Lensless London 2024

On a crisp Saturday morning, February 24th, I headed over to London for an immersive pinhole photography day. Armed with an array of cameras – the Ondu 4x5 rise, Harman Titan 4x5, Mia 6x6, and the Mia 6x12. Six large format holders pre-loaded with Fomapan 100 film (half which I was using at 400 and the other half at 100) and also 4 rolls of Kentmere 100 which I had not used before.

What initially started as a solo exploration soon morphed into a collaborative endeavor as I had committed to joining a photo walk in London. The prospect of capturing the city's essence and seeing anew side to the city with fellow photography enthusiasts was too good to pass up. So, with my gear in tow, I set out to merge the planned photo walk with my own creative journey, turning a simple day in London into a full-fledged exploration of visual storytelling. 

My first stop at the iconic Trafalgar Square, at 8 am, thankfully very quiet.

Ondu 4x5

Harman titan 4x5

Mia 6x12

Mia 6x12

Leaving the tranquility of Trafalgar Square behind, I strolled down Whitehall toward Westminster, eager to capture the essence of London's historical landmarks. My eyes were set on one particular gem along the way – a poignant tribute to the women of World War II, standing proudly amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Bathed in the soft morning light

Mia 6x12

Discovering Winston Churchill along my journey, I was met with a lively scene as lots of people surrounded the iconic figure. Eager to capture the dynamic energy of the crowd in a mesmerizing blur with the long exposure of a pinhole, I set up my equipment. However, as fate would have it, the moment I was ready to open the shutter, the crowds seemed to disperse, leaving the space eerily empty.

Undeterred, I patiently waited for about 10 minutes, hoping for the hustle and bustle to resume. Alas, no more crowds appeared, prompting me to swiftly seize the moment, capturing a quick image before continuing on my photographic adventure through the heart of London.

Harman titan 4x5

Crossing onto Westminster Bridge, I aimed to capture the iconic Elizabeth Tower, fondly known as Big Ben, standing tall against the London skyline. Yet, as I stepped into the bustling atmosphere, a wave of anxiety washed over me. Unlike my usual serene landscapes, this urban landscape was teeming with people, pushing me far out of my comfort zone.

However, I recognized this discomfort as an opportunity for growth. Confronting my anxieties head-on, I resolved to embrace the challenge, knowing that pushing my boundaries was essential for personal and creative development. With a deep breath, I steadied my resolve and focused on framing the perfect shot, determined not to let my apprehensions hinder my artistic pursuit.

The 10 second exposure blurred most the people out of the image

Harman titan 4x5

Mia 6x12

Just across the road from Big Ben, the London Eye stood as a majestic testament to the city's modern charm. Determined to find a vantage point away from the crowds, I stumbled upon a secluded spot that I believed would frame the iconic landmark perfectly, With my trusty Ondu I carefully composed my shot.  using the rise pinhole to capture as much of these cables as possible without throwing of the vertical lines too much.

Ondu 4x5 rise

From here I meandered along the water's edge en route to Millennium Bridge, armed with my Mia 6x6. capturing random things along the way.

Mia 6x6

Mia 6x6

Mia 6x6

Mia 6x6

Mia 6x6

Under Millennium bridge 

Mia 6x6

Upon reaching Millennium Bridge, I was eager to capture its iconic structure. With my Mia 6x6, I ventured beneath the bridge. Next, armed with the Mia 6x12, I went up to the walkway, ready to capture the expansive view before me with St Pauls in the distance. 

Unfortunately I had to crop this image heavily as I encountered unexpected heavy vignetting in the resulting image. I speculated whether something within the camera had been inadvertently disturbed. Nevertheless, rather than dwelling on the setback, I see it as an opportunity to return one day soon.

Mia 6x12

Harman titan 4x5

Continuing my photographic journey across Millennium Bridge, I found myself drawn towards the majestic St. Paul's Cathedral. Seizing the moment, I positioned myself on a nearby flight of steps to capture this shot.

Ondu 4x5 rise

Mia 6x6

Reaching a juncture in my solitary exploration, I met with the other photographers to embark on an intriguing photo walk. Together, we delved into the lesser-known (to me) corners of London, unearthing hidden gems. It was a pleasure to spend some time with like-minded creatives.

I would mention where each shot was taken, but i'm not even sure myself

Ondu 4x5 rise

Ondu 4x5 rise

Ondu 4x5 rise

Mia 6x6

Mia 6x12

Mia 6x6

Mia 6x12

Mia 6x6

Mia 6x6

Following the photo walk with my fellow enthusiasts, I embarked once more on a solitary expedition, this time making my way to the iconic Tower Bridge. With a handful of film remaining, I was determined to make every shot count, aiming to capture the timeless elegance of this London landmark. 

Mia 6x12

Mia 6x12

Mia 6x12

Mia 6x12

Harman titan 4x5

Harman Titan 4x5

As I reflect on my whirlwind adventure in London, I can't help but smile at the chaotic yet exhilarating journey it turned out to be. I embraced the hustle and bustle, squeezing in as much as possible, fueled by the thrill of discovery around every corner. While I may have rushed through some moments, I cherished every second of the experience, for isn't that what exploration is all about?

Looking ahead to future trips, I envision a slower pace, allowing myself the luxury of immersing deeply into a select few locations. And when I do return, I've already decided on the perfect companions: the ONDU 4x5 rise and the trusty 6x12. The rise pinhole, with its ability to adjust the horizon level into the lower third of the image, promises to be the ideal tool for capturing the dynamic energy of the cityscape while maintaining straight vertical lines. And of course, the 6x12's panoramic view will be essential for encapsulating the grandeur of London's skyline.

As I bid farewell to London, my heart is full of gratitude for the memories made and the lessons learned. Until next time,

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