Packing list and tips for street photography in London

Travelling is about making choices. This is my compact packing list for two days of photography in London. Focused on walking, light and long days.

Camera and lenses
You take the body you trust and know. One lens often works best. 35mm as a base is top notch. My principles: 28mm is a crowded market, 35 is a versatile documentation lens, 50mm is across the street. Very possibly a small telephoto as a backup? I never actually use those.

Count on two to three batteries a day and an empty memory card.

Accessories

• Microfibre cloth and a few handkerchiefs against rain
• Powerbank for your phone
• Earplugs for focus in crowds
• Possibly thin gloves in the morning

Clothing
Comfort before style. Layers always work. A light rain jacket is smart. It stays London.

Best tip: shoes in which you can walk 10 kilometres without a problem.

Settings as a starting point

• Aperture preference f/4 when stationary
• Minimum shutter around 1/500 for running pace
• Auto-ISO with an upper limit to suit your camera
• Black and white for tranquillity, colour when colour is allowed to play a leading role

Plug

• In the UK, they use Type G plugs. Think: three thick pins in a triangle.
• Bring a travel adapter. (Note: some hotels have 1 or 2 USB ports, but don't count on it).
• Voltage is 230V, so that's the same as in NL, your equipment will just work.

Coin & pay

• They still use the British pound (£ / GBP).
• PIN/credit card goes almost everywhere. Contactless is supernormal, even for small amounts.
• You hardly need cash, but £10-20 in your pocket is nice for markets or a loo somewhere in an old pub.

Public transport

• The Oyster card can, but Apple/Google Pay with your bank card is easier. Just tap in & tap out near metro, train stations, buses.
• Bus: contactless only, no cash.
• If you do a lot of metro: daily cap - above a certain amount, travel that day is free onwards.

Driving on the left

• You don't drive, but remember: look right first When crossing. Really do.

Cost

• London is expensive. Coffee costs so €4.50, pint €8. Taco? €15. Whew.

Mobile & roaming

• EU roaming? Sometimes free, sometimes not. Check your provider, otherwise turn off data or buy an eSIM.

Weather

• Be prepared for four seasons a day. Umbrella or rain jacket.
• Light in London is often beautifully diffused through the cloud cover. Photography bonus!

Water

• Tap water is perfectly drinkable.

Tips

• In pubs not compulsory, in restaurants 10-12% if you are satisfied. Sometimes it is already on the bill as service charge → check.

Security & camera

• Generally safe, but at tourist hotspots: watch your gear.
• Use an extra strap and keep your backpack in front of you in crowds.

Useful for photographers

• Blue hour is often long → wonderful for city photos.
• Tripod? In some parts of the Docklands/City, security guards can find them tricky. Just stay friendly.
• In museums, photography is sometimes limited - always check at the entrance.

Especially for passionate photographers who want to go into the city with a group, learn from each other and myself and explore London that way, you can join my annual London workshop:

For beginners and advanced students, only 5 spots per workshop