Sunday, March 2, 2014

London Street Photography Walk

I've been limping around in pain for the past few weeks.
Matt thinks that I'm just trying to one-up his dislocated knee.
But, according to Dr. Google, I'm suffering from Retrocalcaneal Bursitis.
It's also known as "pump bump" which I find pretty ironic
as I haven't worn heels since I moved to London.

All I know is that it hurts and makes me hobble like an old lady.
I'm pretty much over it.

A few weekends ago, I hobbled my way through a  

Our guide for the day was Stuart Beesley who is an incredible photographer
as well as a great teacher and encourager.
(Not to mention 2010 Travel Photographer of the year.)

We didn't focus on the technical stuff or the camera settings.
The six of us all had different cameras and often people just use their cell phones on the tour.

Instead, we focused on expanding our eye, finding inspiration
and stretching our comfort zones when shooting out on the street.

As we walked through Camden Market and Primrose Hill,
Stu gave us simple assignments and then 15-20 minutes to see what we could come up with.
He was always close by with a suggestion or feedback.

The first assignment was pretty easy.
I'll see if you can figure out what my instructions were.
A bustling place like Camden Market can be very overwhelming.
Sometimes you just get into Point & Click Mode.  This assignment trained us to focus on the details.

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

 This next assignment was my favorite and it's definitely something that I want to explore further.
As we walked up and down the High Street, we were told to pay attention to the reflections.
Lighting, architecture, color and people.  Everything seemed to suddenly pop
when viewing it through a pane of glass.  Pretty cool, huh?

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

There were several assignments that were extremely challenging for me.
But, I'm so glad that I did them.  I really struggle with taking photographs of people.
I feel very conspicuous and naughty.   And I ALWAYS get caught and often yelled at.

Stu said I should just relax, act confident and calm.  Like I might actually know what I'm doing.
This was extremely challenging for me (because I don't actually know what I'm doing.)

I'm sure I had this crazed, stalker smile on my face.
And, to make matters worse, my Nikon has a loud, satisfying CLICK whenever I take a picture.

So just imagine.  The limp.  The crazy smile.  And the loud clicking noise.
Not very stealth like, I can assure you.
I did get a few sneaky shots, usually of people's backsides.  (Cuz that's not creepy at all.)

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

But, mostly I just got caught, so then I'd bolt away.
(Well, not actually bolt, because remember?  The limp.)
 You know this guy is thinking "Why the hell is that lady limping around,
taking pictures of us with that weird, frightened smile on her face? Stalker much?"

Fox & Squirrel London Street Photography Walk

We ended up back at Camden Market for our final project.
I'm convinced that I was being trailed by two security guys because of my suspicious behavior. 

I'm proud to say that I completed each and every assignment.
I now have some tricks up my sleeve for finding inspiration and interesting shots.
More importantly, I spent some time outside of my Camera Comfort Zone
 and gained some much needed experience in getting more people in my shots. 

Which is a really good thing, because let's face it,
as beautiful as places are, the best stories are always in the people.


Fox & Squirrel offer a variety of London Walks including
Art Walks, Architecture Walks, as well as Fashion, Film and Food Walks.
The Street Photography Walk starts at 12 noon and ends at 3:30pm and costs £50.


How do you feel about photographing people out on the streets?
 Any tips and tricks to getting great shots without offending?




  *I was a guest of Fox & Squirrel for the purposes of review.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.


33 comments:

  1. You do make me laugh Selena. This is a very interesting and at the same time funny post! X

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  2. Taking photographs of people is what I struggle with too - its different if they are willing, but that is what I find the hardest about street photography. I love the idea of the looking through the glass! I bet it was a fun day to experience!

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  3. Love your photos! I find it difficult to photograph random people too! I always expect to be yelled at! We live nearby and I always wind up with photos of dogs on Primrose Hill because it is less creepy than being seen as a people stalker. Unfortunately dogs are pretty bad subjects as they move all the time!

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  4. This is great. I'd definitely be interested in doing something like this when I'm back in England one day. I like the idea of focusing on a colour, or a certain object (doors, for instance) but I never think about it when I'm out and about. Taking photos of people really bothers me too. I feel so intrusive.

