Just back from London, where I've spent the last week taking a photography class. Our assignment at lunchtime Friday was to approach strangers in the street and ask permission to take their photo.This photogenic couple on Oxford Street agreed to pose, then took my photo while I was taking a second shot.
London police officers and two guys who had stopped them to ask directions happily posed for a photo.
Shy guy at bus stop on Oxford Street, who managed a hint of a smile. Turns out the women I approached individually didn't want their picture taken; they were too self-conscious. The men were happy to oblige.
These people were amused that I was stopping strangers on the street to take their photos.
I was lucky to have a fantastic instructor and fun and talented classmates. We spent the entire week taking photos from dawn to dusk and beyond, walking all over London. It was a relief to have some technical questions answered; now I know what to do in most photographic situations and am confident I can hold my own with the big boys (and girls). Of course, I'll be practicing the tricks I learned, until adapting camera settings to varying situations becomes almost second nature.
Check back later for more photos, including department store vitrines featuring London Fashion Week, currently underway.
For my friends in London, I'm sorry there wasn't time and opportunity to get together! Between shooting and editing photos, I barely had time to sleep.
Last Sunday afternoon, I did manage to see the film Julie and Julia and do some power shopping in record time (had to buy an extra bag to bring back fall clothes). This was necessary, as in Paris it's nearly impossible to find clothes to fit normal women with curves. Plus, London has a unique style that's hard to resist.
Between the weight of the extra bag and the heavy camera gear, my neck and shoulders are rebelling today. Four sets of friends are in town this week, so I will be busy playing hostess. Also, the 79th Foire Nationale aux Antiquites a la Brocante et aux Jambons at Chatou kicks off Friday; I plan to escort some friends. Want to come along?
95k723fane
very funny your photo class in London. If I see you in Paris I'll do the same.
Christian
Posted by: le banc moussu | 01 October 2009 at 11:11
What a fun class! And it shows that your subjects felt comfortable with you, to allow you to take their portraits. Btw, what did you think of Julie & Julia?
Posted by: susanna's sketchbook | 27 September 2009 at 02:35
No wonder you haven't been on FB for awhile! How FUN!
Posted by: Chris | 26 September 2009 at 00:16
This sounds like a fantastic class!!! BUT, how can your photographs get any better??
Posted by: stephanie | 25 September 2009 at 05:12
you're so brave. the movement in the first 2 are awesome. you're blessed with great talent my friend.
Posted by: Se'Lah | 25 September 2009 at 00:28
NOW , I understand why your pics are being better and better ..you are taking classes ...fantastic
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosités | 23 September 2009 at 19:21
You are my one guilty pleasure today! I have missed you!! I am so glad you class was a blast! I LOOOOVE these shots and what a super group of people your photographed, too fun! YAY for new clothes, yummy yum!! xoxoxxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 23 September 2009 at 00:21
Looking good..enjoy your blog..thank you..
Posted by: bettyann | 22 September 2009 at 00:40
What a fabulous assignment! And I love the photos -- even though they are posed, you also caught the natural feeling (I especially love the fellow taking your photo and the policemen!)
It's interesting -- you and Beth (Be Yourself) have both talked in the past posts about just asking to photograph people. Maybe that's a message for me... just ask!
Posted by: jeanie | 21 September 2009 at 21:38
So brave! Mr. shy- I adore that shot. Bravo, friend!
xoxo
Posted by: christina | 21 September 2009 at 17:20
It looks like you had a fabulous time in London. Your photos, as always, are excellent. Enjoy using your new camera/photography knowledge!
Posted by: Nancy Sotham | 21 September 2009 at 16:24
What a great exercise ... love, love, love the resulting photos!!! Glad you could have the time to hone one of your many talents.
xx,
deb
Posted by: JanePoet ~ JP/deb | 21 September 2009 at 06:39
Your shots really cheered me up Tara! I'm fighting off some kind of bad mood over here... with a rather large stick! Maybe I'll get out and take some photos.
So glad this class leveraged you into a new forum of technical wonderment...now if you don't mind sharing some things you've learned with your readers? An eclass for us who need the technical as much as the *bones*? lol
love to you! thanks dear lady!!! xoxo
Posted by: gilly | 21 September 2009 at 00:29
Very envious of your shopping/photo trip to london.Must be mad over there right now! My daughter ( franco/american )is managing her first Fashion Week in London. She's a model manager for IMG. Very sressful at the moment!!! but exciting too!
By the way.I read some of your post concerning obama.It is very hard for me to stomach what is going on over here in the States.Especially after having lived for 15 years in France. Waht is wrong with these people?Glenn Beck is indeed a thug.
Posted by: Martha | 20 September 2009 at 23:48
It is so wondrous to shop in other parts of the world, all the different sights and scents. Love this idea for a photo class, but I do understand why women would be intimidated by having their picture taken by a stranger. However, you look pretty safe to me!
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | 20 September 2009 at 23:47
Love your man-on-the-street shots! I hear ya about Paris. I don't even go into any clothing stores there! Hope you took something for your shoulders and are now resting easy. Lucky you. London. Green with envy here. <3
Posted by: Rosa | 20 September 2009 at 21:48
What fun!
Posted by: Kathy Mc | 20 September 2009 at 19:22
yes i want to come along!
i love these happy photo's of that darling couple tara
:)
Posted by: madelyn | 20 September 2009 at 18:40
Can't wait to be one of the four sets.
Your photography class sounds like so much fun. I love learning more about taking pictures. Enjoy your new knowledge!
Posted by: Marilyn | 20 September 2009 at 16:52