Helen

Capturing the right qualities for Labels Are Limitations® - working here with the lovely Helen Lloyd. Explore some key photos below. More at www.labelsarelimitations.london

Helen Lloyd for Labels Are Limitations® AW15 | Photo by Roy Ikoroha

Helen Lloyd for Labels Are Limitations® AW15 | Photo by Roy Ikoroha

Helen Lloyd for Labels Are Limitations® AW15 | Photo by Roy Ikoroha

Helen Lloyd for Labels Are Limitations® AW15 | Photo by Roy Ikoroha

Helen Lloyd for Labels Are Limitations® AW15 | Photo by Roy Ikoroha

Helen Lloyd for Labels Are Limitations® AW15 | Photo by Roy Ikoroha

Helen Lloyd for Labels Are Limitations® AW15 | Photo by Roy Ikoroha

Helen Lloyd for Labels Are Limitations® AW15 | Photo by Roy Ikoroha

Fine Cell Work Gala

I was commissioned to do some work for the Fine Cell charity at their work gala, held at the Ham Yard Hotel in Piccadilly Circus. 

The event celebrated the work of prisoners who are skilled in handmade products. They participate in creating these products as a part of their rehabilitation process. Many of the items were auctioned off at the gala to raise money for the charity. 

Please find a handful of photos from the event below, with more in PHOTO SERIES 2

R

Fine Cell Work Gala, Ham Yard Hotel | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Fine Cell Work Gala, Ham Yard Hotel | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Fine Cell Work Gala, Ham Yard Hotel | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Fine Cell Work Gala, Ham Yard Hotel | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Fine Cell Work Gala, Ham Yard Hotel | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Fine Cell Work Gala, Ham Yard Hotel | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Fine Cell Work Gala, Ham Yard Hotel | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Fine Cell Work Gala, Ham Yard Hotel | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Media Trust Summit

A few months back in November, I was called upon to take some photos at the Media Trust Summit which took place at the Museum Of London (10.11.16).

I am very familiar with the Media Trust charity having done some work for them last summer. Here are a handful of photos from the event, with more in the PHOTO SERIES 2 section of my website. R

Media Trust Summit 2015 | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Media Trust Summit 2015 | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Media Trust Summit 2015 | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Media Trust Summit 2015 | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Media Trust Summit 2015 | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Media Trust Summit 2015 | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Media Trust Summit 2015 | Copyright Roy Ikoroha

Media Trust Summit 2015 | Copyright Roy Ikoroha


Returning Back Home - To A Degree

Wow!

I have been away from blogging recently, but am back to recently relay about how much of a pleasure it was to be invited back to my old university to give a talk to students about my creative journey at their Creative Careers Fair.

I haven't yet managed to get a picture of me talking, so here's a pic of the Creative Careers Fair brochure.

I haven't yet managed to get a picture of me talking, so here's a pic of the Creative Careers Fair brochure.

As a proud University of Westminster Alumni, having graduated with my BA (Hons) in Architecture, I never imagined that I would be the other side of the microphone giving a lecture/talk to students. However, there I was a week ago talking to aspiring Creatives about my journey from my early years; to school/university study; and onto transitioning into the working world...

I opened by explaining who I was, what I currently do, and why I was there. I then progressed to talking in depth about my creative journey starting from my younger years when I had a huge fascination with Lego, Meccano, and Play Dough – using it to create structures. This led to my secondary school years (11-18) where I had a strong affiliation with subjects including Design Technology and Art. My enjoyment of these subjects subsequently led to a degree in Architecture and the Built Environment where the course content reignited my love for graphic design and incepted my love for photography!

Furthermore, I explained to the students in attendance how graduating, searching hard for a job, and then initially having a few stints of work experience led to me deciding to create my own experience by becoming a Freelance Graphic Designer & Photographer – of which we are on the website which forms the basis of my trade. I showed my website to the students who were intrigued as to how I went about creating this and what was my inspiration for certain works I have done? My answer to this was “fate” as I myself never envisaged a decade back that I would be freelancing! I have also started my own fashion brand Labels Are Limitations® which is a constant process of evolving over time – including loads of trial and error, ensuring that the correct designs are produced and that the market (my targeted audience) responds to such designs in the right manner!

My main focus was to give students – who wonder where to go next following university – some inspiration! This is whether they will seek employment or whether they will want to [like me] start their own business. I wanted to let them know that I am still on the “creative-ladder” constantly trying to improve and that like me, they the students must not give in! It’s never easy...it can be real stressful sometimes...but perseverance is the best way to approach anything!

Keep going!

R

Snapping Unplanned

Saturday was a really cool day! Not only did I get to photograph my friend and former architecture degree colleague in Labels Are Limitations®, but I also was photographed myself for the first time in a while on location (most of my other personal shoots in my brand have been done at home). All took place in my second favourite spot in London, Notting Hill. I won’t tell you my favourite place yet, although you’re welcome to scour my Instagram..

At the end of my photography session, my friend suggested that as I am in my brand’s clothing that it would be cool for me to be in front of the lens for some street photography.

Below I wear Autumn/Winter Maroon long-sleeve tee, beige coat, a pair of slightly-faded dark jeans, and brown shoes. The combination went well; as I am sure you will see in the subsequent shots. 

It was my camera used to take these photos :)

P.s. I have deliberately faded these shots in line with my recent posts on my personal Instagram page. 

