London Street Photography with Ready Steady Pro and The Guild of Photographers

This weekend; Saturday 24th October, was the 3rd annual installment of the London Photo Walk, which I arrange and host for The Guild of Photographers and Ready Steady Pro Communities (If you're not a member of either of these groups, you ought to join at least one of them! More information is included at the bottom of this post).

If you know me you will know my feelings for The City of London: I find the English Capital a feast for the eyes and as a photographer, that makes it a playground! Eccentric characters, alternative culture and a blend of cultures from all around the world condensed in to one city give it a completely unique feel. Of course, underpinning all of that is also that typically British Architecture and character from the locals too. Despite what people may say, London is a friendly and charming place!

The Photo Walk

Each year the route and format changes slightly so that we can keep things fresh and also to provide something of a tourist opportunity for those in the group who have traveled from slightly further afield. This year our walk started in Camden, taking in Camden Market and Locke. From there we used the Tube to get back to the very center of London; Leicester Square. From this point onward we ambled to China Town, Soho, Piccadilly Circus and then to Covent Garden. We finished the evening with 13 of us enjoying the fantastic food on offer at Thai Square, located just a minute from Nelson's Column. (Thanks Tony Jones for the recommendation - the food was superb!)

London was busy, as usual, but somewhat busier than usual. Looking around it seemed there were a few events going on that day as well, which added to the congestion but also gave us more to photograph.

Here are my photographs from the day. I've even kept some in colour!

Not Impressed

I don't think the gentleman on the left is impressed at all with the Laughing Out Loud of this particlar woman :)

New Italian Friend!

Cara - a new friend from Italy who joined us on the walk. Cara was over from Italy for 2 weeks immersing herself in British culture to improve her English. Non of us thought this was needed at all as Cara's English was in fact already fantastic. I hope we helped though :)

Intimacy

Shot from the hip as we walked through a small courtyard of Cafe's near Carnaby Street. This was very much one of those "Oh! It came out!" Kind of shots :)

Irony

Spotted these two young ladies huddled under their umbrella, sitting outside - of all the shops - SuperDry of course 

Defiant in the Rain

The rain just doesn't bother some people.

Cliche Puddle Reflection Shot

I spotted this at Piccadilly as this guy was stepping over it. Loved how just one leg is left in the frame like this

Leather Artisan

A Leathersmith in Camden Market working a piece of leather. What a fantastic and fascinating thing to watch. Although, he wasn't keen on having his photo taken...

No Pictures Please

...and even less keen when taken from a more obvious position. I found this to be such a shame though - by inviting people in to make quality photographs and being friendly surely that's better for business?

Melanie Going Over the Edge

Some lovely light bouncing upward in Cafe Nero as Melanie photographs over the mezzanine as people below serve coffees 

China Town

I've always found the people of China Town resistant to photographs, and this guy wasn't an exception. However using the touch screen on the E-M1 and holding the camera lower down I was able to get this moment.

A Like to Ride my Bicycle

A cheeky attempt to position the gentleman behind on this scooter was made better when he put his arm up to gesture to his friend, making it look like he is holding on! 

Share your shots!

Did you come with us on the walk? Share a link to your photographs in the comments section below.

Want to join us on a walk?

All our walks are free and are updated regularly. If you want to come and join us on a walk simply subscribe to the mailing list today to be among the first to know when a new walk has been put together. The next walk will be in April and then another next October. We schedule walks throughout the year as well. So stay tuned!

Ready Steady Pro and The Guild of Photographers

Ready Steady Pro is a completely free community of photographers, specifically aimed at those with a business-in-the-making. Whether you're just starting your business or whether you're already there, The RSP community, blog and podcast exists to pull together information and resources to help you on the way. The community on Facebook takes on a buddying approach. There isn't the usualy back-biting you'll find in many other communities either. Come and join today and stay up to date with future events

The Guild of Photographers is a paid-for member Association. It's the fastest growing photography association in the UK and for good reason too! Guild Members receive numerous discounts on training AND products from all the leading brands in the UK (and Globally too) inlcuding Photography Insurance, The ICE Light and more. More than that The Guild offer