NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER DR. DENISE MAXWELL
3

NOTTINGH HILL CARNIVAL

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER
DR. DENISE MAXWELL

COUNTRY: England   PHOTO: Street   DURATION: 4 days  DATES: Aug. 29 – Spet. 1 2026   GROUP SIZE: 9-12

For me, the Notting Hill Carnival is one of the absolute highlights of the year. I’ve taken part for over 30 years – what began as a celebration has, over time, also become a photographic highlight. There is simply no other place like it. The vibrant streets filled with sound, dance, and music – along with portraits and stories in every direction – make it a true paradise for photographers. I look forward to showing you around on this incredible carnival..

Dr. Denise Maxwell

Experience the Notting Hill Carnival through the lens of your camera – where every moment is magical and inspiration never runs dry.

As a photographer, there are few places like the Notting Hill Carnival, the world’s second-largest street festival – only Rio is bigger. The colors, the music, the people – the streets of West London transform into a celebration of Caribbean culture and a living canvas that has been documented for decades.

The carnival was started by Caribbean immigrants in the UK as a response to racism. Over time, their culture blended with the British-born generation and the Sound System culture, creating what we see today. People travel from all over the world to experience this incredible event.

Photographer Denise Maxwell has been part of what everyone simply calls “the Carnival” for over 30 years – long before she became a photographer. Today, she sees the carnival through her camera, and it is an endless stream of visual stories.

Every Mas costume carries a story. Every dance step conveys a cultural legacy. And every smile captured through the lens is a tribute to life and community. The light shifts from bright daylight to dramatic shadows cast between the buildings. People are open, welcoming, spontaneous, and engaging.

There is a lot happening, and knowing where to go is key to capturing great images. This is where Denise comes in. She knows where to be, can guide you through the streets, the timings, what happens where, what to look out for, how to set up your camera, and how to navigate this explosion of visual storytelling.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Experience Europe’s largest street festival up close.

  • Fantastic photo opportunities with vibrant costumes and dance.

  • On-site guidance and photography tips to capture the atmosphere and the best moments.

  • Visits to the most iconic spots along the carnival route.

  • Opportunities to photograph street life, portraits, and the full energy of the carnival.

  • A social and inspiring setup with like-minded photography enthusiasts.

  • The perfect combination of culture, creativity, and photographic development.

  • Participation of Dr. Denise Maxwell throughout the entire trip.

  • Image editing, image reviews, and lectures by Dr. Denise Maxwell.

BOOKING

COUNTRY: England   PHOTO: Street   DURATION: 4 days  DATES: Aug. 29 – Spet. 1 2026   GROUP SIZE: 9-12

For me, the Notting Hill Carnival is one of the absolute highlights of the year. I’ve taken part for over 30 years – what began as a celebration has, over time, also become a photographic highlight. There is simply no other place like it. The vibrant streets filled with sound, dance, and music – along with portraits and stories in every direction – make it a true paradise for photographers. I look forward to showing you around on this incredible carnival..

Dr. Denise Maxwell

Experience the Notting Hill Carnival through the lens of your camera – where every moment is magical and inspiration never runs dry.

As a photographer, there are few places like the Notting Hill Carnival, the world’s second-largest street festival – only Rio is bigger. The colors, the music, the people – the streets of West London transform into a celebration of Caribbean culture and a living canvas that has been documented for decades.

The carnival was started by Caribbean immigrants in the UK as a response to racism. Over time, their culture blended with the British-born generation and the Sound System culture, creating what we see today. People travel from all over the world to experience this incredible event.

Photographer Denise Maxwell has been part of what everyone simply calls “the Carnival” for over 30 years – long before she became a photographer. Today, she sees the carnival through her camera, and it is an endless stream of visual stories.

Every Mas costume carries a story. Every dance step conveys a cultural legacy. And every smile captured through the lens is a tribute to life and community. The light shifts from bright daylight to dramatic shadows cast between the buildings. People are open, welcoming, spontaneous, and engaging.

There is a lot happening, and knowing where to go is key to capturing great images. This is where Denise comes in. She knows where to be, can guide you through the streets, the timings, what happens where, what to look out for, how to set up your camera, and how to navigate this explosion of visual storytelling.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Experience Europe’s largest street festival up close.

  • Fantastic photo opportunities with vibrant costumes and dance.

  • On-site guidance and photography tips to capture the atmosphere and the best moments.

  • Visits to the most iconic spots along the carnival route.

  • Opportunities to photograph street life, portraits, and the full energy of the carnival.

  • A social and inspiring setup with like-minded photography enthusiasts.

  • The perfect combination of culture, creativity, and photographic development.

  • Participation of Dr. Denise Maxwell throughout the entire trip.

