First photography shoot at an event after lockdown in London

Dan from Barbecue Beer Brothers deals with a food order

In London, the loosening of covid restrictions have made a huge difference to our daily lives. One of the key relaxations which was anticipated by so many people is the option to have a drink and some food outside with friends. On Sunday I went along to one of these at the Wickham Arms in Brockley where Barbecue Beer Brothers are currently in residence on dry weather weekends. They have a huge bespoke meat smoker for a low and slow smoking technique.

So, since they’re just getting started again after a very difficult year and a bit, they wanted some photos of their food. This time around, with a lot of restrictions still in place, there was a very different atmosphere from previously. So, no photos of queues lining up to order, it’s all table service. And no standing around chatting and mingling, everyone has to sign in for a table and stay with their group. You’re also expected to stay masked when moving back and forwards to your table.

Outdoor parties in limited groups now possible

I’ve dabbled in food photography now and then and I’ve taken a food photography workshop so I know the basics but a specialist food photographer working on this day in and out is capable of producing stunning results. Specialists are also hugely expensive and might not be willing to travel to a pub garden for a couple of hours so there is still room in this market for a more general photographer such as myself. Especially at this time when the most important thing is just to get kick started back into working on photo jobs and leaving behind the pure luxury of shooting what I like. That’s fantastic in as far as it goes but I think a mix is nice for me to keep my technical skills progressing in more than one area. I still haven’t decided on a specialism so I’m still enjoying pushing my boundaries in a few areas.

Barbecue Beer Brothers serve delicious smoked meats

It was good for me in many ways. One of those was flexing my distance muscles. Left to my own devices, I tend to work mostly with a zoom telephoto lens 70-300mm and I shoot a lot of cityscapes and buildings. For the food I also used my nifty fifty 50mm prime lens which is far more practical, especially since I was working in a small limited space.

It was absolutely lovely to see Barbecue Beer Brothers get back to work and now they might be able to push ahead with their dreams for expanding and finding a more permanent space. It was also a pleasure to see quite a few people I knew and to re-connect.

Couple enjoying a meal and drink with family

Thank goodness the weather has been largely dry over April and May to allow these events to go ahead. It has been a bit of an endurance test with the cold that we’ve had. In Scotland where most of my family live, they can eat indoors but not drink alcohol so you have to be wrapped up pretty warmly to have a beer or anything other than a soft drink.

To connect to BBB you can find them on Instagram and facebook. They’re also available for private parties.

To hire me for any events or shoots, just send me a message on my contact page or connect with me on social media on the buttons below.

I haven’t personally rushed to get back to a restaurant or pub but I have been enjoying more walks with friends which is more than enough for the moment. I will have had my second vaccination by this time next week and after that I think I’ll feel a lot more free.

I hope all is going well with you.

Loren x