If you like bright, colourful lights, I think you’ll like this picture. It’s a long-exposure shot of the Square Mile in Central London taken from Hayes Galleria on the south side of the River Thames.
I took the picture after Helen, Izzy and I had travelled up to Central London to meet Mrs Adams after work one evening. It was taken a few months ago, hence why the night sky looks so dark. It was the usual thing for me; I was planning to post an image of the storms that have hit our area over the past couple of days, but my best shots need a little more editing.
I popped this pic of the Square Mile on Instagram in the meantime and it proved very popular. This was enough to persuade me to reconsider!
The tall buildings dominating the centre of the picture are 20 Fenchurch Street, commonly known as the Walkie Talkie, and the Leadenhall Building. What strikes me about the image are the bright lights and how the long-exposure made the river seem very calm. I can assure you it was considerably more choppy than it appears in this shot.
Every week I tend to add one post to my blog that’s dedicated to my photographic hobby. As I usually do with my photographic posts, I shall be adding this pic to the #MySundayPhoto linky that’s hosted by the wonderful Photalife blog. You can visit the linky and see other examples of photography by clicking on the badge below. I strongly suggest you do and please do also leave a comment below with your thoughts about this picture.
28 thoughts on “London’s Square Mile at night”
I love it! I never tire of looking at these iconic London buildings, but I’ve never seen them at night like that.
Well, i’ll say this, 20 Fenchurch Street looks better at night time than day time!
I always enjoy a good London buildings shot and this is a great one John – well composed and beautiful lighting too.
Thank you Victoria. Coming from someone who knows her photography, that means a great deal.
I love this shot. Full of light and energy. London is beautiful especially at night. #mysundayphoto
Yes I guess the energy of London does come through this picture.
It makes our capital look so bright and grand. Lovely capture.
A long-exposure does indeed help London look a bit nicer than it really is!!
Gorgeous part of London to focus on. What was the exposure time on this?
Thank you for linking up to #MySundayPhoto
I’ll check the exposure and get back to you. It is a very photogenic part of the city for sure.
Lovely night time cityscape, One day when my girls are older I’ll be able to get out at night too 🙂
Ah, yes, I see your dilemma. When kids are too young for a visit to London that can be an issue. Hope you get to visit soon enough.
the white lights in all the buildings make the city look so pretty #mysundayphoto
Certainly look prettier than in the day time, that’s for sure.
Beautiful night lights
Thanks carol, that they were without a doubt
What a pretty scene….Fantastic photo.
Thanks Kim, took a few tries to get it right but got there eventually.
Hi John, I do love your city night shots. It’s something I have yet to have a go at. The lighting adds detail that would go unnoticed in daylight and the water looks velvety if that’s even possible. And those cranes always make me think War Of The Worlds!
xx
Oh yes, War of the Worlds, I see why you would think that! Hadn’t published a city shot at night for a while so this seemed like the right time to do it.
Such a dramatic photo. So bright and colourful. Great London cityscape.
I see what you mean, I guess there is a lot of drama in there.
WOW! This photo makes me feel tired! I’m definitely not in a hurry to get back to the hustle and bustle. #mysundayphoto
It was quite a relaxed evening, truth be told! then again, London is ridiculously busy.
I love a visit to the Capital… once in a blue moon! Beautiful photos like this give me my fix of City life! #mysundayphoto
Delighted to provide you with that fix and glad you liked the picture.
That’s unique and quite pretty. Nice thinking on the long exposure, something I don’t do often probably because I’m too lazy to set up my tripod. I see a unipod in my future.
I love the reflection you caught and it looks like a couple of tour boats too. The building looks like a lantern and the stark brightness near the trees is very cool.
Ah, believe it or not, this wasn’t shot with a tripod. The camera was balanced on a safety rail with the strap wrapped around my wrist. if it fell, it would have gone into the River Thames!