If ever a blog post needed surround-scent technology, it is this one. Lily pollen on the breeze, roses as your feet, clusters of late, forced hyacinths stacked higher than I can reach.
Sadly, technology continues to let us down in the ifragrance dept, but fortunately these photographs by Polly of Little Kin are surely the next best thing.
On a sunny day, the flower markets on London’s Columbia Road are everything you could want from the capital. A rainbow of flower stalls, hemmed in by vintage shops, cafes and bars. Crowds and street musicians on every corner, and stereotypical London market traders calling out strings of flower-selling code: ‘twoforapound’ and ‘cheap enough for the mother in law’.
A sea of pink peonies; a young girl selling her homebaked fairy cakes down a quiet alley; and the whole time, Polly, chatty & amiable beside us, capturing the whole thing.
Somewhere in the midst of this shoot, my face suddenly went a bit numb from camera-shyness. It’s not something I usually feel, but I think as I get older and more self-aware, it’s creeping in. I was all ready to reach for the emergency gin and confessed to Polly, who soon had me laughing it off, and back to enjoying the shoot, regardless.
Stage-fright aside, it’s really a huge treat to be photographed by a pro photographer – not least because always being stuck behind the camera means I’m usually absent from our family snaps. But what I really love is watching people’s individual tricks and style – it fascinates me that, while I chose backdrops like the vines above for us myself, the results are still so unmistakably Polly’s gorgeous style.
My outfit: details here. Necklace: WSAKE | Orla’s outfit: c/o Christina Rohde. Boots c/o Boden.
The Columbia Road Flower Market runs every Sunday from 8am till 3pm, in East London.
Little Kin offer photography sessions throughout London and the surrounding area, including family, newborn & maternity shoots.
You can see the other half of our photoshoot with Polly here, and more London adventures here.
How do you feel in front of the camera lens? Are you confident, or a fellow sufferer of the face-numbness? Would you be confident shooting in such a public place?
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8 Comments
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Demi Jarvis
March 25, 2024
Excellent article. I am going through some of theseissues as well..
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vorbelutrioperbir
February 02, 2023
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zoritoler imol
December 30, 2022
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Freya
August 19, 2015
You know, I actually got better at having my photo taken by looking it up on youtube. Some days I just can’t deal with it, but for the days I can, this helped me a lot: http://www.amodelrecommends.com/2012/09/24/how-to-pose-for-a-photograph/ – also I’m only just now becoming more confident with being photographed in public because I’m getting better at knowing how to pose. I think your shots look beautiful though!!! You look like you have the ability to smile with your eyes and I just love that trait in people, it’s so gorgeous.
Sara Tasker
August 19, 2015
Oh, what a great place to live! Pleased to hear I’m not the only one with photo-awks – I actually prefer my grumpy photo face as it is far more predictable! haha
Wish I’d known/seen you there too! Although come to think of it, perhaps it’s for the best, as a bigger audience was really the last thing I needed! next time, tho! x
Sara Tasker
August 19, 2015
Me too! I think because all that floral goodness balances out all the city stuff, making a perfect Sunday spot! Thanks Sarah x
Charlotte {theteapotexplodes}
August 19, 2015
I lived just off Columbia Road for years and love it still. It’s undoubtedly one of my favourites places still. The photos are gorgeous. I hate having my photo taken – I’m always screwing up my face and looking grumpy even when I try not to. Wish I’d seen you there as I go all the time! x
Sarah
August 19, 2015
I love Columbia Road Flower Market so much, it has to be one of my favourite places in London! The photos are gorgeous 🙂