Notting Hill Carnival Walk and Shoot

28 Aug 2022
357 Words
2 mins

London’s Notting Hill Carnival has been on hiatus for two years due to the global Pandemic, but in 2022, it was back with a vengeance. I’m part of a UK group of Black female photographers, and for August, we met as a collective of 30+ photographers to do a walk and shoot at the Carnival.

The meeting spot was by Westbourne Park tube station, which was simple to get to (London on the tube network is accessible as long as it’s running). My journey from Kent to London Victoria, via the hour-long train journey, had no real difficulties.

When travelling to large events in central London, it is best to use the public transport network where possible.

What’s the purpose of today’s practice

You could look at it as a combination of street and event photography. As Notting Hill Carnival (NHC) is Europe’s biggest street carnival, you have a mixture of performers and the public parading a route that’s about three and a half miles long.

Any preparation done

The usual ensuring that I had spare batteries and that they were charged, as well as cleaning the lenses and any filters I’d be using on the day.

Considerations due to location

As this location would be very crowded, I wanted to bring only a few gear. I chose the kit based on portability and weight, although, on reflection, I could have brought a lens with a more extensive focal range. As I didn’t have an adapter, I was limited in choice, but it did mean I had to be more creative when attempting close-up portraits.

Process

It’s my first time doing this type of photography on the go with an event going on around me. I was happy to walk and take pictures of situations that caught my eye. With performances all around you and many people in a party mood, people are willing to pose for the camera, and the atmosphere is friendly. There’s a give-and-take between the photographer and the subject.

In addition, on quieter streets, there was an opportunity to make more of the area’s architecture, particularly by-standers observing from afar or up high.