  • Image editing, image reviews, and lectures by Dr. Denise Maxwell.

BOOKING

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

Every summer, Notting Hill fills with color, rhythm, and life as the Notting Hill Carnival takes over the area along Victoria Embankment. By early afternoon, people start gathering by the river to enjoy music, food, and the welcoming Caribbean atmosphere. The scent of spicy dishes, the sound of drums, and cheerful voices create a warm and festive mood. The highlight is the grand carnival parade, bursting with energy as it moves through the streets. Dancers, musicians, and groups in spectacular costumes – full of feathers, glitter, and bold colors – make their way along the route while the crowd cheers, dances along, and lets themselves be swept away by the rhythms. The parade is free to watch and attracts both locals and visitors of all ages. At the Carnival Village area, the festivities continue throughout the day. Here you’ll find live stages with performers and DJs, food stalls offering Caribbean specialties, bars, market tents, playful activities for children, and a lively crowd simply enjoying the day. The atmosphere is inclusive, vibrant, and full of joy – a clear expression of pride, culture, and community.

Read more about Notting Hill Carnival.

Every summer, Notting Hill fills with color, rhythm, and life as the Notting Hill Carnival takes over the area along Victoria Embankment. By early afternoon, people start gathering by the river to enjoy music, food, and the welcoming Caribbean atmosphere. The scent of spicy dishes, the sound of drums, and cheerful voices create a warm and festive mood. The highlight is the grand carnival parade, bursting with energy as it moves through the streets. Dancers, musicians, and groups in spectacular costumes – full of feathers, glitter, and bold colors – make their way along the route while the crowd cheers, dances along, and lets themselves be swept away by the rhythms. The parade is free to watch and attracts both locals and visitors of all ages. At the Carnival Village area, the festivities continue throughout the day. Here you’ll find live stages with performers and DJs, food stalls offering Caribbean specialties, bars, market tents, playful activities for children, and a lively crowd simply enjoying the day. The atmosphere is inclusive, vibrant, and full of joy – a clear expression of pride, culture, and community.

WHAT TO LEARN

WHAT TO LEARN

Hundreds of books have been written about carnivals, featuring images similar to the ones you will learn to create, and thousands of news articles are published every year – will your photographs become the next book or inspire a new article?

What you will learn:

  • Build confidence in photographing large, fast-moving events.

  • Understand the cultural significance and traditions behind the carnival.

  • Master camera settings for movement, dance and rapid action.

  • Improve your ability to photograph expressive people and emotional moments.

  • Learn how to approach and engage with strangers in a respectful way.

  • Develop strong storytelling skills within Mas, documentary photography, celebrities, and character portraits.

  • Gain real-world experience photographing a major carnival.

  • Strengthen composition, creativity, and visual awareness.

  • Learn a complete workflow for editing, selecting, and sequencing images.

  • Create a portfolio-ready carnival story with 10–20 images.

  • Gain knowledge applicable to photographing festivals, parades, concerts, and more.

Read more about what you will learn.

Hundreds of books have been written about carnivals, featuring images similar to the ones you will learn to create, and thousands of news articles are published every year – will your photographs become the next book or inspire a new article?

What you will learn:

  • Build confidence in photographing large, fast-moving events.

  • Understand the cultural significance and traditions behind the carnival.

  • Master camera settings for movement, dance and rapid action.

  • Improve your ability to photograph expressive people and emotional moments.

  • Learn how to approach and engage with strangers in a respectful way.

  • Develop strong storytelling skills within Mas, documentary photography, celebrities, and character portraits.

  • Gain real-world experience photographing a major carnival.

  • Strengthen composition, creativity, and visual awareness.

  • Learn a complete workflow for editing, selecting, and sequencing images.

  • Create a portfolio-ready carnival story with 10–20 images.

  • Gain knowledge applicable to photographing festivals, parades, concerts, and more.

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

AUGIST 29 – SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

DAY 1, (29/8) – ARRIVAL & PHOTOGRAPHY
We meet after lunch at the Savera Hotel, where Denise Maxwell and a host from Zoom Fotoresor will greet the group. After check-in, we gather for an introductory session with Denise. This includes an overview of the cultural context of the carnival, separating myth from reality, and understanding the traditions behind the festivities. You will be introduced to the four main themes that will guide your photography, as well as practical information about logistics, schedules, and movement to help you capture the strongest images. We review technical setup, camera preparation, what to look for, and how to approach people with respect and sensitivity.

