The ‘SP’ course

London street photography course

After 30+ years in the professional world of photography I can happily claim that I’ve certainly gained some experience.

So, what is this ‘SP Course’ about then?

By far the subject that has fascinated me the most over the last 3 decades, and continues to, is people and from all walks of life, all around the world. Shooting Press photography in London in the 90’s through to travelling across 30 countries in 400 days in 99/2000, and since then over 1000 weddings, I’ve pretty much been snapping people the entire way.

I’ve watched film photography evolve into digital and that world absolutely explode with photography becoming more and more popular with the rise of Smart Phones. I’ve seen some mega images out there, genuine photography not AI, and I’ve seen so many shots that could be way way better with the smallest of adjustments made at the time the button was pressed. Loads of my clients and couples over the years have had a very keen interest in photography for sure and including their guests of course.

With this in mind, I run a series of intermit courses, throughout the year, on exactly how I see things when I’m out and about in London. Spaces are limited.

What is street photography?

To me it’s the ability to navigate, observe and shoot my surroundings unobtrusively, in any given urban environment, as infinite compositions unveil themselves.

Why London? Because it’s truly awesome, super photogenic and there is, quite simply, so much subject matter out there that it’ll blow you away when I show you! It’s different every time I visit and that’s 365 days of the year.

So, spoiler alert, I won’t actually be teaching you how to use your camera. Ok maybe the basics on depth of focus and shutter speeds and of course composition. I’ll really be showing you exactly how I see things, teaching you how to approach any given situation and how to get creative and make the most of it with your camera.

Ooh if you can bring a digital camera rather than an iPhone then that’ll be perfect. Do still bring your phone though.

We’ll meet at Waterloo Station and only ever be in groups of 2, 3 or 4 people maximum (plus me).

There will be plenty of walking so be fit (this will absolutely get your steps up) and wear comfy shoes and basically dress for whatever the weather says.

Bring the minimal amount of camera gear ie 1x body, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm and/or a 50mm lens, memory cards and maybe a spare battery if you like to shoot 100 frames to achieve 1 or chimp after every shot 🙂 We won’t be needing flash guns either. I will be shooting on my Fujifilm X100v.

A hand/wrist strap (or whatever you’re comfy with) is a must as I hate to see gear dropped and you definitely won’t need a giant rucksack or tripod. We are going in ‘Unobtrusive’ mode folks!

About the day

We’ll be out for between 4-5 hours and the cost is £250 per person and if the light gets better and better beyond that then it’d be silly not to stay and play! Start/finish times will vary depending on the time of year. Any age welcome however under 18’s must be accompanied by a paying adult. Anyone attending this course needs to simply be a good human. If you’re not then you will be asked to leave (Nobody has EVER been asked to leave BTW).

Drinks/grub after, if you like, then trains home when you’re ready. We’ll grab some street food in the day too whenever you’re hungry, or bring something with you, and water too. (Food will be up to you to purchase in addition along with your travel arrangements/costs).

I’ll answer anything on the day with absolute honesty. I’ll explain everything I see and why I think that ‘something’ might be about to happen. We’ll shoot everything and anything. People will be in more shots than not whilst maintaining sensitivity, awareness and respect for the subject matter. Your only limitation is your imagination.

Just to clarify, don’t worry, I am NOT training you up to become a pro photographer. I know togs that have done it for years and surprise surprise the market is now saturated so I wouldn’t want to waste your time. This course is about the skill of seeing and shooting, not editing and not AI. My promise to you is that at the end of our day you will absolutely know more about photography than you did at the start and you’ll have a newfound confidence with your camera that you never had before. You will see life a little bit differently from now on.

Do check out my Google reviews. As mentioned, spaces are limited.
If you’re interested then I’d love to hear from you.

Cheers Simon

Testimonials