Shoot around London

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alanmossdan

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Dan
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Hi all,

I am meeting a client in London for a shoot around the city in early November. He wants a number of shoots capturing everything typically English (well, my thinking is that he rather wants everything stereotypically London). I want the style to be a bit gritty - with a balance of him and some famous landmarks in each picture - with neither overshadowing the other. Also, I want to go off the beaten track and find some of those rarely used locations which people may have discovered.

I wonder if any of you have done any shoots like this - around and about London in a day, and whether you have any example shots to share. I'm especially keen to pick up some pointers on composition in these type of shoots, as it's a first for me. I would be very grateful for any advice!

Thanks,

Dan
 
Goodwin's court when the gas lamps are lit.
St. James' Park with Buckingham Palace in the background (no tripods allowed)
One New Change Rooftop
 
st599 said:
Goodwin's court when the gas lamps are lit.
St. James' Park with Buckingham Palace in the background (no tripods allowed)
One New Change Rooftop
Click to expand...

I'd add the south bank of the Thames, between Westminster bridge and tower bridges.
 
Canary Wharf, then embankment and walk along the river... loads of oppertunity!
 
some lovely pubs and backstreets just off the beaten track
I would take a monopod and have some lightstreets against the traffic too which your client very still. mimicking some of the monuments would be quite iconic.
 
Camden market, especially around the stalls in the stables bit?

Lincolns Inn Fields?
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Any more - especially unknown gems would be welcomed.

Another question to those who have experience with this type of shoot is what works best in terms of poses? Does it work better to have the subject look at the camera most of the time or does it get a bit samey? Same question applies to the opposite - does the dramatic away from camera look tire over 15-20 shots?

I'll reiterate, example shots would be greatly appreciated!
 
Get down towards the East End. Brick Lane, Artillery Lane, Middlesex St, Spitalfields Market. There is always loads going on. Spitalfields Market has various different markets on throughout the week ranging from antiques to food and as a result you get some genuine characters wandering about. I also noticed that on the inside of 'Practical Photography' there were a whole series of photos taken round this area including what must be the most photographed shop in London at the junction of Brushfield St and Gun St.
 
Thanks - remember though that the purpose is to take portraits of the client rather than capturing the sites and sounds of London (wrt the characters on the market you mention). Any ideas on how I can incorporate a portrait with the hustle and bustle of the marketplace? I guess a longer exposure with a still subject is obvious - I'll try nonetheless - anything more creative?
 
alanmossdan said:
From what I understand, it's no tripods at a tube station, although I am planning some handheld stuff - probably on the carriage itself.
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As you're commercial you'll need a filming pass - last time I got one it was about £500.

Royal Parks also charge about £300 for commercial shooting.
 
st599 said:
As you're commercial you'll need a filming pass - last time I got one it was about £500.

Royal Parks also charge about £300 for commercial shooting.
Click to expand...


Ah. Maybe that's why no one had suggested it before....!
 
You could also pop to The Guild Hall / Bank and the financial district (Lloyds Building) however expect to be stopped by security.
 
Leadenhall Market's got a nice, old feel to it...no idea if you need a permit or not.
 
If you want a quite spot which I would say would be intestering is the small plaza behind the OXO building. It used to have half a boat, not sure if that would work for you.
 
don't think I've ever been there on a weekend. But on weekdays it's not crowded at all, just like in the picture. Maybe if you got down there first thing Saturday morning it may be quiet, you will also have the added bonus of smelling the bread baking.
 
alanmossdan said:
Thanks Lee/Rob - that's perfect - I love it. What time was that pic taken? I think I'll struggle to get it clear on a Saturday afternoon/evening.
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About 9am on a weekday. I work just off Shad Thames. You want to be there from approx 8am to get sunlight down the street at this time of year (or in February).

Check out the light situation with The Photographer's Ephemeris

http://photoephemeris.com/

It gets a bit busier toward evening as people come down for the bars and restaurants along the river. At this time of year it's relatively quiet during the day - though I can't speak for weekends.
 
I would really recommend Camden Market. It's crammed full of interesting stalls and people - great for vivid colours and b&w

Some of the stall holders don't like you taking their picture or pictures of their stalls but they usually have signs saying so or get their message over politely
 
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