{"id":134661,"date":"2020-06-17T18:35:59","date_gmt":"2020-06-17T17:35:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.piranhaphotography.com\/blog\/?p=134661"},"modified":"2022-03-23T08:31:34","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T08:31:34","slug":"pride-in-london-event-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.piranhaphotography.com\/blog\/pride-in-london-event-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Throwback – Pride in London Event Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Photography<\/p>\n

Pride in London Event Photography<\/h2>\n

I was lucky enough to be one of the London event photographers<\/a> at Pride in London<\/a> in 2018.\u00a0 I realised the other day that due to a heavy workload I have not had time to share this colourful set of photographs on Piranha\u2019s blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As it is that time of year again, when in June the Pride in London march should be taking place I have had a look back and revisited the photographs.\u00a0 The march would have been on the 27th June this year, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic the parade will only be celebrated online. The next London Pride parade has been postponed to summer 2021.<\/p>\n

\"Pride<\/p>\n

Leica Photojournalism Course<\/h2>\n

In 2018 I was attending a Leica Photojournalism Course<\/a> in London and as a part of the course we were given a back stage pass for privileged access to all aspects of the Pride parade and any pubs and clubs that were holding any supporting events. I had a full day to take photographs and the best were then provided to Pride in London for PR and publication.<\/p>\n

London Event Photography and Coverage of the Parade<\/h2>\n

The photographers gathered at the start of the parade and headed out to capture images of everyone busy with the setup and preparation of the floats.\u00a0 Once the floats had set off we then walked with them down Portland Place, photographing the people, and the crowds bustling around.<\/p>\n

\"People

Calm before the mayhem. Waiting for the Pride in London Parade to begin.<\/p><\/div>\n

Off the Beaten Track<\/h2>\n

It was at this time I thought there was going to be so such more to the day than the parade itself so went off the beaten track to seek out individual groups and people celebrating in their own way.<\/p>\n

\"A

This group was enjoying the sunshine in front of a pub – not one but two Sgt Peppers, you can\u2019t have too many really.<\/p><\/div>\n

Soho Square Churches<\/h2>\n

My first stop was Soho Square a famous bohemian location in London\u2019s \u2018media land\u2019 – there was a lot of preparation but nothing underway quite yet as it was too early in the day.\u00a0 It occurred to me when I saw the two churches in this square that there might be a photographic story to be told around religion and the gay community. St Patrick\u2019s Church was open but empty and The French Protestant Church of London was closed.<\/p>\n

\"Pride

The vicar had two guardian angels that day who were more than happy to pose.<\/p><\/div>\n

I spotted a sign for \u2018Free Breakfast\u2019 and an arrow pointing into St Anne\u2019s Church in Dean Street. This could be empty too, but at least I\u2019d get croissants and coffee! Unlike the two previous places of worship this Church was heaving with people, chatting and enjoying a pre-march service. I checked with the vicar and all was fine for me to mingle, take photographs and set whatever I needed up. It was at this venue I probably got some of my best images from the whole day.\u00a0 It pays to seek out photo opportunities off the beaten track as it can lead to hugely rewarding unexpected pictures. The atmosphere was friendly and very welcoming for all to join in.<\/p>\n

Cafes and Bars of Old Compton Street<\/h2>\n
\"Street

An incredible character, who must have suffered in the heat of the day in that skin suit. A very strong look however all kudos to him.<\/p><\/div>\n

I explored the cafe\u2019s and bustling bars along Old Compton Street which were full of colourful people getting ready to join the march, be a part of the march or just form a march of their own.\u00a0 The people taking part were spectacular in their costumes and in their characters.<\/p>\n

I continued to work my way through the streets around Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.\u00a0 Eventually I caught up with people I knew on Whitehall.<\/p>\n

The day was challenging, enjoyable but exhausting and many miles were covered on foot in pursuit of the strongest photographs.<\/p>\n

\"Event

This couple spotted in Leicester Square had come from the US to take part in the day.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Final Photographs<\/h2>\n

Afterwards I downloaded and processed the 1,000 or so images taken of the whole event and presented my 20 favourites as a slideshow. These images were sent to Pride in London and the global online magazine LFi \u00a0(Leica Fotographie International<\/a>)\u00a0 published several.\u00a0 The image below appeared on the BBC website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Photograph

One of my favourite shots of the day, the character in the foreground was incredible especially with those white contact lenses. I framed her over to one side to include the background.<\/p><\/div>\n

Onwards to 2021<\/h2>\n

The colour and excitement of the day drew attention to LGBT+ community issues and the wide publication of the images was used to promote the cause. I look forward to photographing many more Pride in London parades in the future.<\/p>\n

\"Dog

Even pets got involved in Pride and this dog wore his rainbow wings with aplomb.<\/p><\/div>\n

Showreel of Favourite Event Photographs taken on the Day<\/h2>\n

Below I have included a short showreel of my favourite photographs taken on the day. This is very much a selection of the many pictures –<\/p>\n

If you would like to see more of Piranha’s event photography please do visit the main web page here – Piranha Event Photographer London<\/a>.<\/p>\n