As half-term neared its end, we paid a family visit to Tower Bridge in London on Friday. Being something of an engineering geek, I was very keen to learn about the bridge’s construction and how it works.
My kids seemed more impressed with the south and west walkways. These are enclosed walkways at the top of the bridge. They allow you to walk from one side to the other and each one is glass bottomed so you can look down and see the River Thames and road below.
Alas, I didn’t have much luck with my photography during the visit. This was the one image that stood out from the day. It shows the Shard right in the centre. In the foreground on the left is City Hall, home of the Mayor of London. Look closely and you’ll just see the London Eye at the bottom right of the Shard.
It wasn’t particularly sunny and so I flipped the image to B&W. To be honest, it just completes the greyness of the day!
For those who like detail, shutter speed was 1/200 of a second, aperture f9, focal length 35mm and ISO 100. It’s been cropped and put through a black and white filter but is otherwise unedited.
Although I didn’t have much luck, largely because I had to keep my eye on our three year old, I was surprised at what a good spot Tower Bridge is for seeing London landmarks. It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, but it’s one of those locations that just doesn’t spring to mind. You can see Canary Wharf in the distance, HMS Belfast is right in front of you and you can see the Shard, City Hall etc.
Have you taken photographs of London landmarks? If so, what locations do you recommend? Tower Bridge came as quite a pleasant surprise so I’m thinking I should explore some locations off the beaten track.
As usual for a Sunday, I have linked this post to the #MySundayPhoto linky hosted by the Photalife blog. Click on the link to see more photography from other bloggers.
29 thoughts on “The Shard, as seen from Tower Bridge”
I remember visiting Tower Bridge when I was at school. I remember the walkways but I doubt they were glass bottomed then. I do miss working in the city, well only a little bit ;0) x
Oh gosh, I don’t miss working there. Happy to be a visitor these days!
It’s definitely an impressive building. Not sure whether I would like those glass walkways. Great shot though.
The wlakways are fun. In fact there’s a mirror above one of them so you can take a selfie with the Thames underneath you!
Fab photo! We were in London briefly on Wednesday and the kids wanted to go to Tower Bridge precisely because they like seeing all the landmarks – especially the Shard. It was a bit too much of a trek though, so they had to make do with seeing Big Ben and the London Eye.
I’d recommend it next time you are in town. The glass walkways are fun and you do get an impressive view of the landmarks.
Do I see triangular bokeh? And is that ferris wheel the same one you get to see in Dr Who? (One of the early reboot episodes). The Shard is one impressive building! For that matter so is that domed building. And I am totally going to have to google the London Eye now.
City Hall is kinda-impressive but the Shard is better. That said, there is a brass model of City Hall right in front of the building. It has been cast quite badly and looks like, well, an intimate part of the male body.
Oh right, The London Eye is the ferris wheel!
Indeed it is. SHould you ever travel up-over, I would put it on your list of things to do.
When it was first built, I really didn’t like it at all, but now I am rather fond of it! Such a stunning photo! 🙂
I thought exactly the same way Emma. Now it’s here, I think it is very impressive.
Brilliant photo, I think this sort of cityscape works so well in B&W. The Shard is such an impressive building.
Thank you for linking up
The SHard is an impressive building. Wasn’t sure about it when it was being built, but it’s firmly part of the landscape now!
Always an impressive sight but somehow more so at the angle you’ve used and in black and white.
It’s not a commonn vantage point for photographers. I think that’s why it works well. Thanks for your kind words Fiona.
This is a great photo of the Shard – really imposing and all the more in black and white. I took a black and white of the London Eye which worked pretty well but I prefer this landscape.
Thanks Victoria. I think it’s a location few photographers take pics from so it is an interesting landscape.
Such a great photo, it works so well in black and white. Glad you enjoyed your day in London. #MySundayPhoto
Glad you like it in B&W Tara. I think it works.
Awesome picture the Shard looks amazing sounds like a great day #mysundayphoto
Thanks Nigel. Got to be honest, I do like a good bit of engineering!
Flipping this photo in B&W brings out the best in the buildings and makes you look more at their structure & textures. Considering you weren’t having much luck, this is a great shot.
I’ve never taken the children along the walkways of Tower Bridge – I didn’t remember they had glass elements either. It’s now on my list !
I think your kids are probably old enough to appreciate it Tracey. I fear mine were possibly a touch on the young side but we had a good day anyway. Glad you liked the pic.
This view looks so modern as oppose to the London in my head. Amazing composiiton =)
#mysundayphoto
I don’t think my fear of heights would cope with glass bottomed walkways! Fabulous image, it works really well I have a soft spot for that part of London, I was on the design team for City Hall, and for Tower Place on the other side of the river 🙂
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