Just a few days after seeing the end of 2020, what hopes we had that 2021 would be different were quickly dashed here in the UK, with the start of national lockdown number 3. Certainly not the start I was hoping for as it makes my job as a freelance photographer much more difficult, but it is hard for everyone and we all must do what we can to stay positive. Whilst I have had extra time, I decided to look back on the street photography I used to do during my lunch breaks when I worked in London. I would like to say that street photography is a great passion of mine which I excel at, but truth be told it can be uncomfortable at times and it is not as easy as simply going to a crowded area and snapping away.

Despite everyone having their pictures taken everywhere they walk, as people take photo after photo on their smartphones as soon as you pull out a camera you are viewed very differently. For the most part I do not encounter many issues in a large city like London, but there are some prickly individuals who get upset even when you are trying to be considerate. The best you can do is be swift and not to linger, the aim is often to take the photo before anyone notices so you can capture an authentic moment in time. However, that is not to say that you cannot take great pictures where people are aware of the camera. Unfortunately, with the current situation I will not be getting much practice for the foreseeable.

I must admit that it was slightly sad looking at these images of the hustle and bustle of people going about their lives knowing it has almost been a year since this all came to a halt. For me, the worry is that these scenes from yesteryear will become viewed as strange as people really do get used to staying away from others. We can only hope that this year ends in a more positive way than the last one and that the streets and markets can once again return to life. The sooner the better.

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