NCL Collective: Meet Up
In today's world of social media we regularly interact with people we don't know, either through a shared interest or because we live in the same area - or both! How often do we actually meet up with those people? In many cases, never! Using Instagram as a way of bringing people together - NCL Collective founder Michael Olatunji decided it was time to bridge that gap.
Video by Ismail Ali
NCL Collective's latest meet up occurred on the 1st of September. As documented above, by the talented Ismail Ali, this particular gathering involved hotfooting it across various NCL car parks. Good exercise and even better views! Whilst the weather was a little dull - the panoramic cityscapes on offer certainly helped to capture the imagination. The elevated height brings you much closer to famous landmarks such as Greys Monument and St James' Park. Furthermore, the new perspective also adds alternative light on the typically more mundane areas - such as bus stops and traffic jams.
Though the urban landscape is the most obvious content to capture, being in a larger group enables you to practice portrait photography in a relaxed environment (candid or not) - with plenty of willing models to pick from! After getting the steps in on the car park trail, we took a stroll through Newcastle University's historic grounds. With old buildings steeped in character, modern sculptures , and plenty of summer foliage still in full bloom - the environment offered a playful ending to the mornings creative pursuit.
Keep a look out for the next meet up by heading over to Instagram and following the NCL Collective account and its talented founder Michael Olatunji. The meet-ups are open to all abilities, regardless of whether you're a professional photographer or simply enjoy snapping away on your phone. Roaming the streets with fellow creatives is sure to provide a fresh perspective. Just turn up, shoot, and make new friends.