Neal's Yard
Neal's Yard is a small hidden courtyard in Covent Garden, famous for its explosion of color across every surface, from painted building facades to hanging flower baskets and mismatched signage. The tight, enclosed space works in your favor photographically, as the buildings rise on all sides and create a natural frame wherever you point your camera. Shoot from the center of the yard looking up to compress the colorful facades together, or get low and use the cobblestones as a foreground element. A wide angle lens in the 16-24mm range suits the cramped space well. Midday light actually works here since the courtyard is partially sheltered and the colors pop without harsh shadows. Arrive early on weekday mornings to get the space to yourself; weekends bring crowds quickly, though candid street shots of people discovering the yard can add life to your frames. (London, England, United Kingdom)
