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| August 29, 2008 | (Use j/k keys to navigate) |
London from above, at night
With the end of the Olympics in Beijing, all eyes turned for a moment to London, site of the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics. While looking for good photographs of London, I was contacted by London photographer Jason Hawkes, who had some wonderful images of London, seen from above at night (from a helicopter, to be exact) - some of which which he's agreed to let me share here. From Jason: "Shooting aerial photography during the daytime had its own difficulties, you are strapped tightly into a harness leaning out of the helicopter, shouting directions through the headsets to the pilot. If shooting in the day can be difficult, night and the lack of light causes its own set of problems, but overcoming them is half the fun and the results can be stunning. I shoot at night using the very latest digital cameras, mounted on either one or two gyro stablazied mounts, depending on the format of the camera and length of lens I'm having to use." (19 photos total)
More links and information
Jason Hawkes - photographer's site
Britain from above - new series from the BBC
London 2012 - official site
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Congratulations Jason on your superb photos of London. They are absolutely amazing. Our capital city is the best in the world. As for the whingers about global warming the planes and vehicles cause more problems than electric light!
One day I am sure you will be famous for your skills and tallent.
That city is relley very awesome, I intend to go there next yaer, and I've been searching about it for long... But I'm afraid og the weather there; I'm brazilian, and here it's always sunny... But in London it'sthe opposite, and I'm alergic, so what do I do? Does someone have any advice for me? Is is really rainy ever? What's the best epoch to trip? Please, help me...
Great photography, however I agree with comments numbered 2484 and 2539.
Does London, or any other city, need to waste so much electricity? So much for doing "our bit" for global warming!
I was born in London in Poplar ! not too well known but definitely within the sound of Bow Bells. Left to join parents in Liverpool spent remainder of life there.
(Born on Londons East India dock road, reared on Liverpools dock Road)
Relatives still reside 'down South' (Sussex ) and memories of London are still very real to me as the oldest member of my Mothers family. The views of London by night are truly amazing and worthy of official recognition, ( Jason must be a true Cockney ) Congratulations Jason, you are the best.
These are beautiful pictures , however what a waste of energy! Alot of those buildings do not need to have the lights on all night...tsk tsk tsk.GLOBAL WARMING anyone?
ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!! I NEVER KNEW LONDON WAS SO BEAUTIFUL, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. IT IS A GOT TO DO VACATION FOR ME NOW. FORTUNATELY I HAVE FRIENDS THERE, HOPEFULLY THEY WILL GIVE ME THE GRAND TOUR OF SUCH A LOVELY CITY.
i have to say that city is made to fit together like a puzzle...all the pieces (however odd) fit together to make a huge picture!
just the most amazing pics ever! ... London the new love in my life, now ain't that best feeling in the world...london rocks!
Absolutely wonderfull photography.
that's gorgeous.
Never seen anything like that in my life, but I hope to in the future.
You've born in an absolutely dreamy place.
What a neat work you've done!
Congratulations, you have a great eye for photography and clearly an awesome camera too.
Bye!
For those of us who will never in the near future be able to visit we need just look at your beautiful pictures.
THESE ARE BREATH TAKING -- IF YOU HAVE NEVER VISIT, THESE PICTURES MAKE YOU WANT TO.
Have never been there, but great pictures.
Thank you for sharing wonderful and beautiful pictures. Because of my late husband I had a chance to visit and see London then I fell in love with London like my sweetheart. Eventhough we live in USA for children's sake London will always be in our hearts. By the way I came from Burma. I understand living in the darkness of the nights. Thatswhy I love and enjoy sunshine, moonlight, candlelights and electric lights. Without enough electricity you will not have these beautiful pictures. Now the world can fall in love with London again. Thank you Jason!!!!.Win Pa Pa ( Mandalay University )
Facinating, breathtaking, home. I was lucky enough to be born in the west end in 1940. I also worked there as well as in the city, before canary wharf etc. Your pictures have given me another view. thanks
Fantastic--Never seen any pictures like those
fabolous wrk....now will definately try to visit london aftrn havin ceen dis.....awesm !!!!!!!!
amazing photographs
Simply Awesome! Thank you very much...
