26.04.2025 | Behind the Clutter: A Car Boot Sale Story
Lindslade Car Boot Sale © Shannon Dinh, 2025
Eclectic characters. Vintage oddities. Total chaos — and I love it.
There’s something magnetic about car boot sales, especially when the UK weather turns warm. As both a photographer and a casual treasure hunter, I find them endlessly fascinating. Think of a typical outdoor flea market — but messier, louder, and with even more personality. These events usually run from April to September, when the sun finally shows up and people embrace the tradition of clearing out their garages, hoping to make a bit of extra cash. And let’s be honest — who doesn’t love the thrill of a bargain?
What makes car boot sales so interesting is the mix of people they attract. You get all sorts — eccentric sellers, die-hard collectors, casual browsers, and families just out for a wander. The energy is raw and totally unfiltered. It’s packed with those small, real-life moments that make great photos — conversations, reactions, people digging through boxes like they’re on a treasure hunt. It’s the perfect spot for candid photography. Then there’s the contrast and irony — like a rare antique buried under a heap of junk, or a toy gun placed next to a porcelain angel. These odd little pairings often make for the most striking and memorable shots.
Lindslade Car Boot Sale © Shannon Dinh, 2025
Shooting in this environment isn’t without its challenges, though. The constant movement, the visual clutter, and the crowded pathways mean you have to think on your feet — framing subjects between layers of people, stalls, and objects. Often, it takes patience to catch the moment you’re after, especially with a steady stream of people walking straight into your frame. It can be frustrating, and yeah, you’ll often feel like you’re in the way. I’m constantly dodging people myself. But once you get used to the chaos, it actually pushes you to get better. You start noticing patterns, layers, and those subtle moments you might miss in a calmer setting. That’s when it really starts to get fun.
Lindslade Car Boot Sale © Shannon Dinh, 2025
Lindslade Car Boot Sale © Shannon Dinh, 2025
Street photography has really helped me shake off my shyness and feel more confident capturing people in their most authentic moments. Honestly, being shy is more of a barrier than any technical challenge. What I've found is that the more confident and natural you act, the less people notice you or question what you are doing. But if you’re shy, your movements can come off as awkward or sneaky, and that actually draws more attention.
To catch those candid, unposed moments — I need to get close enough to feel the scene, not just lurking in the background and snap from a distance. It’s not always easy. I still get nervous, especially when I have to make direct eye contact with a subject. I miss plenty of shots too, just because I’m worried about upsetting someone — “What if they get mad?” But street moments happen so fast. If you hesitate, it’s gone. Shyness makes you second-guess yourself — “Should I take the shot?” — and in that moment of doubt, it’s over. If someone notices and feels uncomfortable, a quick smile or nod usually smooths things over.
The best way to get better is to just push through the nerves. Each time I take a shot, even if I’m scared, it builds my confidence. Street photography isn’t just about seeing the world differently — it’s about seeing yourself differently, too.
