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