The Brutalist hulk that is The Barbican Centre makes a truly fabulous and inspirational backdrop for the street photographer’s lens. The place is constructed using an incredible range of dynamic lines, graphic shapes, hard edges and beautiful curves. Its solid concrete slabs create a multitude of frames with which to emphasise our roaming two-legged subjects, and the diverse topology of the architecture offers us exciting patches of light and shadow, long light, and dramatic options for dividing the frame.

Our class will concentrate on really looking at the opportunities before us and in a wide range of environments, and we’ll discuss what elements to include in our scenes and how to compose them in the viewfinder. We’ll look at how to see the light in new ways and how to make the most of its visual qualities, as well as how our own position can dynamically alter all that’s before us.

You’ll learn:

• How to look much harder
• How to take your time
• To add dynamism to your composition
• To change the way you expose your images
• How to spot new opportunities that others walk by

The Barbican Centre is a place that works as well in colour as it does in stark black and white, and we’ll chat about what we need to take into consideration when deciding how we want to represent the scenes that we’ll come across. It really is an exciting and inspirational area of London, and on this course you’ll learn to slow down and make the most of what is before you.

This workshop, like all my workshops, is suitable for photographers of all levels of skill and experience – from complete novices to those who’ve been shooting for years. And you won’t need an expensive or sophisticated camera.

The course will begin with a coffee and a chat so the members of the group can get to know each other and so I can discover what you each hope to get out of the class. You’ll then head out for a series of lessons in specific locations so you can grasp new skills under my watchful and attentive eye. Although you will have the freedom to photograph what you like, this will be a structured class of learning, not just a walk around a famous area of London. Each class ends with further chat, so we can share our experiences and learn from each other’s mistakes and successes. There will be a break for a sandwich-style lunch about half way through the day.

The class will finish at 4pm, but if you need to leave before that time that can easily be arranged. It will be a small group, and everyone will get plenty of help and attention.

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Your course will begin with coffee and a chat in or close to the Barbican Centre, Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

The closest tube stations are Barbican, Moorgate, Farringdon and Old Street. Liverpool Street is the closest mainline station and is just a short walk away.

At the end of the day we will be in much the same area, and Damien will be able to direct you to the closest station from the final location.

Exact start and end locations, as well as timings, will be communicated to all students by email ahead of the day to help with route planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camera will I need?

Almost any camera will be suitable for this course. Small light cameras are the most suitable for street photography, but any DSLR will also be absolutely fine. A digital camera will allow you to see the results of what you are learning and to assess your on-going success, but it is quite possible to work with film if that is your preference.

What lenses will I need?

Focal lengths between 24mm and 90mm (full frame equivalent) are most suitable for street photography. You won’t need long lenses or extreme wide angles, unless they are part of your photographic style. Try not to bring too many. Damien uses a standard lens most often, but also likes a 24mm and an 85mm, and prefers fixed focal length lenses for their faster maximum apertures. Zooms though, will be absolutely fine. If you have any specific questions about kit please feel free to get in touch.

Will I need a flash or a tripod?

No, and no.

What about the weather?

Street photographers aren’t afraid of a bit of bad weather so unless it pours with rain or it gets too cold we will stay out shooting. Should things get too bad we’ll find somewhere undercover or inside to carry on the day, but please do check the weather forecast before the day so that you can dress appropriately.

Footwear

These courses aren’t long hiking days, and in fact we often don’t travel very far at all, but you will be on your feet for a lot of the time so please wear shoes that are comfortable. We stop for breaks so you won’t be on your feet all day, but you will need to be comfortable so you can concentrate.

Diet

If you have any special dietary requirements please let Damien know at the time of booking so we can make sure you are catered for.

What is included?

Street courses generally include tea/coffee at the beginning and the end of the day.

Students are responsible for their own equipment and for ensuring they have appropriate insurance.

If you have any other questions about the day, or any other courses I offer, please feel free to email me here.