What's in my bag for Street Photography?
We're just a few days away from the big photo walk and a few people have asked me what it is I will be bringing in my bag on the day.
After years of walking the streets with a camera in my hand, I've refined the contents of my bag over time, down to just a few things. If you can watch a video, I explain everything in full over on YouTube. (just hit play down below here). If however you're not in a position to watch, then scroll down a little more, I've listed the contents with links to the product details too.
Olympus OM-D E-M1: http://amzn.to/2p1voSm
Olympus OM-D E-M5: http://amzn.to/2ot3osu
Olympus 17mm f/1.8 Lens: http://amzn.to/2qboisj
JJC Metal Lens Hood for 17mm f/1.8: http://amzn.to/2osYJXb
Olympus 9mm f/8 Body Cap Lens (for fun/convenience):
Case Logic Medium SLR Bag: http://amzn.to/2pfqCz7
Lens Cloth: http://amzn.to/2ot4dkR
Air Blower: http://amzn.to/2pfqDDx
Spare Batteries: http://amzn.to/2pwPrJQ
SD Cards: http://amzn.to/2otfAJu
iPhone Charger Battery: http://amzn.to/2qbKpyV
Water Proof Jacket: http://amzn.to/2oHgRYR
Join us - it's FREE!
If you want to join us on April 30th in London, just sign up today over on the events page
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
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!
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
My Gear for Street Photography
I've been asked numerous times what it is I shoot with when I'm on the street. Both by email and also when I'm on photo walks with fellow photographs.
So, if you're reading this it could be because I've linked you here in response to the question or it could be because you're a subscriber to the blog and this landed in your inbox. (Thanks for subscribing by the way!)
Well my street kit is simple:
FREE Photo Walk: London - October 24th!
Before I dive into the details of my camera bag, I just wanted to remind you that my next FREE photo walk is in London on October 24th. All the details are over on the events page: http://www.michaelrammell.com/calendar/london-october24-2015
The Camera
I shoot with the Olympus OM-D E-M1. When shooting on the street I remove the HL-D7 vertical grip. As much as I like it for the extra balance it brings to the camera and the additional grip it offers your hand, I much prefer the smallest, lightest camera possible when waking the streets. I also don't want to look like a serious photographer of any kind. Looking more like a tourist certainly helps when you're up close with someone and photographing. They feel less threatened or suspicious.
One thing I don't like about the E-M1 for street however is that the shutter isn't silent. Although, this will be remedied with the release of firmware version 4.00 for the OM-D E-M1, due late November 2015. This update will, among other new features, include completely silent shooting!
The Lens
My lens of choice for street work is the Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8. Again it's small, compact and light weight. Instead of the Official Olympus Lens Hood however I've opted for a 3rd party alternative from JJC - who's cheap and cheerful camera accessories can be found on Amazon. The reason I've stuck with this lens hood over Olympus' own though is simply because it's better! It's all-metal, more durable and, let's be honest, looks excellent with the screw on top that keeps the hood clamped to the lens. The 17mm is also splash and dust proof, so if there is a little rain (I live in England!) then I don't have to stop shooting.
On occasion I may be found using the Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO, however I invariably end up shooting at the wider focal ranges between 12-25mm anyway (24-50mm effective) and so the zoom doesn't offer me that much extra value. So it stays at home more often than not.
I also own the superb Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with this lens (really, there isn't - you should see the sharpness!) I simply prefer the wider field of view offered by the 17mm f/1.8.
Batteries & Cards
I pack 3 batteries including the one in the camera, but rarely use all 3 during a day. I have one spare that I would expect to use and another as a 'just incase' battery because at some stage during the day, particularly if I'm on a photowalk and am showing others what I've captured or how it is I shoot, I'll use the LCD and this will drain the battery. I would hate to drop my fresh battery as I'm changing it and break the battery and then have to put the camera away.
I shoot with a 32Gb Lexar Professional Class 10 SD Card's, writing at 600x (90Mb/s). I don't usually take extra's with me, but when I do they sit snug inside my card pouch, which is the Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket. It holds a business card, as well as 10 SD or CF cards. It alos has a lanyard to attach to a bag to keep it safe as well. Which is an added bonus
Camera Strap
For the longest time I didn't used a camera strap. I didn't like them. But on one London photo walk another photographer was using a very simple, minimal and non-intrusive wrist strap that I really liked! It was the Joby DSLR Wrist Strap, but it's perfect for smaller cameras I picked up one for each of my cameras immediately and they've not been taken off the cameras since. For me they're perfect.
Camera Bag
My bag is a Lowepro Retrospective 30. I have mine in Pine Green. It's one of the best made bags I've ever owned and very well thought out too. I find the shoulder strap very wide, which after a long day is ideal as it doesn't cut in to your shoulder. Furthermore the should strap has rubber underneath it to prevent it slipping from your shoulder. It has 3 main compartments inside for lenses and camera bodies, with two additional pouches on the front. The bag comes with a rain-proof cover as well. It's very much what I call my TARDIS bag: it can be small and light when you put just a few things in it, but if you really want to load it up you can. It just seems to hold all the gear you can throw at it!
I always carry my little Joby Gorillapod with me, which is great for impromptu HDR's, time lapses or long exposures.
Other goodies & Accessories
London Tube Map, Chewing Gum, A few coins to give to buskers, small notepad & pen, business cards, very lightweight gloves (in my bag I have the North Face E-Tip gloves), Sunglasses, iPhone battery charger (I have the Anker Powercore, it's amazing!)
Are you coming along to London on October 24th? Be sure to head on over to the events page and register your place!
Also, don't forget to share the contents of your camera bag below!