Night Shard

A rainy evening high, high above London. A chance to witness dusk and lighting-up time across the city from a commanding vantage point. This is the view from The Shard, one of Europe’s highest buildings. I’ve visited during the day, but the night view surpassed that, with the atmosphere in the partially open 72nd floor viewing platform wholly transformed.

But this is also a tale of photographic teeth-gnashing. You cannot bring tripods on your visit, essential for low light photography and opening the shutter for longer periods. You have to rely on stretching regular exposure times as far as possible and cranking up the ISO. It’s frustrating to know how sparkling and golden your images could be with the right tools. I suppose we all have to head to the gift shop for our beautiful photos of a brightly lit London – or simply make do…

Click first image to view the collection

9 thoughts on “Night Shard”

jdtphotography.co.uk on May 8, 2016 at 09:30 said:

Terrific set of images Mike and my preferences are the first one and the river glimmers.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 8, 2016 at 09:42 said:
  
  Thank you, James. You might be able to tell that I was slightly underwhelmed – an opportunity not made the best of!
  
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ckponderings on May 6, 2016 at 14:17 said:

Ooh! I’ve not been up the Shard at night! I’ll have to give it a go! :P

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 6, 2016 at 15:58 said:
  
  As you can see it made me gnash my teeth. They don’t make it easy!
  
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  - ckponderings on May 7, 2016 at 00:31 said:
    
    Haha! :)
    
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leecleland on May 2, 2016 at 01:57 said:

Very frustrating for you and any other ‘real’ photographer (as opposed to iPhones) but you still managed to get some great shots and wow, you are high! A very different look at London.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 2, 2016 at 11:27 said:
  
  Thank you Lee, glad you like them, I suppose not bad given the restrictions. It’s one thing doing quick iPhone captures to say you were there, but a bit different if you want to take some time over them – always needed when there’s very little light! That probably sounds elitist and snobby…
  
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Mark Simms on May 1, 2016 at 19:47 said:

What a brilliant set of images Mike, particularly like Mile High Dusk

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 1, 2016 at 19:53 said:
  
  Many thanks Mark. I must say a little longer exposure would have helped… the tripod issue has turned into a bit of a crusade!
  
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