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  5. I too like the idea of taking photos through glass. I have tried this occasionally.

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  6. You're writing is brilliant, you always make me laugh! When a reader reads your blog, your personality shines completely through. I do have to say that I have pain in my heel as well, is that what that is??? That big fancy word? Well. Just ow. We should both take our butts to the Doctor. Mine only hurts in the mornings usually... Also, I love your photography, I always have, but I did see a difference in this blog, you photographed the less than obvious, I like that.
    See you in a week,
    Tammy x

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  7. I'm just having another glance over your photos and I'm inspired. I will do this walk on when I'm over. I could see part of London I've not been and be inspired all in one go!
    Thank you Selena!
    Have a wonderful week,
    Tammy x

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  8. Really great. I love the one of the two girls with one foot each up on the ledge!

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  9. Ok so I think you take wonderful pictures but picturing you with your limp and smile was hilarious

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  10. I love this post, it made me laugh! It sounds like a fabulous photo tour and I'd like to take one myself someday. I'm awful at taking photos and not so discreet either. I'll have to keep some of these tips in mind next time I'm out with my camera.

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  11. These are FANTASTIC photos, Selena! You should be proud of your "stealthy" efforts! I always have troubles photographing people as I also have a rather loud shutter and once I even got asked by a very cranky lady on the tube if I was taking her photo, which has scared me off a bit!

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  12. Great pictures Selen, I always try to get reflections on windows when I can.


    Although the description of you as a limping stalker had me chuckling into my tea!

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  13. haha I can seriously just picture you limping around, hope it's better soon! I am always afraid to get people in my shots too, because people can be so funny about having their picture taken by strangers, go figure huh?

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  14. :D As they say back home, I'm often a "hot mess." But, I've learned to embrace it. You have to laugh at yourself.

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  15. It was a really great experience. I need to definitely expand my photography experiences. I can't wait for us to get out with our cameras soon. I love the idea of Kews Gardens. I've been dying to go there. Is a weekend better for you??

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  16. Penelope! I love that you're getting in on the comments!! Such a great response :D

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  17. That was my first time at Primrose Hill and it's just lovely! Dogs are so hard to get good photos of. Unless they are really old and lazy. At the park they were just running like crazy!

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  18. It was really a great learning experience. I hope that when I'm out I remember all of the tips. I've started to notice more photos of reflections. I guess it's all about training your eye.

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  19. That one is definitely a keeper. Just the other day, I noticed some interesting reflections and remembered to take a photo. I love looking at life through an amateur photographer's eye.

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  20. Thank you, Tammy. I've told you before how much I appreciate your gift of encouragement. I hope you enjoy your photography tour!!! Was so wonderful to meet you face to face. I can't wait to hear more about your time in the UK. Safe Travels, Lovely!!!

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  21. Yay! Have fun. Tell Stuart I said hello!!!

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  22. Thanks again for the great day! Please pass my thanks along to Stuart.

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  23. They were doing the Captain Morgan Rum Pirate pose. That was one of my favorites, too.

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  24. Glad I gave you a giggle. It was a fun day and a fun post to write. :D I've definitely kept these suggestions in my head. I think I need to do more photography walks. I learn much better hands on.

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  25. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Tracy. So glad I made you laugh. It was a fun tour. I was taking photos of this one guy and he caught me. He just rolled his eyes, like "Seriously?" It was really a good shot, but then when he caught me I got so flustered, that I accidentally erased it. Gah!

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  26. lol! She actually asked you? I get so scared when I get caught. Gina and I were on the tube once and this guy was blatantly taking our photo with his phone. It was so odd.

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  27. Thanks! :D I'm all the time on the look out for cool reflections now.

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  28. I always get yelled at, but our instructor was just walking around taking photos of everyone and nobody said a word. I think I just look guilty. He looks way cooler than I do.

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  29. I did quite a bit of laughing out loud reading through this! You crack me up!! We were in London to renew Karis' passport yesterday and took advantage of being in the city and did some exploring. I looked back at some of my photos and wish I'd slowed down and set the scene better. Sometimes you can do this and sometimes you can't. I bet I would love this walk!

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  30. You would love it! It was great to have a new but simple way to see things. I've been watching your adventures on Instagram. You've been busy!!!

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Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!