Chinatown, London
Riding a recent wave of motivation to get back out and start taking photos again, I decided to wake up early on Sunday and head into Central London. Blessed with bright winter sun, I made my way over to Chinatown to have a wander while it was still relatively quiet. I’d photographed the area before, but the usual crowds make it hard to enjoy and my shots tend to come out a bit too ‘busy.’
I arrived just as the neighbourhood was coming to life. A few early risers milled about whilst men unloaded pallets of food, and street vendors set up their stalls for the day ahead. The morning light was casting dramatic shadows across the streets, and was interacting beautifully with the iconic red lanterns hanging above.
I started with my 18mm lens, but after about 20 minutes, I found the intense sun was overpowering the frames and switched to my 50-140mm. This allowed me to get tighter shots - isolating the lanterns against the sky and peering into restaurant windows without having to get too close.
I spent another 40 minutes or so walking up and down, feeling happy with what I’d captured. Two shots in particular: Goods Entrance and Red Street stood out to me as they fit my minimalist, single-subject style whist also capturing the aura of the neighbourhood. This was also my first time properly using a black mist diffuser, which gave the photos a subtle, dreamy glow.
As morning wore on the streets gradually filled out with people. Before I knew it, it had transformed into the bustling, jam-packed version I was used to—perhaps even busier than usual. I took this as my cue to head off to a different area but as I was doing so I heard what sounded like a parade on the adjacent street. The sound of drums drew closer and closer and before I knew it the roads were closed and the pavements lined with people.
That’s when the first Chinese dragon danced around the corner, operated by 5 or so people. A few more floats passed before I clocked that I’d unknowingly stumbled into the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations - right place, right time! I took a few shots but wasn’t in the best position and didn’t fancy wading through the crowds. Still, it was an exciting end to an already enjoyable morning.
Navigating out of Chinatown was a mission as the crowd trickled down to Trafalgar Square where the celebrations were continuing. There were definitely some more photo opportunities to be had there, but I’d booked to see a photography exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery and a coffee and croissant break beforehand felt essential.
