London Photo Walk 2017 - An Update
I've had a few emails and Facebook messages this past couple of weeks about my Photo Walk happening on April 30th, so today I've written/recorded this episode to give you all the details you'll need when you attend.
It's FREE to attend so if you want to join me and over 50 other photographers in London for a day of Street Photography and lots of laughter, just head on over to the signup page.
You have 3 ways to enjoy this post:
- Listen to the audio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or using the audio player below!
- Head on over to YouTube to watch the video
- Read on below if you're in a place where you can't watch or listen...
Your Questions Answered
Q: When will I receive confirmation of my place on the photo walk?
A: If you've signed up successfully using the signup form with a genuine email address, then chances are that's how you're seeing this email. Your email address was added to my mailing list to ensure that you get all my updates, just like this one! If however you signed up, but you've found this post some other way and not as a mail in your inbox (or Junk), then be sure to re-register again at MichaelRammell.com/events.
I will be sending a direct mail to all those on the list the week before the walk to make sure that I know final numbers and to answer any final, last-minute questions that may have come through. To make sure you're on that list, be sure to register. If you're in doubt or unsure, simply register again. Don't worry, you won't start getting emails twice, the system is pretty smart and should detect if your email address already exists.
Q: Can I borrow a camera on the day?
A: Last time I was asked this question, my answer was a straight up 'no'. However, I have been working behind the scenes to see if I can get a representative from Olympus to come along and lend some gear for a few hours on the day. I spoke to a couple of the Olympus team members at The UK Photography Show and they were very positive about the idea. Now, that's not 100% confirmed right now, so please don't count, or rely on borrowing a camera.
That said, I wouldn't rely completely on loan gear for the entire day and would suggest you bring your own camera. Not just because at some stage, you'll have to give it back, but mostly because I would recommend you use the camera you are most familiar with - Street Photography often calls for quick reactions - so you'll need to know your camera well.
In all seriousness - an iPhone (other phones are available) would be an absolutely fine camera to use for the day. I'll be using mine to compliment what I do with my OM-D E-M1, that's for sure.
Alternatively, you could also arrange to borrow an Olympus camera using the Test & Wow Service (Check it out online and be sure to make your booking as soon as possible to ensure the equipment you want is available). Basically, you can borrow a camera and/or lens for 3 days. Handy right!
Q: Are there details about the route anywhere online?
A: For those of you that have registered, you should already know about the route given that it's on the signup page itself. But, if you're reading this post for the first time today, then the route is pretty much as follows: Carnaby Street > Leicester Square > China Town > Soho > Covent Garden > Trafalgar Square > South Bank, where we will decide what we're going to have for dinner. The route we take between these locations will be determined pretty much by the group on the day and where we end up.
Q: What do we do if we get lost?
A: You will get lost and you will break from the group! I would suggest you use Google Maps on your phone to get yourself back to one of the points on the route as mentioned and wait for us to meander through that area. On the day of the walk I will be giving out sheets with some contact information on it, as well as places to wait to catch up / meet up with should (when) you break from the group. The fact is, with 50+ photographers attending, I would actually encourage people to take a random walk down a random street, rather than all staying together in a pack. Street Photography is often about being incognito. A large group of people with cameras isn't exactly subtle!
Q: Can you suggest any accommodation in London?
A: I've had a handful of emails about where to stay when in London that weekend. Well, naturally those who have asked have had varied budgets available. As such, I would suggest an Air BnB booking, where you can set your budget, choose from renting a single room or an entire home and there are plenty of locations. Perfect if you have a particular diet or food requirement as you would also be able to cook for yourself if you book a place with a kitchen too! Many of these locations will feature WiFi too, which is always a bonus if you're looking to get online and share the images you've made on the day
Q: What should I bring with me in my bag?
A: This is a very popular question! The temptation is to overpack and throw in everything except the kitchen sink. But, in truth, you simply need comfortable walking shoes, your camera, some spare batteries and perhaps a light waterproof just in case it rains (this is London after all!). If you want to pack your own sandwiches, then go for it, but we will be walking past a dozen small shops where you can buy sandwiches, or a panini or whatever it is that you fancy. Ultimately though, pack light and you can't go too wrong. Pay attention to the weather forecast in the days leading up to April 30th and pack what you think you'll need to stay warm, dry and comfortable. We'll be out on the street for a few hours.
On my very first London Photo Walk, back in 2013, it poured down for about an hour. We go caught in the rain for a short while, but then we all went into Somerset House, had a coffee, compared cameras and images and discussed photography in general. Whatever the weather has in store for us on April 30th, we'll be sure to make some great images.
In the next post in my blog, I'll be sharing with you exactly what I'll be packing in my camera bag (and which camera bag I'm taking). Be sure to subscribe, if you haven't already, and you'll get that post direct to your inbox. Perhaps you can take a few ideas from me and what it is I'm bringing on the day.
