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August 29, 2008 (Use j/k keys to navigate)   Email to a friend    Permalink

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)

The city of London, at night, featuring the financial district, NatWest Tower, and the River Thames. (© Jason Hawkes)

Big Ben, above the Houses of Parliament. (© Jason Hawkes) #

Commuters and traffic at Oxford Circus. (© Jason Hawkes) #

The financial district, featuring the tip of 30 St. Mary's Axe, known by the nickname "The Gherkin". (© Jason Hawkes) #

A lonely curve of a city street. (© Jason Hawkes) #

A busy roundabout junction. (© Jason Hawkes) #

The Lloyd's Building, well-lit. (© Jason Hawkes) #

Building site at St George Street and Maddox Street. (© Jason Hawkes) #

The River Thames, featuring Tower Bridge. (© Jason Hawkes) #

Waterloo and Eurostar terminal. (© Jason Hawkes) #

The London Eye on the River Thames. (© Jason Hawkes) #

London's financial district, featuring the Lloyd's Building and The Gherkin. (© Jason Hawkes) #

A junction on the M25 motorway. (© Jason Hawkes) #

The view above Canary Wharf. (© Jason Hawkes) #

Tower Bridge and the Thames. (© Jason Hawkes) #

Canada Tower and neighboring office buildings at Canary Wharf. (© Jason Hawkes) #

Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club. (© Jason Hawkes) #

Piccadilly Circus with the famous Statue of Eros. (© Jason Hawkes) #

Waterloo Bridge and the River Thames, also featuring the London Eye (center, seen from the side), the Royal National Theatre, and Waterloo Station. (© Jason Hawkes) #


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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.

Posted by Mary- Birmingham UK July 18, 09 07:03 PM
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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...

Posted by Adriano July 18, 09 10:06 PM
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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!

Posted by Davie Collins July 18, 09 11:15 PM
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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.

Posted by G. Shimmin July 19, 09 12:57 AM
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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?

Posted by Crys July 21, 09 02:26 PM
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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.

Posted by LEANDRA LALL July 22, 09 09:27 AM
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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!

Posted by C July 22, 09 11:43 PM
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just the most amazing pics ever! ... London the new love in my life, now ain't that best feeling in the world...london rocks!

Posted by christine gray July 23, 09 12:07 PM
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Absolutely wonderfull photography.

Posted by Martin Stone. July 23, 09 03:04 PM
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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!

Posted by Allie, from Argentina July 23, 09 08:46 PM
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For those of us who will never in the near future be able to visit we need just look at your beautiful pictures.

Posted by Dianna Ebersole July 24, 09 10:27 AM
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THESE ARE BREATH TAKING -- IF YOU HAVE NEVER VISIT, THESE PICTURES MAKE YOU WANT TO.

Posted by Anonymous July 26, 09 11:43 PM
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Have never been there, but great pictures.

Posted by Lisa July 27, 09 03:59 PM
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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 )

Posted by Win Pa Pa ( Mandalay University) July 29, 09 09:49 AM
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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

Posted by charles July 29, 09 02:11 PM
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Fantastic--Never seen any pictures like those

Posted by Beverly July 29, 09 04:58 PM
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fabolous wrk....now will definately try to visit london aftrn havin ceen dis.....awesm !!!!!!!!

Posted by Manni Kumar July 29, 09 10:36 PM
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amazing photographs

Posted by Anonymous July 30, 09 01:52 PM
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Simply Awesome! Thank you very much...

Posted by Silas Deutscher July 30, 09 04:50 PM
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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

Posted by Kat Gal July 31, 09 06:51 PM
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I went to London in May and it was the best time of my life.

Posted by Tom August 1, 09 09:01 AM
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absolutely beautiful,thanks

Posted by frankie August 1, 09 03:56 PM
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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.

Posted by Heywood Jablowme August 1, 09 08:52 PM
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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.

Posted by Roger W Haworth August 2, 09 12:32 AM
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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

Posted by ANNE ROZARIO August 2, 09 06:50 PM
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Amazing ! When we went to ondon we wish we had an oppertunity to see like this.Unforgatable.

