Recipes Used:
I begin this much anticipated post with some news!
If you have been here before, you may notice a difference up top.
I now have an "Enquiries" page! So if there's anyone out there with a story to tell, something to showcase or maybe you want to tell your story via my "Past, Present, Future" series! If you've followed my journey, you know I cover things big and small.
In fact, this post is a great encapsulation of that prior point!
We begin our day in Piccadilly for a screening of the new documentary "Damilola: The Untold Story".(Which you can watch here) My task for the next few hours was to cover the Q&A after the screening and the mini press run afterwards for one John Boyega on behalf of Stefan who you've seen in my NHC coverage this year and my new lens flex a few years ago.
There was one issue before all that. He was late. I ended up waiting outside for over an hour but eventually I got in (shouts to the security in the building, unfortunately I forgot his name.) and even got to see the backend of the documentary.
But soon after, it was time to cook. On the panel hosted by Tina Daheley was Boyega, his sister Grace, Director Alex Thomas, former superintendent in the Metropolitan police Dr. Leroy Logan MBE and Chair of Trustees at The Damilola Taylor Trust (& Damilola's brother) Tunde Taylor.
We then went to a green room type area for some profession pictures for BAFTA and I was there just bullshittin'. Had to change lenses very quickly but not before I got my favourite shots of the day with John & Grace.
We split parties briefly so I hit the restrooms right quick and got in a couple of fire self-portraits.
After some more chit chat in a conference room, we got kicked out and made a move to BBC near Great Portland Street where John was midway through radio and print interviews.
I got in for the last one of the day with freelance journalist J.N. Benjamin and finished with a photo of John, his parents and representation.
I had some time in between the two events of the day. I actually had some nice shots of the city as I was getting a lift through Waterloo Bridge but I think I misplaced them in the transfer!
Oh well. Ironically – after all the mentions of Peckham in the morning & early afternoon, for me it was off to Peckham for another edition of one of my favourite events:
Ludi Club
Peckham
Shari and her Home Radio was at it again in Jumbi Peckham for her last event @ Jumbi for the year.
I actually arrived just before Shari which was convenient for her, since she pulled up with a trolley of gear.
I helped out on setting things up, including de-tangling fairy lights.
A couple of Shari's extended family arrived first and we played a game of Ludi before everyone else came. I started off with my Summer Blue recipe but that stopped once the sunlight dipped. So here's all the colour shots of the evening, including a rapper who was cooling outside and I offered to take some shots! His name is Twi$$.
We then went to monochrome for the rest of the night and the people started coming in!
This wasn’t just any Ludi night however. It was also Shari’s birthday! So she changed into a more celebratory fit and throughout the night I got these
I love covering Shari’s events. They’re truly rooted in a place I connect with and all the people that come are on the same wavelength.
To finish, a look at all the beautiful people that attended.
And that was my 13 hours in LDN! (Excluding the trains there & back of course.)
Whilst this day was fun in parts, this was a bittersweet day for me. Once I was on the train home I felt drained. Not in the energy sense but in the sense of going in circles.
I really enjoy days like these in hindsight because they’re the epitome of what I love about my photography. I love going to festivals, love hitting The Jazz Café for shows but it’s the storytelling of days like these that I relish.
Anyways, I once again remind you that I now have an enquiries page and if you have anything or anyone that would want my niche services, you know where to go!
Couple shows coming next…
Charlie Taylor
chillicharlie.taylor@gmail.com
Born in Camden, North London.
Bred in Leigh-On-Sea, Essex.
Screenwriter/Podcaster/Photographer/
Hip-Hop Student.