London night photography

[Vertigo]

I'm in London overnight in a couple of weeks and was thinking of taking the camera and going out in the evening, weather permitting.

Is wandering around central London (and maybe the tube) with a camera advisable these days?

 

[Captain]

I did it a few months ago and it was fine if you stay in a fairly busy and popular area.

Have you got a strap you can wrap around your hands to keep your camera secure?

 

[Vertigo]

I did it a few months ago and it was fine if you stay in a fairly busy and popular area.

Have you got a strap you can wrap around your hands to keep your camera secure?

Yeah I've got a Peak Design cuff strap.

 

[stuman]

If you have a super fancy camera you can add some black tape over logos etc to draw less attention. Smaller pancake or primes will also reduce impact.

 

[throwaway4372]

Photos of criminality might be the more interesting ones tho.

 

[henry hoov3r]

You should be fine. I usually hang my camera around my neck and do my coat up when im just walking around.

 

[Terminal_Boy]

I'm in London overnight in a couple of weeks and was thinking of taking the camera and going out in the evening, weather permitting.

Is wandering around central London (and maybe the tube) with a camera advisable these days?

I wouldn’t use a camera on the tube as if someone decides they don’t like it or decides they really like your camera, you’ve got no escape route.

 

[Vertigo]

I wouldn’t use a camera on the tube as if someone decides they don’t like it or decides they really like your camera, you’ve got no escape route.

Noted, although I wouldn't be looking at using it on the tube, merely getting around.

If you have a super fancy camera you can add some black tape over logos etc to draw less attention. Smaller pancake or primes will also reduce impact.

Lol, not sure what qualifies as "super fancy" but a 50 1.2 is going to be a bit 'obvious'.

Sounds like wearing a decent size coat that I can conceal it under when not in use would be a sensible precaution.

 

[stuman]

Noted, although I wouldn't be looking at using it on the tube, merely getting around.



Lol, not sure what qualifies as "super fancy" but a 50 1.2 is going to be a bit 'obvious'.

Sounds like wearing a decent size coat that I can conceal it under when not in use would be a sensible precaution.

Beige trenchcoat, black fedora, fake nose, tash and glasses.

If anybody approaches you ask them for the code word with a Russian accent.

 

[Barks]

I'm in London overnight in a couple of weeks and was thinking of taking the camera and going out in the evening, weather permitting.

Is wandering around central London (and maybe the tube) with a camera advisable these days?

I really wouldn’t worry. Perfectly safe along the Thames and loads of people about even late at night. Despite the nonsense printed in the Daily Fail and Telegraph, it’s mostly safe in central London.

 

[adrichardson81]

I do it all the time - never had a problem. You can get some great shots around the City as it's quiet and South Bank is great for it too. I was out at Christmas around Bond Street and Piccadilly Circus with an A7Riii and a 50mm GM, so not the most unobtrusive setup.

Only place I'd be a little cautious is Oxford Street and Leicester Square.

 

[Vertigo]

I do it all the time - never had a problem. You can get some great shots around the City as it's quiet and South Bank is great for it too. I was out at Christmas around Bond Street and Piccadilly Circus with an A7Riii and a 50mm GM, so not the most unobtrusive setup.

Only place I'd be a little cautious is Oxford Street and Leicester Square.

South Bank is a good shout. I'm staying in Westminster so easy enough to wander in that direction.

If anyone has any other specific location recommendations then by all means

 

[adrichardson81]

If you can, get down to the river. Can't remember where the steps are but it should be on Google maps. The London Eye is close by too. You can set some good shots from the South Bank side of the Eye.

Also take a walk over the milennium bridge to St Pauls

 

[Ryan-3]

If you have a super fancy camera you can add some black tape over logos etc to draw less attention. Smaller pancake or primes will also reduce impact.

This advice gets used for those travelling abroad too, but then some people may be attracted by the fact you're covering the expensive thing up. Although most people won't give a smallish body with prime too much of a look, a big telephoto will attract attention.

Being generally cautious is the best advice and not flailing it about at the curb side.

 

[adrichardson81]

Smallish prime is definitely the way forwards. The other advantage is you capture more natural images if you're shooting street photography.

 

[manic111]

Yeah it's fine, there's a risk that people may cycle past and grab stuff here, but I've never had that happen to me. I think that if you look like you have your wits about you, and keep your devices held / strapped securely, then thieves will look for easier targets (there are a lot of them).

Edit: The end of that made me sound like a thief! I am not!

 

[adrichardson81]

Yeah it's fine, there's a risk that people may cycle past and grab stuff here, but I've never had that happen to me. I think that if you look like you have your wits about you, and keep your devices held / strapped securely, then thieves will look for easier targets (there are a lot of them).

Edit: The end of that made me sound like a thief! I am not!

Yeah definitely watch out for people on e-bikes. Also from my experience today on Bond Street, watch out for abusive coked-up American z-list celebrities...