We then head to Notting Hill and the carnival area for a walk along the parade route. You will get to see the locations and subjects that will define your photography over the coming days. We end with assignments and preparations for the main shooting days, ensuring you are fully ready to create memorable and meaningful images. The day concludes with a welcome dinner. (D)

DAY 2–3, (30–31/8) – PHOTOGRAPHY
Right after breakfast, we begin with an inspiring morning briefing before you dive into a fast-paced world of color, mud, and powder. You will learn unique techniques for capturing the chaos and energy that make these moments so vibrant, while mastering the art of freezing movement in a powerful and visually compelling way. We also cover how to protect your equipment in intense environments and how to get close to the action in a safe and respectful manner.

We then head to the carnival area. As a photographer, it’s essential to arrive early with camera ready and batteries fully charged. When the carnival begins, the entire area explodes with color and energy. People dance, play music, and celebrate together, and every moment is a potential photograph: glittering feathers, children covered in colored powder, and rhythmic parades flowing through the streets. Your challenge is to balance capturing movement and emotion while navigating dense and lively crowds.

Photographing chaos demands speed and flexibility: you must react within seconds to capture the perfect gesture, the spontaneous interaction, or the emotional expression. At the same time, you need to protect your gear from powder, mud, and drinks flying through the air an obstacle as real as the act of composing the shot itself.

Throughout the day, the goal is also to find intimacy within the spectacle moments where a look, a laugh, or a quiet interaction reveals more than the grandest parade. Between bursts of action, you’ll take short breaks to review shots, reflect on composition and light, and plan your next move through the carnival’s vibrant scenes.

Due to the size of the crowds, we may get separated, but the aim is to stay together. You will however have been on a walk through the day before and we will set meeting points  during the day where you can check in, ask questions or get help with settings.

We end the day at a designated meeting point and then take the Tube back to the hotel. The evening concludes with dinner and an image review, where you’ll receive direct feedback and valuable insights to take your photography to the next level. (B, D)

DAY 4, (1/9) – EDITING & DEPARTURE
During the day, we focus on image editing. You will learn color editing, how to create consistency in your work, and how to deliver a portfolio-ready story consisting of 10–20 images. The final result can be tailored for press, Instagram, portfolio use, exhibition, or a book, ready to make an impact and tell the story of the carnival through your eyes.

The day concludes with an inspiring image critique session, where you learn how to select the images that truly matter, what to keep and what to let go. Denise will also guide you through an efficient workflow for sequencing and building a strong visual narrative. At the end, Denise will select the “Image of the Trip,” which will move on to the final round of the “Image of the Year 2026” competition, with a first prize of 5,000 SEK. Afterwards, it’s time to head to the airport for your journey home. (B, L)

The itinerary.

AUGUST 29 – SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

DAY 1, (Aug. 29)
ARRIVAL & PHOTOGRAPHY
We meet after lunch at the Savera Hotel, where Denise Maxwell and a host from Zoom Fotoresor will greet the group. After check-in, we gather for an introductory session with Denise. This includes an overview of the cultural context of the carnival, separating myth from reality, and understanding the traditions behind the festivities. You will be introduced to the four main themes that will guide your photography, as well as practical information about logistics, schedules, and movement to help you capture the strongest images. We review technical setup, camera preparation, what to look for, and how to approach people with respect and sensitivity.

We then head to Notting Hill and the carnival area for a walk along the parade route. You will get to see the locations and subjects that will define your photography over the coming days. We end with assignments and preparations for the main shooting days, ensuring you are fully ready to create memorable and meaningful images. The day concludes with a welcome dinner. (D)

DAY 2 – 3, (Aug. 30 – 31)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Right after breakfast, we begin with an inspiring morning briefing before you dive into a fast-paced world of color, mud, and powder. You will learn unique techniques for capturing the chaos and energy that make these moments so vibrant, while mastering the art of freezing movement in a powerful and visually compelling way. We also cover how to protect your equipment in intense environments and how to get close to the action in a safe and respectful manner.

We then head to the carnival area. As a photographer, it’s essential to arrive early with camera ready and batteries fully charged. When the carnival begins, the entire area explodes with color and energy. People dance, play music, and celebrate together, and every moment is a potential photograph: glittering feathers, children covered in colored powder, and rhythmic parades flowing through the streets. Your challenge is to balance capturing movement and emotion while navigating dense and lively crowds.

Photographing chaos demands speed and flexibility: you must react within seconds to capture the perfect gesture, the spontaneous interaction, or the emotional expression. At the same time, you need to protect your gear from powder, mud, and drinks flying through the air an obstacle as real as the act of composing the shot itself.

Throughout the day, the goal is also to find intimacy within the spectacle moments where a look, a laugh, or a quiet interaction reveals more than the grandest parade. Between bursts of action, you’ll take short breaks to review shots, reflect on composition and light, and plan your next move through the carnival’s vibrant scenes.

