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3 THE CITY CHRONICLES 4 WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS

If you’ve got limited time to get out, then exploring the city can be

a rewarding project. Build yourself up beforehand by reading Iain

Sinclair’s excellent book Hackney, That Rose-Red Empire. Full of

walks musing on Hackney’s historical past, Sinclair maps many

unseen things that would become very interesting photography

projects in their own right.

Look at your local area and see if there are areas and stories

that could be mapped by your photography project. In this example,

the streets around London’s Petticoat Lane provide a rich visual

experience if you’re prepared to look closely.

If you are an early riser, why not document your local area before

the day starts off? Sunday morning in the city is a great time

to shoot, especially if the area you visit is usually thriving. This

example, found in London’s Truman’s Brewery area, was taken

at first light and has a slightly eerie quality about it.

Check out Russian photographer Boris Savelev. Although

working mostly in colour, he creates unique images on empty

streets or light-filled walkways.

5 BAD WEATHER

Bad Weather is the title of one of Martin Parr’s early projects – and as the name suggests, it found him shooting

in rain, sleet and snow. We rarely take such risks with our comfort, but to be out in the elements can provide

you with the most extraordinary shooting circumstances.

This example was shot with a 35mm panoramic camera during a wild coastal storm. When the wind picks

up and sand starts to blow, it can get pretty difficult to stay upright, but your images will be atmospheric to say

the least. Don’t worry too much if there’s a bit of accidental camera shake in there too – as it’ll do a great job in

describing your own wobbly presence in the storm. Keep some lens tissues in your pocket to wipe the rain off.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

‘A photographer may not just walk the streets but he or she does a lot of walking with a purpose,

so the most important piece of equipment after the camera is a good pair of shoes.’

• David Hurn

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