UNACC Tea Dance

This gap year, one of my aims was to get involved in my community. Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) were offering an opportunity to volunteer as an events photographer. I decided to embrace this challenge to help my community whilst improving upon my photography skills. The CVA needed to publish the photos on their online media such as their website and newsletter to promote their events which are all for good causes. The CVA supports and develops community development within the London Borough of Croydon. If my pictures directly correlated with more people being reached by the CVA, then I feel like I have accomplished something great. 

The Upper Norwood Association for Community Care (UNACC) organised a tea dance event, attracting a large number of our elderly community. It provided a great atmosphere for them to make friends, stay active and have a good time. The atmosphere truly was warming. 

Here is some of the action from the event. 

CVA rents out a variety of its rooms to raise funds. I provided them with pictures of their rooms; it was vital that I created an inviting and spacious atmosphere in these pictures. 

Left: The Head of Asset Management at CVA
Right: Me :)

I'm looking forward to more events run by Croydon Voluntary Action. 
               


Anparasan

Fall Fashion: A quiet autumn day with Savannah Brown

With shorter days and cooler nights, stocks of jackets and jumpers will be the main selling point of most retailers. Seeing plenty of billboards on the streets and television adverts advertising autumn themed clothing, I thought I'd follow this trend too. Fur coats, to jumpers, to boots, the public will be stocking up on cosy clothes for the cold winter days ahead. 

Savannah and I didn't have a specific location in mind; we decided to explore East London and take pictures on the go. Savannah, who is an international student from America is new to London, I thought it would be a great opportunity for her to discover new parts of the city. 

After a really fun day of shooting, we were strolling by the East India Docks and we were surprised to see this in the distance in the sky above us...

Above us was the Emirates Air Line, which finished construction in the summer of 2012. It was designed as a method of transport between the Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula, which offers a stunning view of Canary Wharf and the 02 Arena (formerly known as the Millennium Dome) at a heigh of 90m. Savannah and I were keen to board it.

The views were more spectacular than I had expected.

Here are some of the images from our shoot.

If you're ever in West London, definitely try out the Emirates Airline. It's a whole heap of fun.

London is a vast place; you'll be surprised what is hidden away from the major tourist areas.

Do you have any secret personal spots in London? I know I have.

Savannah and I messing around on a London bus

Fall Fashion: London Adventure with Stephanie

Stephanie and I decided to have a day out in London, and take our cameras with us. We wanted to explore parts of London which we hadn't seen, and do some autumn fashion photography.

We started off in Brick Lane, a street in East London which is home to vibrant markets, art galleries and restaurants. Situated 5 minutes walk from Aldgate East Station, we found a stunning spot which was full of colour. 

In our own secluded square just off Brick Lane, the walls were absolutely covered in graffiti. This provided the perfect backdrop for our shoot. 

 

I was very pleased with how the images turned out! We continued to explore East London. 

I highly recommend Brick Lane during the weekends for it's vibrant and exciting atmosphere. Leave yourself enough time to wonder around to visit the countless number of stalls at the markets. Personally, my favourite part is trying out food from various cultures. 

Anparasan