Location: Soho, London Run by: Jet Event: in-person, private smartphone safari Date: Thursday, 5th August, 2021
Last Thursday, I set off for a one-to-one smartphone photography workshop around Soho in London.
The client had been following our guided photography workshops on Instagram for some time and decided to get in touch. She wanted to learn how to use her smartphone camera to capture some interesting urban shots while, at the same time, being guided in and around this iconic area in more detail than the usual tourist walk-by. Our smartphone safari experience was ideal.
We met in Leicester Square and took a slow walk up through China Town to Soho. The aim was to change our gaze from the bustling tourists taking in the usual wide shots of the Square, theatre district and Carnaby Street, and instead to focus in on the not so obvious shots in unlikely places.
At our slowed down pace, we could pick out the micro details – beautiful colour contrasts, ironic signage, little pieces of order and precision in one of London’s busiest districts and, of course, the flare of Soho. Bringing out the colours and textures of these details meant focusing on exposure. So we spent much of our time over the 2 hours concentrating on creating vibrant compositions.
It was the perfect day to be out in the city, too. The sun was shining, making the shop fronts pop with colour, and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly with lots of al fresco drinking and dining. After the last year, seeing people out living life and smiling was something special. Going with this mood, we finished the smartphone photography workshop editing the photos in a coffee shop on Carnaby Street. As I went through the various editing options available on her device, she produced some homemade banana cake for us to enjoy. The perfect end to a summer stroll in Soho!
If you’re looking for a chance to learn about smartphone photography and explore a part of London, Hertfordshire, or the North East in a friendly and secure way, do get in touch. All you need is your smartphone, a sense of humour and a good pair of shoes and we’ll show you how to use your camera better while exploring the hidden sights of your chosen area.
To find out more about our Smartphone Safaris, both in person and virtual, please get in touch at jet@jetblacksquares.com.