London in Black & White: Monument to Tate

Renowned worldwide as one of the greatest capital cities, London offers endless photographic opportunities, yet capturing its essence can be surprisingly challenging, often leaving photographers wandering its streets for hours, struggling to find compositions with any real focus or direction.

This small-group photography workshop in London is designed to change that by opening your eyes to the evocative, creative, and timeless art of black and white photography.

NEW: PRE-WORKSHOP 'IDEAS' AND EDITING TUTORIAL
Recognising that photographing London can feel a little daunting for some, I’ve prepared a pre‑recorded Ideas and Lightroom Editing tutorial for all participants to watch before the workshop. In it, I share my thoughts and suggestions on capturing this remarkable city, along with the post‑processing techniques that follow. Topics include mastering long exposures, visualising and creating abstract compositions, effective use of filters, and achieving striking black‑and‑white conversions.

TO BRING OR NOT TO BRING A TRIPOD...
This is entirely up to you. Admittedly, when I first started photographing in London, I wasn't particularly keen on the burden and weight of a tripod. However, those thoughts were soon pushed aside when I began bringing a very small, compact travel tripod that I lashed to the side of the bag. I barely noticed it was there and soon appreciated its benefits and the many creative opportunities it made possible. I now wouldn't be without one! Of course, the occasional refuelling in a cafe also helps! If you're still not convinced, I would suggest purchasing a table-top tripod or GorillaPod, as there are more than enough available surfaces to place them upon! 

The workshop begins at a cafe near Tower Hill tube station and concludes at the Tate Modern. 

Before we begin photographing in earnest, our London photography workshop starts in a café near Tower Hill. Here, we’ll ensure everyone’s camera is set up and that you know exactly where to find key settings in your camera’s menu - such as aspect ratios. It’s far easier (and more comfortable!) to check everything in the warmth of a café than amid the hustle and bustle of the streets. Also, though using my tablet to refresh, I’ll briefly reiterate what has been said and demonstrated in the recorded tutorial.

From there, we’ll head to a number of locations that I believe offer the greatest variety and best photographic opportunities. I like to keep the pace relaxed - it’s not a sightseeing tour - and while I have a route and plan in mind, the day’s rhythm and final destinations will ultimately be shaped by the group’s pace and creative flow.

Throughout the day, aside from discussing the technique of photography (metering, exposure and filtration), we’ll also explore the role of light and the power of contrast in black-and-white photography, discovering how sharp angles, shadows, and leading lines can both captivate and guide the viewer’s eye through the frame. With such a small group, you’ll receive lots of personal, constructive, one-to-one tuition tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Finally…
Thank you very much indeed for considering this London in Black and White photography workshop. If you have any questions — however small or insignificant they may seem — please do drop me a line. I’m here to help and to provide you with a wonderful, enjoyable day of inspirational photography in the company of like‑minded enthusiasts.