Cities at Dawn is run by photographer Anthony Epes and his wife Diana Bird. Anthony and Diana have spent the last two years travelling to some of the world’s most beautiful cities (with their kids in toe) always seeking the beauty, peace and mesmerising qualities of dawn.

About Anthony 

I have been obsessed with photography since I was six and saw my first issue of National Geographic magazine. When I asked my dad how they got the photos for the magazine he replied that photographers do it. I knew then that I wanted to be one.  A photographer.  A bit corny? Sure!

Photography has been my passion ever since. (When I was twelve, he caved-in and gave me his AE-1 camera that I had been “borrowing”, secretly, from his room).

“On my workshops I will offer you absolutely the best photo training.”

I have worked as a photographer for the past twenty years and though I do naturally have a good eye, I know that is only a small part of becoming a great shooter. On my workshops I will offer you absolutely the best photo training. I have spent years training myself, learning about the craft of photography and figuring out how to distill my knowledge to help people take better photos. I developed my skills by going to one of the world’s top photo schools, by working with hundreds of exacting clients to produce work that communicates their ideas, and by producing my own fine art projects that have gained international recognition.

“I will help you shoot the best photographs you’ve ever taken.”

Photography is an extraordinarily creative outlet – it has taught me how to truly see and experience the world; to not just pass through, busy and distracted, on my way to somewhere else, but to learn to pause and notice the beauty of light in our everyday surroundings. That is why I love to teach photography – to help others have this incredible creative experience, and bring your personal vision to life.

“Being out when everyone sleeps is intoxicating”

Going out at dawn is simply the best time of day to photograph a city. It is the only time when you can see the city as it really is: free from the hordes of people that crowd its streets; free from the traffic that blocks great views; free from stress and pandemonium, an environment where you are able to concentrate and focus on your craft, and light that is as fresh and crisp as morning dew.

“Going out at dawn is simply the best time of day to photograph a city.”

Walking through the East End of London or the cobbled back streets of Montmartre as the early morning light bathes the city is incredible.  It will change your worldview and how you approach your photography. Being out when everyone sleeps is intoxicating. I have travelled and traipsed through several cities, finding the best places to visit and photograph. They aren’t always the obvious areas and I always delve beneath the surface to find those unique and unusual spots to help you take photos that stand out from the crowd. I want to make sure that on my workshops you will have the best photo-taking experience ever.

I’m now a Londoner. My mother is Greek, my father American – and I grew up in California. I followed my English girlfriend (now wife) back to London in 2000 where I was commissioned for my first book – London at Dawn (Metro Publishing 2002/3)

I have two raucous, beautiful and opinionated children – aged three and nine – who obsessively make fun of my accent, which I think is (kinda) unfair.  What is it with the English and accents??

We’ve partnered with the great team at The Guardian Masterclasses to run our Cities at Dawn workshops in London, Istanbul, Venice and Paris. I’ve worked with them for a number of years now – running several Masterclasses including Introduction to Photography, London at Dawn and Mastering Manual.

A selection of things I’ve done recently…

BBC World did a report on my Cities at Dawn project…..I exhibited Paris and London at Dawn at St Pancras International Station in October 2013….Project was featured in Atlas Obscura, BBC London, The Evening Standard, The Big Issue, The Economist, Digital Photographer….

My workshops have been featured and reviewed in Time Out London Magazine, Independent on Sunday, The Telegraph, The Guardian, French Photo…

My project on The Homeless World Cup exhibited in June 2014 at Mother London, The East End Film Festival and Leo Burnett….Press included CNN Photo, Hyperallergic….It was supported by East End Film Festival, Metro Imaging and a successful Crowdfunder campaign.

I’ve published three books, one with Metro Publishing and two very successfully using Kickstarter – London at Dawn and Paris at Dawn which were launched at Foyles Bookshop.

I’ve worked for awesome commercial clients such as Channel 4, Deutsche Bank, Prison Reform Trust, You Agency, Wedge Card and others.

I’ve exhibited at The Gallery in Redchurch Street, The Ensign Gallery, The Arts & Crafts Guild, Mayor’s office for The Story of London Festival…My work has been supported by Courvoisier Future 500, International Environmental Photographers Association.

About Diana 

Previous to running a photo business with her husband serial entrepreneur Diana created the successful loyalty card for local shops Wedge Card, Europe’s most popular creative writing website ABCtales.com and the acclaimed event catering company Lady Bird’s Kitchen.