Life Through Her Lens

London photographer Amanda Bainbridge-Kay relocated to the capital from her native Leicestershire over 10 years ago. ‘I came to London to visit a friend for the weekend, and never quite left. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, although I would like to spend a year or so in either Paris or Japan.’

Her newly revived picture book blog, Life Through My Lens, paints a poignant portrait of London and its people: cityscapes, street art, road signs, close-ups on handcuffs… ‘Most of my images are taken on a Canon digital SLR. For days when the SLR is too heavy to carry around I opt for a cheap little Sony point and shoot type, which is around the size of a credit card.’

When she’s not renovating bargain flats or working her ‘sensible day job’ she’s out and about recording snap shots of the city. ‘I would quite like to take some of the best images from the blog and create a coffee table book, that’s one plan for the future.’

Where do you live in London and why?

‘I live in W1, that’s about as central as you can get. But living in a mews actually allows you to feel as though you are living the – I hate to say it – ‘urban’ lifestyle but with a quieter, quaint village feel to it, so it’s the perfect combination. I know all of my neighbours and I’m on first name terms with the local shopkeepers which I think is quite rare for London.’

What do you take photographs of, and how would you define your style?

‘Anything that catches my eye really, from a famous landmark or a quirky piece of street art to an eccentric character wandering down the road. I don’t set out to capture a specific shot, instead I carry a small camera in my bag and snap as the mood takes me.

‘My style is simple, clean and uncomplicated. I don’t edit or re-touch any images, partly because I don’t have enough patience for all that, but also I think it’s important to capture something in its original form. Whether that’s appealing to the eye or not I guess is for the viewer to judge.’

Colour or black and white?

‘The majority of my shots are black and white. It’s always been that way, even before I bought a digital camera I would buy black and white film, I just prefer the end result. Somehow everything looks better in black and white.’

How does London inspire you creatively?

‘London is such a diverse city. I’ve lived here for over 10 years and still find something new to explore each day. I’m constantly nagging friends to look beyond the areas where they live and to discover the hidden parts of the city.

‘When I’m out and about I often meet other creative people who share the same passion for photography and culture. It’s amazing how holding a camera breaks the ice between strangers. I have met some really inspiring characters, one of whom encouraged me to start my blog.’

When did you start blogging, and what’s the idea behind your blog Life Though My Lens?

‘I wanted to share my photography and vision with everyone, not just friends and family. I started the blog back in August 2009 but somehow managed to forget the login and password so it was a good few months before I was able to access the site again. In February of this year I started to make a concerted effort to blog every day, and what started out as a bit of fun has turned into something.’

What are you working on right now, and what direction do you hope it will take you?

‘I’m not a photographer by trade, but I’m passionate about it and love exploring London through creative eyes. It’s still early days for Life Through My Lens but hopefully it will continue to grow and evolve. Watch this space!’

What’s your favourite part of London and why?

‘Central London, it has to be. I especially love Marylebone for shopping and sipping fresh coffee in the sunshine.’

What’s been your best discovery while out taking photos in London?

‘I found a £50 note on the pavement once. That cheered me up. Once you get to know London you realise that it is quite a small city, but packed with culture and adventure rather like a never-ending fairytale.’

Where would you recommend everyone in London visit at least once?

‘Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday morning.’

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