Yesterday I ventured up to London, for the first time 12 weeks. I wanted to experience what a ‘lockdown London’ looked like. What it felt like. And it is strange. And sad. Very, very sad. This is such an important part of today’s history, that I have launched my 1:1 London Documentary Masterclasses so you can document this time for future generations.

I went up with my 16 year old son. it was important that he saw this. It is his age group that have had their GCSEs cancelled, the proms, the parties, the festivals, the World Challenge trips to Ecuador (that he had worked and saved up for for 2 years), and, like everyone, their world’s turned upside down.

We started at Blackfriars Station and walked along the Southbank, past the National Theatre, past the Skate Park, past the London Eye - all totally silent. In fact the thing that strikes you when you are up there is just how quiet it is. You can hear the birds singing, and the waves of the Thames lapping at the shoreline. It sounds almost romantic doesn’t it.

From here we headed over Westminster Bridge, along Horseguards Parade, up to Trafalgar Square, and into Covent Garden. To see these normally bustling places filled with tourists empty was a shock to see. The bars, restaurants, cafes, shops - all shut. I wonder just how many of these will be able to reopen, and if they do, how long they will be able to survive for.

Covid-19 has certainly changed the world. It has changed what we deem to be a priority, and pressed the pause button on life. Hopefully restrictions will be lifting fully soon, but it will take a very long time to recover.

I am currently only offering my Documentary Masterclass as a 1:1. This is to ensure that social distancing can be observed at all times, and that I’m not encouraging a group of people to congregate together. One thing to make note of is that there is (currently) only one public toilet open along the South Bank. It does cost a staggering £1 to use, however they are spotless, and each cubical has it’s own soap/handwash, sink and hand dryer so you don’t have to share facilities. There is also an attendant on hand disinfecting anything and everything in sight (I never thought I would be writing such a comprehensive description about public loos in a blog post!!!).

If you feel safe travelling in to London, please also remember that you are responsible for your own PPE, including hand wash to ensure that you are adhering to government guidelines with regard travel within London. As of 15th June, anyone using public transport must wear a face covering and even though the masterclass itself is on foot, you may need to use public transport in order to get to the start (Blackfriars Station). If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 at all, please stay at home - we can always reschedule for another date. A full Covid-19 Risk Assessment has been carried out, and is revised in accordance with government guidelines.

Details of my 1:1 London Documentary Masterclass can be found HERE.

Below are some of my photos taken on an iPhone 11 and edited in Snapseed.