Posted by Roa M.S.A August 2, 09 09:11 PM
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ARTISTICALLY STUNNING AND TECHNICALLY SUPURB !!

Posted by Jim Wark August 2, 09 09:51 PM
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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.

Posted by Homyar G. Nasirabadwala August 3, 09 06:22 AM
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I saved all ,they were that beautiful.it is trully Magestic,you are a wonderfull photography.I love London.
dyary jabbary

Posted by dyary jabbary -iraq-kurdistan August 3, 09 08:05 AM
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Fantastic pics of london and brought back so many lovly memoreis and happy times wish to return somtime soon :P

Posted by Tehmi Master August 3, 09 09:46 AM
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which camera toke these wonderful pictures?

Posted by MK king August 6, 09 04:39 AM
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These pictures makes you want to go there. They are so beautiful and breath taking. thank you

Posted by Ann Crane August 6, 09 05:18 PM
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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

Posted by Geoff Hunt August 7, 09 06:25 AM
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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.

Posted by Mr manu. Mistry August 7, 09 09:32 AM
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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!!

Posted by B C Fernandes August 8, 09 10:36 AM
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excellent photographs.more tempted to see LONDON.

Posted by anil August 8, 09 10:02 PM
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London serķa el paraiso si prescindiese de los londinenses

Posted by David Beckham Briento August 9, 09 10:34 AM
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Hi Jason,

Absolutely stunning photographs. How did you manage to achieve such perfect exposures and colours at night without a long exposure time?

Posted by Roy Green August 10, 09 07:07 AM
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In One Sentence
Simply.. Superb.. Awesome.. Excellent ...Beautiful...Magnificent....
Will Visit London ............

Posted by K.T August 10, 09 08:53 PM
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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!

Posted by sue ormrod August 11, 09 09:54 PM
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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!

Posted by Betty August 12, 09 12:33 PM
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I always love london--my favourite city in the world---thanks for these amazing photos--just confirms that it is the best city!

Posted by rita mittal August 12, 09 01:32 PM
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Oh,my god,London! How great !

Posted by Orio Liu August 13, 09 10:37 AM
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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.

Posted by BLANCHE BERRY August 13, 09 08:02 PM
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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

Posted by Linda Dawson August 14, 09 03:36 PM
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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.

Posted by Jo Hammond August 14, 09 03:56 PM
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it is beautyful

Posted by Anonymous August 15, 09 01:04 PM
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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

Posted by Carol August 15, 09 08:59 PM
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Awesome

But how did he get permission to fly a helicopter in restricted aisrpsace I wonder ?

Posted by Seanie August 17, 09 08:07 AM
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WoW! it's cool and spectating views.

Posted by Sherali. E. Mamujee August 17, 09 05:09 PM
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simply....................The Best

Posted by Fahad August 18, 09 02:00 AM
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fantastic i will fore sure take a trip to london at night,,,,,,,,,,well done

Posted by arif cassam August 19, 09 11:17 AM
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Londres

Posted by Selma August 20, 09 02:47 PM
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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!!

Posted by Karen August 24, 09 08:51 AM
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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.

Posted by Moneca B yardley August 25, 09 04:55 AM
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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.

Posted by Carmen 1321 August 25, 09 10:19 PM
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Your eye and the eye of the camera informs me much about you.

Posted by Herb Larmann August 26, 09 07:50 AM
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I say
Ma Shaa ALLAH
Subhan ALLAH

Posted by Ihsan amedi August 27, 09 08:04 AM
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YEEEEEHAW. NOW THAT, THERE IS ONE SWEET CITY. PHOTOGENIUS at work. Stand aside, people!!!

Posted by Brian Mason, Austin. August 30, 09 01:20 AM
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Super photography-well done Jason Hawks.London is our favourite city & you Jason did it justice

Posted by Dimitri Tretchikoff August 31, 09 05:54 AM
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LOve London.. Haven't been back for awhile, but scenes etc bring it back!
Thank you...LOve to all Londoners from Alaska!!

