Bridge after dark

London’s Hammersmith Bridge is my personal favourite. Its graceful sweep and ornate green pillars is a beautiful site. Even more so it’s part of the River Thames in my neighbourhood, easy to enjoy on a mild Spring night.

This is the obvious place to visit for some night photography, where the lights capture the water. It’s where I came for my first ever session of low light shooting.

But this time it was with a different camera, my Fuji X-E1, which behaved impeccably and didn’t pose any problems. I experimented with various film modes, with Velvia giving a vivid and colourful sheen compared to its standard soft and higher contrast settings. And some monochrome treatments were irresistible when it came to editing.

Some of these shots were taken from solid surfaces of this suspension bridge – the wobble caused by the traffic will ruin your long exposure efforts!

Click first image to launch the gallery

Tags: architecture, Fuji X-E1, Hammersmith, Hammersmith Bridge, London, night photography, photography, River Thames, suspension bridge

23 thoughts on “Bridge after dark”

dianajhale on May 15, 2013 at 19:41 said:

These are stunning – it shows the difference a camera can make in the hands of a professional!

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 15, 2013 at 20:46 said:
  
  Thank you so much, Diana. Oh, if only it were my full-time job!
  
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jdtphotography.co.uk on May 15, 2013 at 08:39 said:

A cracking set of images Mike and I am off to take a look at the Fuji X range. I hope you are well and that you have a great week. Once again awesome shots… makes me want to come up to London to enjoy the buzz again.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 15, 2013 at 10:47 said:
  
  Thanks James. I’m glad you’re interested in the Fuji range – is well worth a look. Similarly I’d like to visit the south coast for some of those exhilarating views you bring to us.
  
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lena de almeida on May 11, 2013 at 22:55 said:

These are fantastic, Mike.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 12, 2013 at 17:29 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Lena, really appreciated. I’m glad to discover my camera can cope with low light situations.
  
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Noeline Smith on May 10, 2013 at 16:14 said:

Light on water ….. I’m tempted to say you can’t go wrong but I’ve seen some disasters! Lovely set of images here though Mike.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 11, 2013 at 22:33 said:
  
  Thank you Noeline. Yes, so long as the tripod holds firm you’re guaranteed something attractive!
  
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  - Noeline Smith on May 14, 2013 at 16:24 said:
    
    Don’t do yourself down – you still need good technique to make the most of the opportunity!
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on May 14, 2013 at 16:32 said:
      
      It’s true, you need a pair of eyes in your head! Not to mention a lot of trial, error and fun with exposure times.
      
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ckponderings on May 10, 2013 at 13:36 said:

Great set of shots – I need to get me to that end of the Thames! :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 10, 2013 at 13:45 said:
  
  You do indeed. It’s not so bad over here. And thanks as always :-)
  
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luxaeternaimaging on May 10, 2013 at 11:51 said:

Mike these are spectacular! The way the light reflects on the water it really something else. And the last b&w it the gallery is just superb! Great job :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 10, 2013 at 12:04 said:
  
  Thank you Julz, I’m really pleased to hear your opinion. The Fuji has passed its night shooting test with flying colours (almost literally :-)
  
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  - luxaeternaimaging on May 10, 2013 at 12:08 said:
    
    Fuji’s are great! My first camera was a Fuji S3300, handled great for a non SLR. Must admit I have grown quite fond of my Nikon, but I still take the Fuji out for more casual work :)
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on May 10, 2013 at 12:25 said:
      
      I resisted the lure of the Canon/Nikon domination and am pleased with my choice. Like I read in one of your posts, next step is to invest in the macro lens :-)
      
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      - luxaeternaimaging on May 10, 2013 at 12:43 said:
        
        My Nikon was actually a Christmas gift from my boyfriend. :)
        
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      - luxaeternaimaging on May 10, 2013 at 12:45 said:
        
        His exact words were “I thought you were ready for a big girl camera” :D
        
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        mikeosbornphoto on May 10, 2013 at 12:59 said:
        
        Hahahaha! Well my present was a tripod which of course makes these shots possible :-)
        
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Kiki on May 10, 2013 at 10:39 said:

I agree – beautiful shots! And I just went over to your old post, the difference is amazing…

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 10, 2013 at 10:50 said:
  
  Thank you Kiki! That seems like an age ago… and the Lumix doesn’t have half the power of the Fuji.
  
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maryqkaca on May 10, 2013 at 09:28 said:

Beautiful night shots and wonderful edifice! This bridge is a little bit remind me of the Liberty Bridge in Budapest. That is my favorite bridge. Have a nice week-end Mike!

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 10, 2013 at 09:32 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Maria! I think perhaps our bridges should be twinned – I see the similarities! Of course Budapest is renowned for its bridges – I really ought to visit. Enjoy your weekend too :-)
  
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