The Coronation of King Charles III will mark one of the most memorable national celebrations this century. But while the images of the day at Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace will no doubt be spectacular, our photography focus in this blog is a little different.
For many people, the Coronation will give an opportunity for family, friends, neighbours and strangers to come together to celebrate collectively. Perhaps the most iconic of these celebrations is the street party, which continues to a be a popular tradition up and down UK. And when it comes to capturing these celebrations, the smartphone camera will rule, as the Polaroid and disposable camera did before it. So, in this blog, we are sharing our top tips on how best to capture the ordinary moments on this extraordinary occasion using smartphone photography.
Left: High Cross Road street party published at http://tottenham-summerhillroad.com. Right: Reading street party for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, 1977 published in Sense of Place Hits the Airwaves.
Capturing memories
An event as widely anticipated as the Coronation places a marker in history and, likewise, the images you capture of the celebrations that day will be looked back on in years to come.
When approaching your photography, think about what you enjoy most when looking back at old photos, and what memories you would like to share and hand on. Do the styles and fashions of the time stand out for you? Are there funny moments or stories attached to these old pictures? What is more enjoyable to look back on? An organised shot with everyone together, a more subtle shot in the moment, or a combination?
These questions can help you to approach your shots on the day with more purpose, keeping an eye out for the fascinating, the mundane, the beautiful and the downright hilarious.
Street party, Morpeth Street, London East End - Photo by John Chillingworth/Picture Post/Getty Images
Consider you composition
Lighting
Light will play a key role in your shots and, unfortunately, a sunny day is far from guaranteed! But, no matter the weather, on the day, try to use the natural light available as this will help to enhance the quality and colours of your shots. If it is sunny (fingers crossed!), keep the sun to your back when shooting to avoid glare.
Angles
Straight on shots are the go-to for many, but they can get a bit samey. Try out different angles to add interest to your shots. Photographing from an upstairs window or ground level can transform an otherwise typical image.
Colour and contrast
Creating vibrancy in your images can really highlight the celebrations. Consider the multitude of colours on show in your shot, or focus on the contrast between colours or light and dark. Most smartphone cameras will also have an adjustment function for contrast, allowing you to enhance the liveliness of your images.
Left: Policeman managing the crowd at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by Rahul Godse. Right: Queen’s Coronation, unknown photographer - Getty Images.
Focus on the details
Sometimes it helps to be an anthropologist when it comes to photography. In the day-to-day we tend not to notice the details as they merge into the background or are routine. But, when looking back at images, it is often these everyday details that can be fascinating and evocative. If a shot looks mundane, take a second look or take it anyway. Try a tight crop to really focus in - a hand waving a flag, a decorated cupcake or a jaunty party hat. Part of the fun of using your smartphone camera is being able to collect all kinds of snaps.
Accessories
For the budding smartphone photographer there are some great camera accessories available that can add another level to your shots. Selfie sticks, clip on lenses and lights can all be very useful, especially if you are looking to achieve different effects or take your shots from various angles.
Women in Walter Street, Manchester getting ready for their street party to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth by the Manchester Evening News
Should you edit your images?
This really depends on the purpose of your photography. Editing can certainly be useful if you want to share your photos on social media or get them printed, but equally, capturing an unfiltered snap in the moment can also be the most fun to look back on in the future. As mentioned above, sometimes just a different crop is all that is needed to completely change the focus of your photo.
Left: Group of people taking a selfie in the UK with Union Jack flags during the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 by Lorenza Marzocchi. Right: A girl blowing a paper whistle in Morpeth Street in the East End of London - Getty Images.
Have fun!
No matter what your plans for the Coronation are make sure you have a great time. Capture the day, but also pause and take it all in.
From all the Jet Black Squares team, we hope you enjoy the long Coronation weekend and do tag us in your pics!