London & Travel Street Photography | Latest Blog News | Linda Wisdom Photography

I recently completed a 1-2-1 workshop with a lady visiting from the states. She is air stewardess who was on a 3-day stopover in London and by chance (or fate) found me via a photography blog I had just done a few days before. This led her to my Instagram page, which then led her to this website, where she contacted me just four days before the actual workshop which we did on Saturday just gone. I explained that I usually need notice to prep 1-2-1 workshops, but as I had the weekend available and she was so keen I did not want to say no.

As always I suggested she do a 'minimum' 3 hours with me to get any benefit of my street photography tuition, which includes a pre-brief, a photo walk and a post-workshop de-brief & critique which she especially wanted. She, however, was on a budget and for what it was, was lower than my set workshop rates. I explained that my rates were very reasonable compared to many other tutors out there and that not only would she get the benefit of 10 years of my experience, but that once the workshop was over, that wasn't the end of the session, in a "bye, thanks for coming, have a nice life" kind of sense.

No. I like to think of my workshops as long term investments. Many of my students keep in touch with me years later. In fact, I insist that they do - I am always curious about how they have progressed after a workshop with me. An unofficial mentor if you will. I am always happy to offer free advice whenever previous students drop me an email. Some students go on to enter photography contests (and win!), take part in their first ever photography exhibition, sell prints and even find project work afterwards. This gives me a sense of pride as a tutor and tells me that I must be doing something right.

You're not just paying for a 3+ hours workshop - you are investing in 10 years experience, hard work and knowledge with a professional! I want you to learn new skills, I want to push you out of your comfort zone, I want you to gain confidence and lose yourself in the creative process of taking photos! This will take you to the next level on your photographer journey. If like me, you have the passion and determination to get somewhere you want with your photography goals, you will. If I can do it, so can you.

If you would like to invest in a street photography workshop with me, please get in contact!

Outside of the Herrick Gallery

I had the pleasure of being invited to the opening night of PRINCE: A London Private View. An exhibition showcasing the personal work of Prince's official photographer and trusted friend Afshin Shahidi. As anyone who knows me knows, I am a huge Prince fan. Many of the selected images show a rear and intimate side of Prince that we never see, and Afshin has captured each one perfectly.

PRINCE - A London Private View: Afshin Shahidi

27 February - 9 March 2019

Opening times: 27 & 28 February 11am-5pm / 1-9 March 11am-7pm (Sunday 3 March 12-5pm).


Afshin signing copies of his books


Prince limited edition print


Prince limited edition print


View of downstairs exhibition crowd


Prince limited edition print


British soul singers Omar and Beverley Knight

Quoted from the Herrick Gallery website:
The exhibition will feature rare and intimate images of Prince, primarily drawn from Shahidi’s recently published photo book. Illustrating Prince’s exceptional talent through his strenuous work ethic, enigmatic persona, unique charm, and sexual charisma, the limited edition prints on view will convey the power of the late musician’s flamboyant and multi-instrumental performances. The qualities that made Prince a worldwide phenomenon are captured in striking still reflections by his colleague and friend, Afshin Shahidi.

Iranian-born Shahidi collaborated with Prince longer than almost any other photographer. He met the musician in their shared hometown of Minneapolis back in 1993 at Prince’s renowned recording studio, lyrically portrayed by the artist as “there aren’t any rules in Paisley Park”. Initially working as a cinematographer, Shahidi’s passion for creating still images was obvious to Prince who soon after invited him to photograph his then band, the New Power Generation.

After a trial period, and satisfied with the essence, Prince asked Shahidi to become his official still photographer. In this position, Shahidi captured Prince on stage and at play, in highly styled settings and in candid situations. He travelled with Prince from Panama, to Morocco, to London and beyond. The relationship between the two transitioned from professional peers, to dueling conversationalists, to trusted companions. Ultimately, Shahidi’s unique access to the notoriously inaccessible Prince gave him the opportunity to create indelible images of the icon.

