Uk Black Female Photographers at City Splash 2025
Within a male dominated industry it’s of course easy to not see ourselves and one of the things we have really pushed over the years is giving our community members access and new opportunities, giving them experiences. One of our recent access opportunities was giving two our community members Press Pit Passes for City Splash 2025.
Our amazing draw winners were community members Umi & Dionne. We asked them a couple questions about their experience and here is what they had to say:
Here is what Dionne had to tell us about her experience:
How did you feel when you found out you won press pit access to City Splash?
I was surprised as this was one of my bucket list to do. Then came the nerves!
What was the one thing you were looking forward to most capturing City Splash?
The one thing was Main act Popcaan & Spice as these are big celebrities .
How did it feel when you were in the press pit ready to capture the artists?
I felt a little nervous cos I hired a camera which I had not used fully and lens so was hoping nothing would go wrong. To be honest, being in a different press pass was exciting knowing you are capturing history. The nerves was on 10:10 lol cos there was no going back, plus when it was a top artist. More togs were about, which meant you needed to hold your place and make sure you got a different shot. Lighting was interesting as you had to work with the change of light.
What kit did you shoot with?
Sony ar7v. Sony 24-70 gm 70-200 m2
How did you feel after seeing the results of your images?
I’m super happy still in the images taken with the fact I took them. I know it sounds crazy but I’m not one for praising my work. Especially as this was an area I want to explore more.
If there was one piece of advice you could give something entering the press pit who hadn’t done it before What would it be?
Advice its hard the key things is do research before hand, wear comfortably clothes, take a risk by capturing different shots. Lastly enjoy.
Click here to stay connected to Dionne
Here is what Umi had to tell us about her experience:
How did you feel when you found out you won press pit access to City Splash?
A: I was happily surprised! I don’t jump on enough UKBFTOG opportunities, so to apply and win reminded me that I’m lucky and that I need to say yes more often. City Splash had an incredible line-up, and I knew I’d have the chance to create fire photos from the pit. I couldn’t wait to dive in.
What was the one thing you were looking forward to most capturing City Splash?
A: I was excited to shoot the artists on the main stage, but the one set I had to catch was Nia Smith’s and she didn’t disappoint!
How did it feel when you were in the press pit ready to capture the artists?
A: So alive! You’ve got the speakers in front of you, a massive crowd right behind you, the energy and suspense is unmatched.
What kit did you shoot with?
A: Canon 5D Mark IV, with a 24–70mm f/2.8L II and a 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III.
How did you feel after seeing the results of your images?
A: As soon as I got home, I jumped on my computer to see what’s good. It felt amazing to relive my favourite moments on a bigger screen and really take in detail what I’d captured.
If there was one piece of advice you could give something entering the press pit who hadn’t done it before, what would it be?
A: You don’t have much time (usually three songs), so use the space wisely—and just get stuck in.