Observatory view

May 2, 2015May 3, 2015 / mikeosbornphoto / 4 Comments

Click images to enlarge

If you want to see London in all its glory, then you have to climb up high. A favoured vantage point is on the hill above Greenwich, home of the world-famous observatory. And that’s exactly what it is. A place to see a grand sweep of the city and a large bend in the River Thames, from the mighty Shard to the City. The bristling of Docklands’ corporate skyscrapers is just across the way. And if you’re blessed with a crystal blue sky, then all the better.

Favourite shots of 2013: Part II

January 1, 2014January 1, 2014 / mikeosbornphoto / 24 Comments

An entire year of photography has passed and I’ve been looking back at 2013 through the lens.

It’s been tough to choose 10 shots that have really stayed with me, proved a lasting joy and pleasure – and evoke memories of the past 12 months.

Click to enlarge the individual photos and view all 10 as a gallery here or at the foot of the post – then it’s time to vote for your favourite.

Here’s the second set of five and why they were chosen.

HAMMERSMITH BY NIGHT

Low light photography never ceases to lose its appeal, especially in a big city like London. Hammersmith Bridge is my local Thames crossing, and is more elegant than some of its rivals. This shot hangs on our wall as a symbol of our locality and home city.

SITTING AT THE WINDOW

People seldom take centre stage in my photographs. But this couple, sitting on the floor of the viewing platform of The Shard and gazing out over London, had to be captured. London’s highest building unexpectedly turned out to be a place for candids.

BRICK BOUTIQUE

An interest in detail took an obsessive turn in 2013 with my collection of many local types of brickwork and bringing some of them together in one frame. It reminds me of moving to a new area and getting a feel for its physical presence, including the bricks of our own house which feature in this work.

SKY LIGHT

A December trip to Bournemouth on England’s south coast yielded this moment of “sky porn”, with the sun searing through winter cloud cover on a deceptively gentle – and memorable – day away from London. The expanse of sea represents a sense of escape from city life.

GAUZED LIGHT

My top 10 could easily be composed entirely of architectural photographs. This shot perhaps sums up how I strive for symmetry and harmony when photographing buildings, and some unusual perspectives. But it masks the golden majesty of London’s New West End synagogue, probably my favourite visit of 2013.

Click first image to launch the Top 10 gallery

Shard traffic

July 25, 2013July 25, 2013 / mikeosbornphoto / 16 Comments

The viewing platform of The Shard, which towers over London, is a place of both movement and stillness.

People mill around to see the city from all vantage points, but often remain in one place for a long period of time, drinking it all in. But the stairway up to the 72nd floor is particularly busy with viewers making their way to the top with great anticipation.

This composite shot is just a few moments in the Shard’s life. It captures eight people enjoying their experience, and one photographer caught in the glass. At least this beats the “selfie” recently taken in the reflection of a washing machine…

You can click on each frame to enlarge and enjoy a more detailed view

High altitude candids

July 23, 2013 / mikeosbornphoto / 4 Comments

My chance to ascend London’s tallest building finally came courtesy of a birthday present from Dermot, after months of admiring this structure from afar. Zooming to the 68th floor within seconds makes your ears pop, but the final short climb to the 72nd floor viewing platform proved to be the moment of truth.

This area, partially open to the elements, was balmy on another fine summer’s day. They say it’s all about the astonishing views across the city on all sides, but my camera was drawn in other directions.

It’s a place where people congregate and enjoy their lofty position, and are so absorbed that The Shard becomes a haven for candid photography. Here is a selection, including Dermot, who made this possible.

Click first image to launch the gallery

I’ll bring you more from my birthday ascent in the coming days.

The London album

April 28, 2013April 28, 2013 / mikeosbornphoto / 23 Comments

I live in London and spend most of my time capturing moments and places around this great capital city.

The London album is a simple notion to make the most of this. It’s a new page which gathers together the photographs and posts about areas and landmarks of the city. Each name on the index – which you can find on the front page – clicks through to images and notes about that place.

Clearly there is a long way to go before I have London covered! Here is just a small sample from the album. Do let me know if you think of any London areas or famous spots which you would like to see added.

You can click here to take a look.