Jason
brilliant photos, congratulations.......... am going to London in a few weeks, and this has made me want to go now!!!! Beautiful!
Thankyou for sharing
I went to London in May and it was the best time of my life.
absolutely beautiful,thanks
Post #286 and others like it are the reason why so much of the world hates the USA.. Let's hope such wankers are only a minority.
No. 13 "A junction on the M25 motorway" indeed! That precision may be good enough for Americans but not for me. This is the junction at grid reference TL469000 near Theydon Bois, Essex. It is Junction 27 of the M25 and Junction 6 of the M11. The view is looking roughly west along the M25.
Thank you Jason for sharing your wonderful skill in taking such marvellous pictures.This is 21st centuary Art. A feast for the senses.
Many T hanks
Anne
Amazing ! When we went to ondon we wish we had an oppertunity to see like this.Unforgatable.
ARTISTICALLY STUNNING AND TECHNICALLY SUPURB !!
Jason Hawkes, these photographs are simply mind blowing. I have moved to Hong Kong from Mumbai a month ago. I had been with my wife and child to London in 1997 and it was love at first sight. Stayed there for 3 weeks and was sad when our holiday came to an end. Your excellent work brought back cherished memories, we had been to Piccadaly circus and have a photograph of mine near the statue of Eros. Another place in London which impressed me was Hyde Park, could go on and on !! Wish to visit it once more - its an amazing place.
Thanks for giving the world such wonderful pictures of such a beautiful city. Hats off to your efforts.
I saved all ,they were that beautiful.it is trully Magestic,you are a wonderfull photography.I love London.
dyary jabbary
Fantastic pics of london and brought back so many lovly memoreis and happy times wish to return somtime soon :P
which camera toke these wonderful pictures?
These pictures makes you want to go there. They are so beautiful and breath taking. thank you
I'm a Brit living in the home counties but having lived and worked in London.
I visit the Metropolis whenever I can and love the whole scene.
Don't forget folks as well as these beautiful sights there is so much history embedded in every part of London. You'd need a lifetime to assimilate just a part of it. That's why I say to you people who'd like to come to London. Don't just say it, DO IT. Come as soon as you can and wrap yourself in the sights and sounds.
Geoff
Mr.Jason Hawkes.
I live in London for 45 years and a bussines man. I travel a lot for my bussines in the world. My return flight always arrived at night and the London view from the air by night is wonderful. I would like to see my favourite destination London by night.Thease amazing photos brought back my dream true. Fantastic and very wonderful pictures, all the credit goes to the photographer. Jason thank you for sharing your wonderful skill in taking such marrellous pictures. Good luck to you in future.
Heyyyyy Jason, what happened to the dirty streets of London? Your pics make them look clean!!! Beautiful work of art mate. My Dad was a professional photographer for 49 years but he would not believe the technology involved and the sheer effort you have put into this. Well done!!
excellent photographs.more tempted to see LONDON.
London serķa el paraiso si prescindiese de los londinenses
Hi Jason,
Absolutely stunning photographs. How did you manage to achieve such perfect exposures and colours at night without a long exposure time?
In One Sentence
Simply.. Superb.. Awesome.. Excellent ...Beautiful...Magnificent....
Will Visit London ............
So beautiful they made me cry for my old home town ... Living in Australia has its moments, but nothing can compare with dear old London. Thank you!
As an American, I have been to London many times as it is one of my favorite cities in the world, but, never have I been able to see it like this.
Fantastic pictures. Makes me want to go again!
I always love london--my favourite city in the world---thanks for these amazing photos--just confirms that it is the best city!
Oh,my god,London! How great !
