Workshopping - 1-2-1 With Mr Whisper
It was a special treat just over a week ago (from writing this) — I’d booked a 1-2-1 session with street photographer Bal Bhatla, aka Mr Whisper. I’d been admiring his work for a while now, including his work in his book - London After Dark. I was curious about how he achieved some of his images, how he works, and what he looks for when he’s on the streets with a camera in hand.
Mr Whisper (right) and myself using reflections in the night of London
I met Bal at a coffee shop in Soho. At first, we talked about each other’s photography journey before moving on to his presentation. I presented him with a copy of my zine—Experienced Beginner—which he asked me to sign. I’ve never been asked to sign a book before; I felt for a moment like a true celebrity, though in truth I was in awe of him. I brought along two camera bodies—my OM-5 and my new acquisition, the OM-D E-M1 Mark III—plus a couple of lenses Bal recommended. Bal explained just how much planning goes into a night shot, which was my first eye-opening lesson.
Out on the streets, things started to get interesting. At first, I struggled with my camera settings… not sure why, but with a stern talking-to, I got to grips with them. It was suggested that I use my 25mm f/1.8 lens (50mm equivalent). Bal also sported a 50mm equivalent on his Fujifilm camera for captures and examples throughout the night.
We started at Tottenham Court Road. An area I’d not considered before. Always nice to seek new locations. Bal pointed out reflections in windows and the glass architecture around the area. Looking for suitable light sources—like LED screens and advertising boards—and creating silhouettes as people walked by. Bal also taught me to look for detail within the scene, interrogate the scene - as he says, and look for images that could create a sense of mystery or a story.
People on buses also provided some suitable subject matter which I’d not considered before. Bal showed some examples from his X-T5, and I was bowled over by his sense of observation and attention to detail, even in the distance. Bal is a cropper. He uses a prime lens, zooms with his feet where possible, but is not afraid to crop, and he would crop quite heavily. Not something I can do as effectively as he can with 20 megapixels or less.
We moved on to a couple of other locations near Soho, including the Central Cafe - a spot I know and love - to discuss possible shots. A place I will return to in the very near future. In Chinatown, I offered my insights on my visual observations. A good start to seeing a scene, I was told, but clearly I need to work on my observations.
Bal also explained that I was full of enthusiasm and what would help is to slow down. Take a few more minutes than normal to settle in one place and just ‘look’. That one will be a little harder for me to work on….
We ended up at Piccadilly Circus, just as it started raining. When the heavens opened, the reflections come into play. I was in my element. Rain in Piccadilly Circus just comes alive in a different kind of way. But sadly the workshop had to come to an end.
A lovely guy who is a true master of his craft, a talented photographer—and I was obtaining an insight into that mastery. A truly special occasion for me, with many takeaway nuggets to improve my street photography.
Finally - I must thank my mother-in-law for this - Funds for this workshop came from her as part of my 50th birthday back in October. And was it worth it… Oh yes. Every penny.
Thank you, Mr Whisper.
