No Stranger to Strangers
When a student recently attended one of our Speedlite photography workshops, he had to move through the streets of central London and think creatively on his feet. His tutor was Ion Paciu, one of London’s best street portrait and fashion photographers and a senior tutor at our school. Ion would not only teach him about flash, but how to illuminate the faces the strangers in the crowd.
It’s make-up on the move
It was a beautiful warm sunny day when our tutor Ion Paciu held one of his one to one Speedlite photography workshops with our student Nicolas, on the streets of central London. Nicolas had booked a lesson with our Photoion Photography School to learn the art of using Speedlite flashguns. He would now create a street fashion shoot using two such flash systems.
Choose the door
The workshop started near the Union Jack Club. Jasmin, the model for the day, added the finishing touches to her make up. Ever the professional she is one of our regular models skilled in how to work on the move.
Speedlite Photography workshop London Makeup
The roads around the club offered the fashionable façades of old English flats with the multiple hues of rustic brick, a perfect background for the first images. With the equipment set up, our student Nicolas clicked away.
Speedlite Photography Workshop London, brick wall
With Ion’s guidance, Nicolas explored the shapes and colours around him. He painted with the light, mixing the natural ambient temperature with those of the flash. Different poses and themes rolled into one another, as ideas where formed and realised.
Speedlite Photography Workshop London, glow light
Speedlite photography workshop
Speedlite Photography Workshop London, the green bag
Speedlite photography workshop
More images with the brick wall.
Speedlite Photography Workshop London, brick wall
Speedlite Photography Workshop London, brick wall
A touch of Italy
Jasmin was doing a great job! Her posing was creative and original. The warm day and natural light allowed a more relaxed posture. Nicolas quickly gained more confidence with the flash and the creativity flowed. While the shutter rapidly clicked, an intrigued passer by, a stranger from the street, joined the group. She was Ilaria, an Italian art student. Never to miss an opportunity, Ion had quickly invited her to join the session.
Speedlite Photography Workshop London, Jasmin with Ilaria
More faces arrive
With Jasmin and Ilaria posing and the Speedlite firing away, it wasn’t long before Ion invited another new face into the fashion shoot. Fitz was delighted to be asked, and now Nicolas had three models to pose and light providing a perfect practice session.
Speedlite photography workshop, Jasmin and Fitz
As the group prepared for a lunch break, a local appeared delivering recycling letters to his neighbours. Seizing the opportunity, Ion took some environmental portraits of John, who was happy to pose and leave his contact details for Ion.
Speedlite Photography Workshop London – John
Speedlite Photography Workshop London – John
The bustle of the market
It was then on to Lower Marsh Road, one of Ion’s favourite locations, close to the Old Vic and Waterloo Station. A recognised conservation area of special character, it brims with beautiful old vintage shops, coffee houses and lots of great textures.
Speedlite photography workshop
This time Ion chose a distinctive red metal shutter as a backdrop. With Jasmin back in her shades and leather, the 18th century Marsh Road created a futuristic theme.
Speedlite photography workshop, red
wall
Speedlite photography workshop, red wall
Finally we posed together, a perfect end to a great street fashion shoot.
Speedlite photography workshop, group photo
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