IT HAS BEEN MY DREAMS TO VISIT LONDON. NOW MY DREAM HAS BEEN FULLFILLED. LOOKING AT THE PICTURES MAKES ME FEEL THAT I AM RIGHT THERE IN LONDON. OH WHAT FANTASICS PICTURES. MY HATS OFF TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER.
I am an ex Londoner who has lived in Dorset for the last 30 years and for many years worked in the West End of London. I always thought London was most beautiful at night but never imagined it was as beautiful as Jason has depicted it.
I try to visit as often as possible and do many London Walks mainly during the day. I agree with many of the other viewers it truly is the best city in the world! Thank you Jason !!
Linda - Dorset
I admire the photographer's work, BUT this beauty is superficial. We have to think of its implications. I left England in 1967, and now Vancouver (Canada,) often touted as being the best place to live, has some serious problems.
People need to be educated to think at a deeper level. Is Beauty Truth? Not in this case.
it is beautyful
I was in London several years ago and loved it! So historical - I really
enjoyed the beautiful pictures. It has been a dream of mine to return
to London and look at everything again. Facinating, eciting, historical
cityQ
Awesome
But how did he get permission to fly a helicopter in restricted aisrpsace I wonder ?
WoW! it's cool and spectating views.
simply....................The Best
fantastic i will fore sure take a trip to london at night,,,,,,,,,,well done
Londres
London has always been some place I'd like to see. After seeing these pictures of London at night it's now moved up to the top of my "Places I MUST see"!! BEAUTIFUL!!
My mother was from the Isle of Dogs. How she would marvel at your wonderful pictures. I left London when I was 11 and have returned many times. Now as a Canadian, with many memories and relatives in London, I thank you for your pictorial tribute to a great and noble city. My heart, my heritage my London in it's splendour. It is difficult to explain to those who have not experienced her wonders- past and present. Who was it that said', "He who tires of London, tires of life"? Well, that is still the case today.
Thank you so very much for your tribute to this remarkable city.
These pictures dispel the legend that London is normally fog bound...they are beautiful just like a helicopter view of Los Angeles at night without smog ... breath-taking.
Your eye and the eye of the camera informs me much about you.
I say
Ma Shaa ALLAH
Subhan ALLAH
YEEEEEHAW. NOW THAT, THERE IS ONE SWEET CITY. PHOTOGENIUS at work. Stand aside, people!!!
Super photography-well done Jason Hawks.London is our favourite city & you Jason did it justice
LOve London.. Haven't been back for awhile, but scenes etc bring it back!
Thank you...LOve to all Londoners from Alaska!!
Ginnie
Top pictures mate,but ya should come oot in the countryside and take some
Gosh, I love these pictures Jason, what a great job. I am English born,left England 1968, now in Florida, USA. When I see these pictures I have an ache in my heart. Lived in Chorleywood, Herts. Worked in the West End of London for many years. I try to get back as often as possible.
Posted by Doreen September 6, 2009 11;25 AM
Just perfect!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful photographs Jason. They are really amazing. I am from Battersea and have never seen London from so high up. Thanks again. Sue - Western Australia. 09.09.09
From West London, now living in US. Posted site to FB to share with US friends. What an amazing display, words really can not describe.....you made me cry....thank you
AMAZING.. FANTASTIC.. INCREDIBLE ..
London is a fascinating city that you can go.. I am speachless with the pictures
very nice so beadiful
Felicitaciones al Sr. Fotografo, la ciudad es increible, antes pensaba que la ciudad mas bonita era Budapest, pero al ver estas fotos pienso que Londres es fabulosa..... Que bonito que este es el unico comentario en espanol, asi se deleitaran leyendo los latinos y espanoles, de habla hispana. Aunque ya he visitado antes, pienso que volvere para disfrutar de ese panorama tan bello.
MAGESTIC
Absolutely beautiful! You have captured something which most people will not be able to see in their lifetime and made it possible for them to experience it. Thank you!
Magnificent! I was in London in June 2009 and can't wait to return. These wonderful photos make my desire to return even stronger! Thanks!
jonathan livingston's view!! great perspective. amazing how sharp it is even with low light. great shots!
Love it love it love it!
I always loved London and think its a beautiful city with special charme - but this pics are just great ........ love the financial district, canada water, canary worft and the Lloyds Building!
Used to liv in london till last year october and I do miss i!
I'm wondering at which time the picture from Piccadilly Circus was take - havent seen it so empty ever! :-)
This page will be on my favorite list from now on!
Thanks for this great pics!
Greatings from Germany!
to see the emerates stadium made my day or night, as an ex arsenal supporter living now in coventry. thanks for the rest.
Great pics. Even us Kiwi's can't help loving London. Wonderful memories of my 7 yrs in the UK. Can't wait to return!!!
BEAUTIFUL
Lovely place to visit, as I lived there for 32 years.
Very Historic place
WOW~~ Miss London soooo much!!
I must go there again~
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL,MAGNIFICENT PICTURES OF LONDYN.
LOVE IT, LOVE IT.........
MY HATS OF TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER.
BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY JASON. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO LONDON, BUT THOSE PICS HAVE JUST MADE UP MY MIND FOR ME. WELL DONE!
when i got through with this website it seems that im traveling to far,
nice! thank you !
I must applaud Jason over and over on how amazing, stunning, delightful, fantastic, beautiful, magnificent and wonderful these photos look. I wish they could like, have these at a Museum or something, it just makes us people of the British public forget that London DOES have its magical side to it, and he have shown us the proof right here with his outstanding photography.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us all, we, myself especially, truly appreciate it.
Exsilent PhotoGraph
I visited London last March I and my wife and we are very happy because London combines glorious past with the brilliant civilization, London of the most beautiful cities on earth
being a ex-photographer in military,i found your pictures very breathtaking, of what i found to be a beautiful city both in day and night, i would be back, but unfortunately there are few true londoners left. or english people for that matter.
woooooow thats kooooooooooool pic i love it really nice shooot thanks for shearing here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really wish that you had also included pictures of Windsor Castle! I know that its not in London but I think its the most beautiful sight... but then, I would, because I was born only a stone's throw from there.
Can remember the isle of dogs when it was just old warehouses in the seventies, watched it grow over 25 years, quite stunning now,
amazing picture
I AM FORM ROMANIA AND I HAVE SEEN PARIS AND I LIVED IN LONDON NEAR TOWER BRIDGE FOR 1 YEAR AND I MUST SAY THAT LONDON IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY IN THE WORLD.EXCELENT PICTURES JASON ,(the pics remind me of the greate time i had in LONDON)
Think London is fascinating? You should see Johannesburg!
Beautiful City. I was there in 1976. Loved it. Thanks for the views I didn't see.
I am from Rhode Island, USA and moved many times and have settled in Woodsville NH, all beautiful area's in their own right, but this just reminds me never to stop looking around this awesome world we live in....Humbling to say the least....I am also a photographer....I/We feel it
these are great pics i love them i grew up in london and i have forgotten how beautiful it is untill i saw these pics are great!!!!!!!
Only one things i can say to London city, how a beautiful is it....hope one day i can come there..mmmhhhhh
Went to England on our 40th anniversary and fell in love with all of it. Majestic, historic, humbling are only a few of the words I can think of. I always hoped to return but unfortunately never made it. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful photographs, as an artist I only wish I could capture on canvas all you did with your camera. What an artistic eye.
Wow...Absolutely breath taking! These pictures have persuaded me to visit London asap.
What I want to know is how he can get an exposure right from a helicopter, even with gyros I don't see how you'd counteract the camera shake.
Having lived here all my life you take it for granted but those pictures and the comments i have read make me realise that i live and was born in the most magnificent city/country in the world bar none!!