Ginnie

Posted by Ginnie September 4, 09 09:54 PM
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Top pictures mate,but ya should come oot in the countryside and take some

Posted by Hibby September 6, 09 03:10 PM
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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

Posted by Anonymous September 7, 09 11:28 AM
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Just perfect!

Posted by Chris September 9, 09 02:26 AM
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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

Posted by Sue September 9, 09 04:38 AM
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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

Posted by (Ms) Charlie McDonald September 12, 09 03:02 AM
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AMAZING.. FANTASTIC.. INCREDIBLE ..
London is a fascinating city that you can go.. I am speachless with the pictures

Posted by Jessyca September 12, 09 07:44 PM
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very nice so beadiful

Posted by niko September 15, 09 10:32 AM
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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.

Posted by Rosa Maria Mata September 16, 09 12:39 PM
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MAGESTIC

Posted by netts September 17, 09 02:52 PM
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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!

Posted by Jennifer September 18, 09 02:59 PM
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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!

Posted by Lee September 20, 09 05:36 PM
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jonathan livingston's view!! great perspective. amazing how sharp it is even with low light. great shots!

Posted by bruce September 21, 09 02:10 PM
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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!

Posted by dorli September 25, 09 05:29 AM
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to see the emerates stadium made my day or night, as an ex arsenal supporter living now in coventry. thanks for the rest.

Posted by llew jones September 27, 09 05:43 PM
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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!!!

Posted by Mad Max Allen, NZ September 27, 09 11:24 PM
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BEAUTIFUL

Posted by SALEEM SAJJAD September 28, 09 11:03 AM
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Lovely place to visit, as I lived there for 32 years.
Very Historic place

Posted by Shamash Nanjijuma September 29, 09 07:22 PM
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WOW~~ Miss London soooo much!!
I must go there again~

Posted by Gut Kwok September 30, 09 09:09 AM
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ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL,MAGNIFICENT PICTURES OF LONDYN.
LOVE IT, LOVE IT.........
MY HATS OF TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER.

Posted by Stanislaw Mlynarczyk NYC September 30, 09 05:53 PM
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BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY JASON. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO LONDON, BUT THOSE PICS HAVE JUST MADE UP MY MIND FOR ME. WELL DONE!

Posted by ELIZE STYER October 3, 09 05:11 PM
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when i got through with this website it seems that im traveling to far,
nice! thank you !

Posted by benzfox October 5, 09 03:59 PM
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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.

Posted by Martin Guiot October 11, 09 08:25 PM
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Exsilent PhotoGraph

Posted by Dharmesh October 14, 09 06:22 AM
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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

Posted by Rabieh Al Zailaa October 14, 09 06:38 PM
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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.

Posted by ger October 18, 09 02:32 PM
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woooooow thats kooooooooooool pic i love it really nice shooot thanks for shearing here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Aftab October 19, 09 02:49 AM
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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.

Posted by Lorna Somers October 19, 09 01:13 PM
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Can remember the isle of dogs when it was just old warehouses in the seventies, watched it grow over 25 years, quite stunning now,

Posted by Nigel October 19, 09 04:05 PM
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amazing picture

Posted by vaibhav leuva October 22, 09 10:28 AM
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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)

Posted by STAN DANIEL October 22, 09 03:31 PM
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Think London is fascinating? You should see Johannesburg!

Posted by Ian Samson October 24, 09 10:11 AM
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Beautiful City. I was there in 1976. Loved it. Thanks for the views I didn't see.

Posted by James E. Smallidge Maine USA October 24, 09 11:07 PM
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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

Posted by Joe/Susan McQueeney October 26, 09 06:53 PM
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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!!!!!!!

Posted by samantha viner October 27, 09 11:35 PM
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Only one things i can say to London city, how a beautiful is it....hope one day i can come there..mmmhhhhh

Posted by umam peace October 31, 09 10:20 PM
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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.

Posted by Alice Fisher November 2, 09 10:38 PM
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Wow...Absolutely breath taking! These pictures have persuaded me to visit London asap.

Posted by Ryan Whiteleather November 3, 09 08:47 AM
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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.

Posted by Joe Coxson November 5, 09 10:06 AM
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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!!

Posted by Terry November 7, 09 12:17 PM
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