Whilst the following doesn’t lend to a normal trip report of any kind, it does involve travel and such, so it goes into the general pile. Besides, there’s more to life than Premium Cabins isn’t there?
The Honolulu trip report is taking a break – It’ll follow on after this sometime later today/tomorrow.
Those who know me know that I more than “dabble” in photography – to the point where I’m actually reading the newsletters I’m sent every now and again. One of those from Canon UK was the offer of going to London Fashion Weekend to “Shoot the Show”.
After two whole minutes of thinking about it, I applied for a ticket. And I was actually surprised I won a ticket!
Travel to London – in the dim and distant past, there used to be an air link between Birmingham and London. However, times have changed – and the dominant mode of transport is the train. Why? Whilst some may think it qualifies as a regional airline route (being in the 100 mile domain), there is another thought – that centre to centre train options exist – and by the time you’ve wasted time checking in, waiting, flying, disembarking and getting to the final location, you could already be there on the train.
Virgin Trains, Chiltern Railways or London Midland are the main contenders on the line, with Virgin Trains operating “fast” services down the West Coast Main Line with Tilting Trains, Chiltern Railways running a semi-fast route from different train terminal, and London Midland who operate the slow lines between Birmingham and London.
As I’ve stated before, it’s possible to buy cheap tickets the day before travel, providing you’re flexible.
The real trick these days is to treat train travel like flying on the longer distance train routes. If you can do that, and give up the need for walk-on services, it is possible to get reasonably priced services and discount.
There are some cheap walk-up options, but the T&C’s make airline ticketing rules look like they’re written in plain English.
There was no barrier control at New Street this time of day so it was down to the train – where it was very quiet. To the point that I was sharing a table seat with one person between Birmingham and Rugby
Four seats to myself… wonderful – and yes, I’m editing a trip report in Lightroom – the US694 segment.
Past Rugby, the train goes into its full stride, tilting its way through the countryside until we arrive at Euston
Ready for the off at Rugby.
Local London Midland traffic at Euston
1 hour 25 later, I’m in Euston – and all set to go.
With that done, it was a case of going underground, and heading to Charings Cross, for the short walk to the briefing room where the photographers were gathering.
Yes, I had to sneak this photo it. Yes, It’s a next generation Canon EOS 5DSr. It’s lighter than the 5D Mark III, but sadly – I couldn’t rig a lens or SD Card in – the caps were tight, and the SD Card socket was ducktaped over. No chance then. Useability is akin to an EOS 5D Mark III… put it like this, if you’ve used a Canon Pro body, you’ll know how to use it.
Photographers everywhere!
Canon provided an introductory talk, a talk from a pro-fashion/runway photographer (including hints on how to set up the camera) and me slapping myself for bringing the wrong lens with me.
I knew I should had taken that 70-200L lens with me. Still, a bit late to worry about that right now!
Once I completed and handover my release form, I was handed over my Photographer’s pass…
Why yes, yes I am one!
With that, it was time to head to Somerset House – home in winter to Ice Rinks and the rest of the year home to arts and events… which is where Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend was being held.
On the show list (I’m on the Thursday PM pattern)
Photographers getting ready.
I brought my two main cameras to the party – a Canon 6D as a primary, with a 24-105 on front. Meanwhile my Canon 100D (which I do write about a bit) may seem like an odd choice, but considering I was pairing it with an 85mm f1.8 lens on, this would give an effective 136mm lens.
So… how did I get on. The EOS 6D was set into ISO800, f4, 1/320th… and I experimented.
The first section was items sponsored by TheOutNet, featuring Hyper Florals, Shimmer and Shine, Monochrome and That Seventies Show.
And the line.
The next collection that was shown, was a collection by Amanda Wakely.
So that’s how the 6D performed (and my performance needs practice… serious practice), but how did the Canon 100D do?
Extremely well as usual.
With the Amanda Wakely Collection, it was even better, as it could help pick out details such as the bags in the collection – certainly, the 100D was showing its prowess here with a slightly longer throw.
With the collections shown, it was time to head home, with a lot to think on… and 2312 images to sort through .
Somerset house, with tents in the middle.
Virgin Trains again provided the haulage back to Birmingham – with the train rammed solid all the way. Thankfully, my reservation had held and I had a seat with a power socket – something very useful as the images had to be loaded on the laptop for a lot of processing (and I’m not even started yet)
Overall: Definitely an interesting experience seeing what goes on from the photographers pit in a Fashion Show. It’s given me food to think about, and a memo to self to carry bigger lenses next tine… and ignore any instructions I’m given in lens choice. That and the Canon 100D still continues to surprise me.
Notes for those are interested in suppliers:
- Trend Collection provided by TheOutNet – part of Net-A-Porter
- Amanda Wakeley provided the SS15 collection, featuring the Bullet Collection handbags
- Makeup by Maybelline
- Underwear by Triumph
- London Fashion Weekend Sponsored by Vodafone
- Canon Professional Services UK sponsored the photography pit and access for the photographers
Economy Class and Beyond would like to thank Canon Professional Services UK for the opportunity to shoot at London Fashion Weekend
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