Shahidi hopes his photographs will give the public a renewed appreciation for the late performer and recalls of Prince: “He became my mentor, business partner, travel companion, collaborator, and – most important – my friend. He took it upon himself to encourage me to see the world as a place of opportunities, not limitations. He taught by example. I knew I had to grow as a photographer, both technically and artistically – I had no choice. My subject was, unequivocally, the most talented musician of our time.”

Roza Vulf - Winner of the Street Life category

It was great to attend the private view and the awards ceremony last night at the British Life Photography Awards. The event was held at the prestigious Mall Galleries in St. James's, London.

A big congratulations to the winner of the Street Life category Roza Vulf. Roza flew over from Rome especially for the event and it was amazing to catch up with her. She is a wonderful street photographer, if you have not seen her images, please check out her website


Roza's winning entry - 'Separation In Togetherness', Oxford Circus, London

The exhibition is on tour around the UK at these venues (check local opening times):

Mall Galleries, London 18th to 23rd February 2019
Banbury Museum, Banbury 16th March to 12th May 2019
The Garden Rooms at Tennants, Leyburn, North Yorkshire 20th July to 3rd September 2019
Redbrick building, Glastonbury, Somerset, 14th September to 13th October 2019


Selfie time with the Street Life winner Roza Vulf

Many thanks to the organisers, the other contest judges and sponsors of this event along with my congratulations to all the selected winning photographers.


Mall Galleries - The Mall, St. James's, London SW1Y 5AH

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU! Wishing you health, happiness and success in 2019.



I had celebratory New Year's Eve drinks with friends in a 5-Star London hotel/Grade II listed building. I had been meaning to visit this particular hotel all year, but anyway finally ended up going on the last day of the year (as you do).

The reason being is that earlier this year I found out some good news from my Art Consultants based in Paris, that this hotel, the Kimpton Fitzroy London which was formally known as Principal London, purchased five of my images. It was several months before I was officially told the exact hotel, as prior to the relaunch in April 2018, the hotel was still undergoing a £85m refurbishment.



I was so excited to visit this hotel at last - but first port of call was NYE drinks in their exquisite Fitz's bar! Then I had a little wander this vast but exquisite hotel. I found one of my framed prints on displayed on a wall, near the main lobby stairwell! As I was with friends I didn't want to leave them too long, wandering around, so I asked one of the super helpful receptionists if she could possibly help me on my unusual request mission to find my remaining four framed photos which I was told were in communal areas of the hotel! She obliged in my quest to accompany around to locations she thought they may be hanging, but we couldn't find the rest of them! I was advised to get in touch with the hotel interior designers who hung them and that they would help me locate them. So I will do that in the new year! I was just happy to find this one for now! What a great honour. Happy New Year!

I've got an interview feature in the Jessops winter magazine 'IMAGE', currently available in all Jessops stores.
Go grab yourselves a free copy!

Taken during my last London photo tour for a travelling guest. Tate Modern - Southbank, London. One of the favourite places in London to visit for creative inspiration. For all you tech geeks out there, it was shot on the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9M with the Lumix 12-60mm zoom lens.

Be Kind - Seen in London, just outside St. Paul's Cathedral.

Part of my Seen in... London Series, an ongoing photography project - snapping my visions of London and the people who live in it one click at a time!

Congratulations to everyone who made the shortlist, and to this year’s winner, Andy Allchurch!

On Wednesday 5 December, Clear Channel held a Pop Up on Baker Street in London to celebrate this year’s shortlisted entries, and to announce this year’s winning entry in the MyTownPhotography competition.

There was a selection of images from the competition on display throughout the day, including the shortlisted photos and images from our judges, renowned street photographers Dougie Wallace, Ronya Galka & myself.

HND Photography student Andy Allchurch who won the My Town Photography Competition with his shot "Do Not Feed The Gulls"!

Speaking of his win with his entry ‘Do Not Feed The Gulls’, taken in Liverpool, he said:

“It’s all a bit surreal, but it’s amazing to have won. My intention was just to get a photograph of the man who looked slightly strange feeding these seagulls so much bread. As I went to take the photo the seagull flew past his face, with its faced stuffed. In all honesty, it was a complete fluke, which is an aspect I really like about street photography. But it’s a beautiful fluke! I love that the image is a bit of fun too – kind of channelling that Scouser sense of humour.”