Sitting on someone's steps in Notting Hill (the owners were cool with it)

Sitting on someone's steps in Notting Hill (the owners were cool with it)

Notting Hill

Notting Hill

Notting Hill

Notting Hill

Notting Hill

Notting Hill

Just A Walk

Evening all,

I decided to take a trip to one of my favourite areas in London – Notting Hill – a place I love to visit due to its amazing vibe and beautiful architecture! It is my favourite fashion photography spot, especially when photographing models in Labels Are Limitations®. I saw the perfect opportunity to properly try out the camera on my updated iPhone (6S+). I was not disappointed with the clarity of the 12MP camera shots – in fact I loved them!

Dawson Place, Notting Hill, London

Dawson Place, Notting Hill, London

Dawson Place. Notting Hill, London

Dawson Place. Notting Hill, London

Why was I here Friday? Well I have been following a particular brand for about three years now, but have never found the chance of viewing the clothing physically. The brand in question is Serge De Nimes, who I have rated for quite a while. Their ethos and target market is somewhat similar to mine. I have also had the pleasure of bumping into the owner (Oliver Proudlock) at a fashion show roughly two years ago now in Shoreditch. Friday saw me visit one of their stockists – Wolf & Badger – to take a closer look.

Wolf & Badger. Notting Hill, London

Wolf & Badger. Notting Hill, London

I'm happy to have been able to experience the collection in person as it serves as inspiration in the continuous growing of my brand. I believe brands learn many things from one another, regardless of size.

My visit to Wolf & Badger aside, I saw my time in Notting Hill as a good opportunity to take some photos of the area which comes only second to Hampstead in terms of my favourite. Every previous visit to Notting Hill has mainly been for fashion photography or to visit Portobello Road Market – of which I test marketed my brand at in 2013. Well, not this time...

Do see the photos below of my time in Notting Hill. Also check out @r_ikoroha_photography and @iamroyikoroha on Instagram to see more photos from the area! Thanks for viewing. R

Pembridge Place. Notting Hill, London

Pembridge Place. Notting Hill, London

Palace Court. Notting Hill, London

Palace Court. Notting Hill, London

Shoreditch Flow-Motion

The most eclectic area of London always provides me with great photos. I took these on my iPhone 5S this past Friday (30/10/15) whilst browsing the local fashion outlets for some brand inspiration. 

© Roy Ikoroha | Shoreditch. Lady walking. | 30/10/15Photo taken on iPhone 5S

© Roy Ikoroha | Shoreditch. Lady walking. | 30/10/15

Photo taken on iPhone 5S

© Roy Ikoroha | Shoreditch | 30/10/15Photo taken on iPhone 5S & edited with Snapseed

© Roy Ikoroha | Shoreditch | 30/10/15

Photo taken on iPhone 5S & edited with Snapseed

Do pop into Kit & Ace on Redchurch Street if you get chance; their clothing looks classy as they have a similar ethos to my brand regarding the quality of clothing they provide. 

© Roy Ikoroha | Shoreditch. Man pauses for a conversation. | 30/10/15Photo taken on iPhone 5S

© Roy Ikoroha | Shoreditch. Man pauses for a conversation. | 30/10/15

Photo taken on iPhone 5S

AW15 Labels Are Limitations® Scene

I recently have had the pleasure of shooting AW15 for my clothing line Labels Are Limitations®. My brand sells t-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories.

AW15 photoshoots have taken place in Shoreditch and Hampstead Heath to date; with photoshoots for earlier collections also taking place in Notting Hill and Enfield Town.

Have a browse of some of my Labels Are Limitations® imagery below. 

© Roy Ikoroha 

© Roy Ikoroha 

© Roy Ikoroha

© Roy Ikoroha

© Roy Ikoroha

© Roy Ikoroha

City Click

I set myself the challenge of trying to capture London's central business district when at its busiest; so picking lunchtime was the ideal opportunity.

Bishopsgate | © Roy Ikoroha

Bishopsgate | © Roy Ikoroha

I have been a photographer for many years, but I have always felt intrusive when I whip out my DSLR camera and am almost thrusting it into the faces of city workers and tourists alike. It got so hectic at one point, and I had to jump into Starbucks for a quick break as my appetite spiked!

I had not photographed properly in the central business district since my University days when it was required I visited Leadenhall Market and 30 St Mary Axe for an Architecture module. It felt quite weird being back here for photographic means; I knew that I was going to capture some great shots along Bishopsgate as it has so much to offer.

Leadenhall Market | © Roy Ikoroha

Leadenhall Market | © Roy Ikoroha

Leadenhall Street © Roy Ikoroha

Leadenhall Street © Roy Ikoroha

30 St Mary Axe | © Roy Ikoroha

30 St Mary Axe | © Roy Ikoroha

My favourite shot is of a 242 red bus exiting Threadneedle Street [below] as city workers walk alongside. The contrast with the architecture of Lloyd's bank behind the bus is quite striking! I also like the various levels of lighting in the photo. Along Bishopsgate, the lighting increases due to the autumn sunlight, whereas along Threadneedle Street (right) it dips due to the partial cover of the tall architecture surrounding it.

Threadneedle Street | © Roy Ikoroha

Threadneedle Street | © Roy Ikoroha

As my photographic session continued, I knew I was going to have to capture the stunning Lloyd's Building, as well as my favourite building - 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin). 

R