Staff Writer and Photographer Iulia Costache lets you in on how to capture the best of London – whether you’re an aspiring professional or a casual photography enthusiast.
Very few places offer such an expanse of creative potential like the city, especially our beloved London. If you have been searching for a new medium to test your imagination, look no further than the possibilities of photography. Exploring the urban jungle through the camera lens not only pushes your creative side, but also offers the opportunity to see a well-known city in a new light. As we go about our day, we tend to overlook the buildings we pass so often or hidden streets we haven’t explored in favour of a shortcut; but if we set out through London with intention and a zeal to imagine, some truly astounding results are bound to come.
The urbanscape is the prime place to get inspired photographically, with an abundance of finite moments awaiting your shutter. From fast-paced, crowd-filled city centres to abstract and funky visuals in quiet corners, London is a thrilling place to get lost, whatever your scene is. Here you can find the ultimate compilation of go-to tips for whenever you find yourself in our magical city hub with a camera on hand.
1. Slow down your shutter speed
To turn your surroundings into a dream-like image, reduce the shutter speed. This is the length of time your camera is taking in light. By leaving your lens open for longer, you can capture moving elements in a blur – the Thames River, moving cabs and whatever else you find whirring by. Make sure you use a tripod to steady your camera in order to avoid catching unwanted motion in other areas of your frame. If a tripod isn’t available to you, resting your device on a steady ledge is a great alternative. This is especially effective within lively city centres, where lights are constantly moving and surfaces are reacting. By using this technique you can foster a sense of stillness out of the vibrant commotion.
2. Embrace unseemly weather
Instead of checking the forecast hoping for brighter skies, why not fall in love with the gloomy weather? Cities like London, known for its fog and overcast skies, offer up the perfect opportunity to exercise with moody lighting.
Rain can also act as an incredible creative tool. Try your hand at shooting in wet conditions, experimenting with catching individual droplets versus a curtain of rainfall. The city after spring showers is a prime setting, where puddles can act as mirrors to cast reflections.
3. Layer your image
Guide the viewer through your photo by layering various elements, such as buildings, people or mailboxes. This dimensionality adds a high degree of intrigue to your photograph. To maintain the intricacies lined from foreground to background, focus on the furthest point in your scene, drawing the eye through multiple panels.
4. Shoot during the inbetweens
With a reliable, versatile camera and healthy dose of patience, you have the power to create some truly magical photos. Dusk and dawn are opportune times to catch your city in its glory, although it might take some time to capture that special shot. Arrive on the scene ahead of sunrise or sunset, and position your gear to be prepared for when the light reaches that unparalleled glow.
5. Switch to grayscale
Cities can often overwhelm the viewfinder with a multitude of colours and over-saturation. To change up your perspective, switch your camera to grayscale from within your settings. This is a great way to train your photographic eye in terms of contrast and light, as you explore the city with a different lens.
6. Scope out form
Up, down and all-around lie camera-ready moments… if only you can seek that angle! Sometimes the best shots are the simplest ones.
Emphasising proper form and shape will result in a balanced image that is visually pleasing to the eye. A great place to start is the rule of thirds: a composition guideline which aligns the subject with right or left third of the frame.
7. Use framing creatively
While iconic landmarks have been pictured millions of times before, it doesn’t mean you can’t still find a unique composition to make your own. When it comes to framing, look to the objects in your foreground to encapsulate your subject.
There are an unlimited number of places from which you can capture these gems: think up high from other tall buildings or through geometric fences and windows. Make sure to lower your aperture in these instances. This way the shallow depth of field rests solely on the landmark in focus, ensuring the foreground does not detract from your point of interest.
Urban settings offer boundless opportunities to improve as a photographer. From shooting intricate visuals to capturing abstract forms, the variety of street photography is sure to satisfy any artist.
Remember, these rules are meant to act as guidelines for interesting and thought-provoking photos; however, sometimes the very best images follow no rules at all. London is yours to experiment with. Grab your kit, because the city’s calling!
Photos by Iulia Costache. To discover more work, you can visit ideasbyiulia.com.
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