If you’re looking to indulge your creative side this summer, Shoreditch’s Montcalm East fun workshop series from its newest Photographer in Residence, Kristina Balevska, is the ideal way to start. Editor Sophie Ritchie gets behind the lens for the night at the five-star hotel to find out more about the snap-inspired experience
Shoreditch is not exactly somewhere I tend to frequent often. But when opportunity comes knocking, you dig out the trendiest clothes you own and off you go, ready to embrace the edgy craziness of East London life.
Situated just around the corner from Old Street Station, Montcalm East stands out even from the afar skyline thanks to its unmissable jagged 18-story diamond-shaped design.
The inside is as equally cool as the exterior, thanks to a contemporarily chic array of spaces to lounge and dine. Helmed by a team of professional but friendly staff, the front desk make check-in an easy and painless experience. Being met with a big smile always makes a difference too… especially when you’ve dragged your suitcase in the midday heat through the finance bro filled streets of the City to get there.
Before I know it, I’m stepping into one of the many lifts to swoosh up to the 16th floor and get ready for the evening (which unlike my usual nights of running, binge watching trashy shows or general chocolate inhaling) features a creative workshop with the hotel’s brand new Photographer in Residence, Kristina Balevska.
The Workshops
Available for guests and locals alike to book throughout summer with a further duo of dates, the new monthly workshops are a great way to embrace your creative side and get stuck into Montcalm Shoreditch’s arty feel.
Led by the latest Photographer in Residence, Kristina Balevska,, whose passions lie in the realms of fine art photography, each intimate two-hour workshop (with space for just 12 creatives at a time) will cover different topics – with the upcoming experiences set to hone in on the Other Side of the Lens: model direction and Photography on a budget: equipment & post production.
For the inaugural July workshop, the focus is on Experimental Photography: art of letting go. Well, as a control freak, that certainly gets me outside of the comfort zone before I’ve even stepped inside the hotel’s studio. But as soon as I’ve sat down on one of the chairs, the worries start to dissipate as Kristina is so fun and energetic, filling the room with positive energy.
Super encouraging throughout the two-hour workshop, she makes everyone feel welcome, regardless of whether they’ve never been behind or in front of a camera before. It’s worth noting that the experience is as contemporary as the hotel’s interiors, so make sure to bring along your phone to the workshops as you might need it for the tasks.
These vary from sourcing inspiration to moving around the space and getting creative with the room’s furnishings – and although each task is very much solo, there’s plenty of time to chat and share ideas as a group too.
Kristina, a fine art photographer, is a graduate of Ravensbourne. She discovered her love of photography in her teens and has a passion for producing Renaissance-inspired pieces that play on an underwater theme.
Post-workshop, I caught up with Kristina for five-minutes to ask her a few questions about her photography journey so far:
Five Minutes with Kristina Balevska
Can you tell me a bit about how you became a fine art photographer?
My dad actually bought a camera off Ebay when I was younger and I became fascinated with using it and experimenting with different photography styles – which meant getting creative with a very limited budget. I also loved watching shows like America’s Next Top Model, which although looking back now display some unhealthy behaviours, were also incredibly inspiring through the different creative fashion shoots and locations.
You’re a big fan of the Renaissance period. Is there a painting or figure you feel drawn to?
Absolutely – Ophelia! I love the water associations with her.
Is there a room or space of The Montcalm East that inspires you the most, and why?
As a fan of underwater photography I love the downstairs pool facilities, of course. And I’d love to try a high fashion shoot in the rooms – they’re the ideal fit. But the lobby is also really inspiring with its warm tones and bustle.
Describe your fashion photography style in three words
Dreamy, chaotic and innovative.
The Room
With so many arty outposts on your doorstep, it’s well-worth staying the night for a full city cation experience. Montcalm East’s undeniably urban rooms are sophisticated in nature, featuring a monochromatic colour scheme with dark tones, silver shades and the occasional pop of a soft powder blue. Masculine and modern in nature, it’s calm, relaxing and quiet – a world away from the madness outside the hotel’s doors.
You can blend in here, sink into the layers of Shoreditch’s urban streets without anyone batting an eyelid – then swipe your keycard and simply enjoy the chameleon of chromatic detail and sleek furnishings.
Contemporary to its core, Montcalm East’s rooms are tech-heavy spaces – featuring sleek labeled buttons to control everything from colour-changing lights through to the air conditioning. It’s pretty impressive during the day, but considerably more annoying at 2am when the curtains keep opening and you just need to find the bathroom. Even the corridors feel otherworldly here, darkly lit with occasional wall lighting to lead you through the spaces (or in my case, to the downstairs breakfast).
If you’re a foodie (or simply as greedy as me) you’ll love the simple but substantial mix of buffet food in the morning – guests line up, plate in hand, to make their way through hot options or pick up pastries, yoghurts, cereals and a small selection of fruit. I also love that the DIY coffee machine does oat cappuccinos alongside the standard dairy options – a small touch that means a lot to a dairy-free girl like me.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Talk about a flash from the past. It’s been a long time since I’ve ventured into East London, but one afternoon here and I’m already reminded of why these urban streets draw you in with their artistic buzz and nonchalant attitude to London’s quirkiest characters.
If you’re looking to indulge your creative side this summer, Shoreditch’s Montcalm East fun workshop series from its new Photographer in Residence, Kristina Balevska, is the ideal way to start. And as laidback and interesting as the experience is, it’s also a great way to step outside of your comfort zone and try something completely new.
Make it snappy and book your own workshop ticket before autumn rolls around – and if you’re in the mood for a city adventure this summer, stay the night for a hefty dose of Shoreditch staycation served with all the trimmings at this ultra modern stay.
Make it happen
When: The next workshops will take place on Saturday August 17th, 11am and Saturday September 14th, 11am. Book a workshop via eventbrite.co.uk
Where: 151-157 City Rd, London EC1V 1JH
How: Find out more and make a booking via montcalmcollection.com
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
