out.
- Rain or shine, no refunds, no transfers.
- See (our FAQ webpage)[https://houstonphotowalks.com/faq/] for Payment, RSVP, and other questions.
- Organizers may not see emails/texts/comments during events.