Due to the size of the crowds, we may get separated, but the aim is to stay together. You will however have been on a walk through the day before and we will set meeting points  during the day where you can check in, ask questions or get help with settings.

We end the day at a designated meeting point and then take the Tube back to the hotel. The evening concludes with dinner and an image review, where you’ll receive direct feedback and valuable insights to take your photography to the next level. (B, D)

DAY 4, (Sept. 1)
EDITING & DEPARTURE
During the day, we focus on image editing. You will learn color editing, how to create consistency in your work, and how to deliver a portfolio-ready story consisting of 10–20 images. The final result can be tailored for press, Instagram, portfolio use, exhibition, or a book, ready to make an impact and tell the story of the carnival through your eyes.

The day concludes with an inspiring image critique session, where you learn how to select the images that truly matter, what to keep and what to let go. Denise will also guide you through an efficient workflow for sequencing and building a strong visual narrative. At the end, Denise will select the “Image of the Trip,” which will move on to the final round of the “Image of the Year 2026” competition, with a first prize of 5,000 SEK. Afterwards, it’s time to head to the airport for your journey home. (B, L)

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

DR. DENISE MAXWELL

Street- fashion- och sports photographer

Dr. Denise Maxwell is one of England’s most renowned photographers. With an eye for the decisive moment and a passion for capturing authenticity, she is more than just a photographer—she is a visual storyteller. Whether documenting the hustle and bustle of a carnival, the intimacy of a portrait, or the electric energy of a packed sports arena, Denise creates images that speak.

As the founder of Lensi Photography, she has photographed everything from London Fashion Week to the Commonwealth Games, royal events, weddings, and major global brands. Her portfolio is as versatile as she is—a blend of documentary sensibility, creative precision, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality.

Her work reflects diversity, strength, and culture, and her camera is always present where the story unfolds—not to control, but to reveal. She embodies a multi-faceted photographic style and proves that it is possible to maintain a unique voice across genres without limiting oneself to just one.

Read more here.

Read more about Denise Maxwell.

DR. DENISE MAXWELL
Street- fashion- and sports photographer

Dr. Denise Maxwell is one of England’s most renowned photographers. With an eye for the decisive moment and a passion for capturing authenticity, she is more than just a photographer—she is a visual storyteller. Whether documenting the hustle and bustle of a carnival, the intimacy of a portrait, or the electric energy of a packed sports arena, Denise creates images that speak. As the founder of Lensi Photography, she has photographed everything from London Fashion Week to the Commonwealth Games, royal events, weddings, and major global brands. Her portfolio is as versatile as she is—a blend of documentary sensibility, creative precision, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality. Her work reflects diversity, strength, and culture, and her camera is always present where the story unfolds—not to control, but to reveal. She embodies a multi-faceted photographic style and proves that it is possible to maintain a unique voice across genres without limiting oneself to just one.

Read more here.

HOTEL

HOTEL

SAVERA HOTEL*** or a similar hotel

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE

Price per person: USD 2 450

The price includes:

  • Accommodation in a shared double room at the listed lodges.

  • Meals as per program (B = Breakfast, D = Dinner).

  • Participation of Denise Maxwell throughout the trip.

  • Lectures and image reviews led by Denise Maxwell.

  • Hotel and other local taxes.

  • Pre-departure travel information.

The price does not include:

  • Flights to London.

  • Single room supplement: USD 340.

  • Underground/Tube tickets.

  • Lunches (to be paid individually on site).

  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, etc.

  • Cancellation protection/travel insurance (for more information, see our website under “Other”).

FLIGHTS

Flights to London are arranged independently. You should aim to arrive at the hotel no later than 14:00 on August 29 and plan your return flight no earlier than 17:00 on September 1.

If you would like assistance with booking flights or additional hotel nights, we are happy to help. You can contact us by phone at +46 470 466 40, email info@zoomphototours.com, or let us know when making your booking.

FACTS

  • Target group: Photographers interested in developing their street photography skills.

  • Min/Max participants: 9/12

  • Other information: For more details about Zoom Fotoresor, terms of delivery, etc., see our website under “Other”.

PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

  • Your digital camera, one or two bodies.

  • Standard zoom lenses from 24–2000mm, or prime lenses up to 200mm.

  • Camera straps / hand straps. We also recommend that you bring a mall video rig / go pro / phone mount to capture video clips. 
  • A laptop with Photoshop CS or Lightroom.

  • Extra batteries and memory cards.

BOOKING

You can book your participation by clicking the button below. You are also welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or email info@zoomphototours.com.

BOOKING

Photo: DR Denise Maxwell 

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CONTACT

E-mail: info@zoomphototours.com
Telephone: +46 (0)470 – 466 40

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Photo: Serkan Gunes