So, those are all the questions I've had so far. If you've not yet registered for the walk and want to come along, be sure to make your way to the sign up page and drop your details in the form. I'll be in touch the week before the walk to give you all a final update.
Otherwise, I thanks for stopping by! Be sure to subscribe here on the blog, over in iTunes to the podcast and also on YouTube too. I'm producing more and more videos at the moment and would love if you would hit that subscribe button to keep up to date with everything I'm up to.
Any other Questions?
Do you have a question that I haven't yet answered? Drop a comment down below or get in touch via email: michael@rammellphotography.com
Event: London Street Photography - October 24th
Come and join me in London on October 24th for another great, FREE event!
On Saturday 24th October I'll be joined by a group of photographers from the Ready Steady Pro and Guild of Photographers community as we host the next annual Free Annual London Photo Walk, capturing the sights and sounds of one of the worlds most multi-cultural and colourful cities.
This walk is open to absolutely everyone, it's a public event and you're all welcome to join. I would however ask that you simply register so that we don't set off without you on the day and so that we can exchange contact information should anyone get separated from the group, which does happen. (registration details at the bottom)
In what will be the 3rd year in a row that we've hosted this photo walk in October we are making a few slight changes to the format and the locations we take in as part of our route.
Those wanting lunch may want to get something to eat from Camden before the walk begins. The Worlds End Pub, where we are meeting seems to serve food and is open from 11:00am. You can of course arrange with others in the Facebook Group to meet up early among yourselves, if you'd like?
The Details
Meeting Place: The World's End Pub - Camden
Meeting Time: 12:00
Walk Start Time: 12:30
Coffee Break: Circa 4:30pm
Dinner: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
The Route:
1. Camden Market and Camden Lock
Starting at (ironically) The World's End Pub in the vibrant & busy Camden area we'll start with a drink and a meet and greet. I'm sure we'll do the "Ooh what are you shooting with" conversation before moving on outside to Camden Market, heading slowly north towards Camden Lock. We'll go at a very steady pace with those wanting to speed on ahead welcome to do so. Camden will give us a great opportunity to get some shots right off the bat in the busy area. It's renowned for it's alternative culture and so should prove to be something slightly different, particularly for those not familiar with that area of London.
After an hour or so at Camden we'll back up again at The World's End Pub to get the group back together before jumping on the tube (which is right outside) before making our way south to Leicester Square using the Northern Line of the Tube:
2. Leicester Square & China Town
Just 6 stops away from Camden we'll find ourselves back on the surface at Leicester Square, heading towards China Town; a bustling and compact area of London that is always sure to provide a photograph or two. Being nearly all on one street, China Town is likely to give around 30 minutes or so of photo opportunities before we're itching to move on. That is of course unless there are some real 'fisherman' among us: those who prefer to sit and wait for that all elusive storytelling moment.
3. Soho
When we get through China Town we'll be heading towards Soho, specifically Berwick Street, which hosts a market every day except Sunday Market: and giving us yet another great chance to photograph people as they buzz around the market unaware of us as we photograph them. Market's always provide a great opportunity and a market in Soho is even better!
4. Carnaby Street (Coffee Stop Circa 4:30pm)
Conveniently, after an hour so in Soho we'll be close to Carnaby Street , which is not only another good spot for photographs, but also, as previous attendees of this walk will attest is an ideal place for our next coffee stop as we take up residence in the basement of 'The Deparment of Coffee and Social Affairs'. These guys sell some amazing coffee and their cakes aren't too bad either. The basement of this little coffee shop offers us a chance to all pull chairs around a table (or rather to pull tables together and completely re-arrange everything!) and take stock of the day so far, talk again about cameras and what else it is we do with our photography.
The length of our stop will be totally determined by the conversation, weather and what the group wants to do.
5. Piccadilly Circus
For those wanting to continue on we'll then head south towards Piccadilly Circus - an area popular among tourists. There will no doubt be selfie sticks aplenty here as visitors to the Capital try to get a photograph of themselves with the famous Picadilliy Lights (or, 'The Curve' as it's now being referred to).
6. Options: Covent Garden, Embankment, South Bank
Our ultimate end destination will be The South Bank, south of The River Thames. If at this point the group would prefer to make a bee-line and head directly to that point we can. Alternatively, we can make our way eastwards towards Covent Garden before heading to Embankment and then over the bridge to South Bank.
7. Food
At this point in the day, which will be somewhere in the region of 6pm - 7pm you are invited to join us for a meal on the South Bank. We'll put it to a vote to decide where to eat.
Interested? Register your place:
You can register your place many ways:
Those who are a member of the Guild of Photographers can confirm their place using the event in the Guild Facebook Group. (The Guild of Photographers is a member organisation requiring registration)
If you'd prefer you can join Ready Steady Pro on Facebook, completely free of charge of course and register your place using that event page
Alternatively, if you're not on Facebook or would prefer not to join either group you can simply complete the form below: