Do you like walking around a city and discovering something that makes a great photo?
It can be statues, elaborate doors and lamp posts, headstones or interesting architectural features, reflections, hidden gardens and old churches. We all know where the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral and Trafalgar Square are, but London is full of other quirky and interesting photo opportunities and maybe you need someone to lead you to them. The digital camera has turned most of us into keen photographers, so if you have a few hours spare and want to discover new sights in London, join the London Photography Mystery Tours. You won’t know where you are going until we get there but I promise there will be something you haven’t seen before.
The good thing about a mystery tour is that the itinerary can vary dependent on the weather, the group size, speed and interests. So even if the weather is lousy, it doesn’t usually last long. Plus you’ll learn something about the subject of your photo. and lots of other interesting things along the way. No two tours are the same, so you can come along more than once, twice or even three times and still see something different each time. Even we don’t know where we may end up on the day but it will be within the City.Each one of our tours is as good the other.
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of a “photography tour.” Most clients are still learning how to use their camera. And there is no snobbishness with cameras on this tour. No photography skills or fancy cameras are required. Bring along whatever camera you like, or just come along without a camera but with an interest in exploring the City.
Hairy Goat London Photography Mystery Tours aren’t instructional photography lessons, but are for people who enjoy city exploration and taking photos. It’s a fun, friendly, interactive tour and we won’t tell you where we are going, as it’s a Mystery!
Details
Bring: a fully charged camera and plenty of memory cards or film, and bring a drink and a snack to eat. On the weekends the London City area is almost deserted so snacks and drinks are hard to find. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for 3 hours outside. We are in the season of sudden rain showers. At these times we can usually find shelter or interesting places that are under cover to take photographs. So the tour still goes ahead.. Just bring an umbrella!
When: Until the end April 2012, the Winter schedule applies with tours from Thursday to Monday inclusive. If you prefer another day or time, a personal tour can be arranged.
From 1st May 2012 until 30th Sept 2012, the tour will be held every day at 11am. We expect to reach full capacity on most days, especially during the Olympics. SO, ALL TOURS MUST BE BOOKED AND PAID IN ADVANCE.
Meet: At 11am in front of the Royal Exchange building at Bank tube station. Take exit 3 or 4 from the station. The guide will be wearing a red and white top with Hairy Goat written on the back.
Duration: 3 hours
Finish: Finish approx 2pm, by a tube station within the city and the location varies daily
Extra info: Toilets are available in Bank tube station.
Group sizes: Preferred maximum of 10 people. Larger group sizes can be accommodated on request.
Prices valid until 30th September 2012:
Prices are per person. We are not raising our prices for the Olympics!
£40 adult (16 years and over)
£35 (12 – 15 years/ Full Time Student/ Concession – Photo ID required to be shown to the guide at the start of the tour). Children under 12 free, maximum of 2 per family. The tour isn’t recommended for children under 8 yrs.
Tripod: Unless you prefer to use one, it isn’t necessary to bring or hire a tripod for day tours.
No Pets allowed unless Hearing or Seeing Dogs.
All tours are to be booked and paid in advance. Please read the Terms and Conditions page so you are aware of refunds and date change conditions.
If you would prefer a date and time that isn’t scheduled I can arrange a personal tour. Group and bespoke tours are also available. These tours will be priced separately. Please send me an email to discuss your requirements.
Over the last couple of years I’ve discovered that if there is the slightest sign of cloud or a forecast of rain, clients are deterred from coming on the tour though rarely does it rain for long. It usually lasts 10 minutes, then stops… The weather in London changes regularly so cloud in the morning doesn’t always stay. And the weather report, especially the 5 day forecast, is wrong more often than not.
It’s no good thinking what a great idea the Mystery Tours are, if you wait until there is definitely going to be a blue sky between the hours of 11am-2pm. That will be the day you are at work!
There are advantages and disadvantages to every type of weather, so the tour is held in all weather as there is always something great to photograph.On wet days, there are reflections in puddles, blurred umbrellas, street lights, and rainstreaked windows. (and for an extra £1 we can supply disposable rain ponchos). My best selling photo was taken in the rain. On grey days, there are no shadows which often make the right exposure difficult) and Monochrome/Black and White work well on those days. And on the blue sky days, well, who doesn’t want to be outside taking photos and reflections are everywhere!
Corinna