Andy entered the competition after seeing MyTown promoted on Clear Channel screen, and his image will join all other shortlisted images featured as part of the UK’s biggest outdoor exhibition of street photography. He was also rewarded with a FujifilmX100F camera, which he received at the MyTown pop-up, and a UK city break of his choosing.

(Click image to view MyTown photo gallery in new window)

The shortlisted winners of the MyTown contest hosted by ClearChannel were announced this week. Congratulations if you were selected!

As one of the three appointed judges, I/we had the painstaking task of chosen my final 12 out of 100s of images, before meeting all judges and deciding on our final selection. I think the resulting 12 shortlist winners look pretty good together.

The contest has received good coverage from the online news press. Here are the links to a few sites;
The Guardian
Metro News
Daily Mail

There will be a Pop Up event on 5th December. Details below shared from the MyTown website:

On Wednesday 5 December, we’ll be announcing this year’s winner at a pop-up gallery in London.

There will be a selection of images from the competition on display throughout the day, including the shortlisted photos and images from our judges, renowned street photographers Dougie Wallace, Ronya Galka & Linda Wisdom.

The gallery is open to the public, so you can pop along anytime from 11am to 11pm. There is no entrance fee.

Spaces may be more limited in the later part of the day when the winner will be announced.

Wednesday, December 5th 2018

Carousel Next Door, 35 Baker Street, London, W1U 8EN

11:00am – Gallery opens
6:00pm – Winner announced*
11:00pm – Gallery closes


It should be a good day/night. See you there!

The latest issue (#207) of Digital Photographer magazine is now out. Check out my page feature on Photography Contest Judging in the Go Pro section!

Digital Photographer magazine is available for digital download.

Check out a recent online interview I did with Peli Products UK.

In the interview, I talk a bit about my street photography work, my experiences and offer up some advice to up and coming street photographers.

A favourite shot from my recent Nottingham city photo walks with Lumix UK and Jessops stores.

Taken with the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 and the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens

This image is available to buy as a fine art photography print.

I am excited to have teamed up with ART ON A POSTCARD to offer you Limited Editions of 20 for three of my photographs.

Each print is accompanied by my digital signature and a certificate of authenticity.

Fine Art Giclée print on Hahnemühle Pearl
148 x 210mm / 5.8" x 8.3"
£55.00 per limited edition print

To order your print, please visit Art On A Postcard





About Art On A Postcard
Art on a Postcard work with the world's leading artists to raise money for The Hepatitis C Trust.

In 2014 Art on a Postcard was only ever intended to be a one-off Secret Postcard Auction, but it went so well it’s spawned a small industry. We are now several auctions down the line and have a sister event, Photography on a Postcard which is the official charity of Photo London. We also produce a line of limited edition prints as well as box sets of each year’s favourite postcards.

Artists who have taken part include Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry CBE, RA, Marina Abramovic, Harland Miller and Cicely Brown. Photographers who have taken part include Martin Parr, Wolfgang Tillmans and Es Devlin.

I am pleased to be announced as a judge for ClearChannel UK's MyTown street photography competition.

The MyTown street photography contest celebrates the uniqueness of towns and cities across the UK and the people who live in them.

The very best images will be shown on Clear Channel digital advertising screens in towns and cities right across the country later in the year, as part of the UK’s biggest outdoor exhibition of street photography! There are also some great prizes for the winner!

On Wednesday, December 5th 2018, Clear Channel will be announcing the competition winner, and displaying the shortlisted photos at a pop-up gallery event, alongside images from the judges.

There will be a Pop-Up Gallery event on 5th December. The gallery is open all day to the public, so you can pop along from 11am. To register your interest in the evening event, visit the registration page.

There's still time to enter the MyTown contest as entries must be received by 11.59pm on Sunday 11th November 2018. Good luck!

Horsing around - Queen Victoria Square, Hull

Its been a long gap once my last blog posting. My only reason for this is simply because I've been chockablock with photography gigs around the UK including my Hull workshop weekend. This is my first opportunity in over a month to sit down, gather my thoughts, review/edit my photos and write a post. So here I am. Better late than never!

As a self-employed, professional photographer, you soon learn the ebbs and flows of work opportunities that come your way. Sometimes the jobs all hit you at once, which is exactly what I am experiencing. Not that I'm complaining at all. I have literally been to a different city every weekend for the past 3-4 weekends, in between travelling back down to London to fulfil more local jobs, then packing and jumping on a train to my next event! Sometimes a little stressful, but mostly I love it. I tell you what, it beats my old office life, hating my 9 to 5 job, just wishing and waiting for my work day to be over!


"Blah blah blah street photography blah blah blaaaah" - Princes Quay, Hull © Barrie Mee


© Elke Vogelsang

So, the HIPfest aka Hull International Photography Festival was a schedule-packed event full of workshops, photo tours, talks & exhibitions by some legendary photographers. I had never been up to Hull before, so that was very exciting. I had 4 x two-hour workshops scheduled. I was a little anxious about a couple of things before I got there, but most of them were soon put to rest once I finally arrived, (long story, don't ask!) and also once I met many of my fellow participating photographers and saw the venue before the first workshop, first thing on Saturday morning.

Thankfully all 4 workshops went well (despite some heavy rain on the first day), which I knew was forecast. I adapted a photo walk with a few sheltered stops to continue shooting from, and the majority of attendees on Saturday braved out the wet conditions and with some rainy day inspiration saw the rainy day as a creative challenge and got some good shots. With day one successfully under my belt, with a bit of relief, I was a lot more in my usual comfort-zone going into Day 2 (Sunday). Luckily for me and the Sunday workshop groups, the sun decided to shine all day and we had a great time light-chasing after my workshop briefings.


It's not every day that the legendary photographer Brian Griffin spontaneously walks into one of my shots - Hepworth Arcade, Hull

Hull is a wonderful city to shoot street photography. Lots of historic architecture, cobbled streets and that old town feel with a few little passageways to wander down and explore. The locals were also super friendly to me and the groups of workshop attendees I had on tow. Some even getting familiar and giving us a history lesson, each time I crossed their paths with each group I took out!

On the last workshop of the weekend, we were lucky and got to gatecrash a christening reception party that was going on. The reception attendees loved the group taking photos and so was a great opportunity to make some candid images of the many characters and moments unfolding in front of us. Sometimes in street photography, it is just fate to be in the right place at the right time. I had a brilliant weekend in Hull, met some great people and enjoyed hosting the workshops and photo tours around a wonderful city.

Thank you to Matt Hart, Alan Raw and the rest of the HIPfest for organising the event.

I am looking forward to hosting these forthcoming Lumix Photo Walks around the UK:

29 September, Cardiff
13 October, Liverpool
14 October, Nottingham
3rd November, Bromley

Sign up and bring along any camera, or even just your smartphone as we visit some interesting locations in each city chosen. We’ve teamed up with Panasonic Lumix and Jessops to showcase some of the best UK photo locations, with top photo spots to point your lens at. Whether you’re shooting with your phone or a great camera like the brand new Panasonic Lumix GX9, you’ll find some inspiration.

I will be on hand to offer you photography guidance if you want it. Learn how to take the very best photos whilst you explore the hidden gems of the city. Following the walk, which will last for approximately two hours, you will have the opportunity to print your favourite picture free of charge at the hosted Jessops store.

The best images from all the entries from each city will win a Panasonic Lumix GX9 camera. They’ll also be printed on canvas and displayed in the local Jessops store!

To secure your space on a walk, email: events@jessops.com with your name, contact details, and the subject heading [City Name] Lumix Hidden Cities Walk.

Candid Street Photography with the Lumix DC-GX9

When I teach street photography workshops to beginners, one of the first things I discuss are ways to make yourself more invisible and covert as is possible with the kit you have. When choosing a camera, you want a model that makes you feel comfortable in the streets. portable and easy to use to get the results you want fast and without drawing too much attention to yourself. The essence of a candid moment is lost once the subjects are aware they are being photographed.

The Lumix GX9 has a few useful features I have found useful in regard to this method of discreet street shooting. Let's review some of these features:

1. The body size of the GX9 is portable and sleek in style and size, with no buttons or dials on the front of the camera to draw attention.



2. Optional prime lenses which are generally smaller in size compared to a zoom lens helps you with your portable kit set up.



3. Tiltable LCD Screen - a useful discretional feature when utilised instead of bringing the camera up to your eye to frame your shots.



4. Touch Screen - Among the customisable touch screen settings is the ability to trigger the shutter at a touch of any AF point you choose.



5. Silent shutter mode - A great feature you can toggle on or off when required in close proximity or in quiet locations.



Implementing these camera features will help you on your way to making great street photography images with the Lumix GX9.

I am excited to be hosting four mini street walks/workshops in Hull over the weekend of 5th-7th October as part of HIPFest 2018. If you are free that weekend, come along and join in the fun, meet me and many talented photographers and exhibitors.

Tickets for my workshops are available to book now:

6th Oct - Saturday AM
6th Oct - Saturday PM
7th Oct - Sunday AM
7th Oct - Sunday PM

More about HipFest
The opening weekend of HIPFest 2018 is a celebration of the image. It is a chance for anyone passionate about photography at all levels to immerse themselves in images of all genres and to mix and socialise with likeminded people, both professional and amateur alike. Included with all the events details in this brochure there will be informal talks and social meets with many of the photographers talking and exhibiting over the weekend.

More than 10 exhibitions by award-winning visiting photographers & outstanding local talent, and lots of other exciting events including masterclasses, photo-walks, discussions and a trade show. Hull International Photography Festival #HIPfest takes over Princes Quay Shopping Centre for a 5th year. New for 2018; successful London show PhotoCity and partners Fujiholics bring fresh excitement to the opening weekend. HIPfest opens on the evening of Friday October 5th with a packed weekend programme.

Festival highlights include: POP by legendary photographer Brian Griffin, a masterclass by Sean Tucker, the very moving Tulip exhibition by Celine Marchbank, 50’s Paris fashion and more from the Marilyn Stafford collection, #PhotoCityHull, Fujiholics Masterclasses and ‘A1 Britain On The Verge’ by patron Peter Dench.

This exciting festival will take place in and around the HIP Gallery in Princes Quay Shopping Centre, Hull. It also includes opportunities for photographers of all ages and levels to participate in a programme of workshops, photowalks and portfolio reviews.

In just five years, HIP Fest has established its credentials as one of the most significant photography events in the UK. We have worked hard to put together a stunning celebration of photography for 2018. I am particularly looking forward to presenting legendary works by Brian Griffin who will be signing copies of his outstanding book POP at HIP Gallery. There will be new work by World Press Award-winning patron Peter Dench and welcoming Celine Marchbank and Marilyn Stafford to HIP Fest for the first time.

After successfully curating PhotoCity London last year, HIPFest is delighted to be able to bring the PhotoCity tradeshow and urban exhibition to Hull, along with a fabulous program of master classes from PhotoCity partners Fujiholics. There will be something for everyone and plenty to learn and do.

A £5 entry ticket (wristband) gives you access to all exhibitions, the HIPfest Prize Draw, discounts on site, learning opportunities and the ability to purchase workshop & masterclass tickets. This is down from £15 last year. Workshops, master-classes and portfolio reviews require individual additional tickets available on Eventbrite.

Tickets For Hipfest 2018

I have a 5-page spread feature in the latest issue of Digital Photographer magazine. The main topic of interest is 'The Decisive Moment', where I reveal some in-depth tips and tricks into how I make, take and edit my street photography shots and a whole lot more!

Issue #203 is available to purchase online for just £5.00 includes shipping.

My work will be featured in the Art On a Postcard Urban Art vs Street Photography themed Secret Auction at The Other Art Fair in Bristol. All of the pieces will be on show from 26-29 July, The Passenger Shed, Bristol, BS1 6QH. You can bid for the works at the fair and online via the Art on a Postcard website.

Art on a Postcard raises money for The Hepatitis C Trust. All the funds raised go towards its campaign
to eliminate hepatitis C in the UK by the year 2025.

Happy bidding!