Take a Pretty Picture

I am pretty naff at taking photos. If I manage to get your whole face in shot, it’s a good day - but don’t expect to be shot in a flattering light or from a good angle... and prepare yourself for some seriously demonic red eyes. Luckily for you lot, I no longer own a camera; my humble android phone catches any unmissable moments with 3.2 megapixels.

Those of you more accomplished in the art of ‘point and click’ may be interested to learn that it is Photomonth! This East London Photography Festival happens annually, and actually spans over two months (of course it does, silly me). Up until 30 November, you can jump on board with a variety of photography-related activities taking place. There are galleries and showcases for people to show off their work to the public and those in the industry, lectures from seasoned professionals, photo walks through the city and documentaries. Take a minicab to Whitechapel to check out the gallery there, and you’ll find the RichMix (another hosting venue) just down the road.

Most of the events are free, so whether you’re a fledgling snapper enjoying a hobby or an experienced artiste making a living, you should check out the dates and see if there’s anything on you’d like to take part in. Have a look at the Photomonth website too, because you can submit your own photography here.

As rubbish as I am at photography, it’s something everyone loves to see. The magic of capturing one moment, frozen in time - now that’s not something you sniff at. I also tend to be a bit of a poser, especially when I’m wearing a fancy dress costume; at least there’s one side of the camera I’m comfortable behind! Probably a good idea if I leave it to the pros...