For five months in 2014, during an unseasonably hot summer and into an unseasonably warm autumn, I went out every other day and photographed my city. I remember doing a lot of standing around while I waited for my Polaroids to dry. I remember having a lot of conversations with people who were intrigued by said Polaroids. “Can you still get the film?” they’d ask, usually followed by: “Have you been to XXXX [a part of London I hadn’t been to]?” You can’t get away from people in London, so I didn’t try to. My photos were filled with Londoners and tourists, visitors and passers through. It was like a neverending pantomime and I fell a little bit in love with every single person I captured.
While I didn’t take any direct portraits of anyone — I certainly would have asked their permission if I had — I did shoot a lot of street scenes which inevitably included other people. My one rule when choosing photos that included people for the book was this: have I captured them in a good light? Is the photo flattering? I did not want to use any photos that anyone would find upsetting if they spotted themselves in the book. That’s what I’d be worried about if I found a picture of me in a book so I wanted to be extra mindful of that for others.
Today Londontown is officially on shelves so I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos that didn’t make it into the finished book. I shot 20,000 images and only had space for 200ish, so I have a few left over ;-)
Today we start with some of the people who stole my heart as I explored the city… xo
20,000?! Wow, Susannah – two books perhaps? :) and I feel like I struggle with a photo every day in Leeds, thats only 366 technically, 20,000 is amazing. I can’t wait to see it!
Very excited for you and for me as my copy is arriving tomorrow! Hurrah!
Congratulations and thank you for the continued inspiration.
Congratulations on putting another beautiful book into the world. Perhaps…a sequel?
Huge congratulations, especially for going through 20.000 images to select only 200. You’re good! And what a great project to do. I’m currently in my almost third year of doing one photo a day and having them printed out in a book is really priceless. Brings back lovely memories.
Did you take Polaroids and digital photos? (I adore Polaroids, that’s why I ask :) ). I guess both are in the book, right?
Anyways…. sorry…. I love what you’ve done. That’s what I wanted to write down :)
Thanks love, yes, there’s a smattering of Polaroids in the book :-)
got mine today, I will start on it as tomorrow (I’ve already read one art book today)!
Wow! Susannah, your pictures are amazing! So full of life, colours and delightful scenery. I’m in love with the rich colour of your images, can I ask you a question? Have you did any post-processing do obtain those rich beautiful colour?
Congratulations on the latest addition to your (book) family! The pictures you’ve shared thus far beautifully capture London’s vibrant, eclectic spirit.
This book is on my wishlist on Amazon. Can’t wait until I have extra money for it! :)
Congrats! I look forward to reading it :) I just wanted to say I really liked what you said about asking people for permission if you photographed directly and that you tried to ensure the photos were flattering when people were a part of a scene… I’ve often wondered about that, it’s a nice approach.
thanks hon! I boosted the contrast a bit in Photoshop (using curves) but most of it is what a saw through the lens :-)
[…] on self-discovery through the Czech language. Susannah Conway published her second book – Londontown – this week and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Paying tribute to Afeni Shakur this […]
Girlfriend!! Congratulations!! I know what a labor of love this was for you and now, it is out in the world for people to hold & cherish. I’m so happy for you. xoxo
Loving the book. I just got back to NYC from Londontown barely a week ago, and this is easing the Londontown-I-miss-it-already blues!
Congratulations Susanna for your beautiful book!
I love polaroid photos! For some peculiar reasons, they just have those nostalgia feels and energy! I also love to witness the process of each photo emerging from the complete darkness gradually into focus and then bursting with colours. It makes me feel alive and happy. It makes me feel the luxury of time and the slowness of developing something beautiful.
Time to own a Polaroid camera I think! :-) Thank you for bring the beauty to the world.
I love this book. What you capture is a true gift that we get to see through your eyes. I’m amazed that you take these pictures with your polaroid. They are magical. Congratulations Susanna. I wish I could have you sign my book. I was lucky to visit London in 2013 and stayed in Chelsea.
Congrats Honey!!!