Big Ben
I returned yesterday from an October business trip to London. True to form, I could not resist taking a small(ish) camera kit. Given it was a short trip – depart Monday, return Friday – I was tempted to leave the gear behind. The extra bag and weight are terribly inconvenient at times, but I knew I would regret not having it with me. I was in London almost exactly two years ago, and I had a lot of fun shooting the London Eye at night. There are so many things to explore and photograph in London, but I rarely have time to touch the hem of the garment.
This trip was no different, except my main obstacle with available shooting time was sickness. It’s not clear what caused me to get sick, but I think I may have had a latte with bad milk upon arrival. I remembering it tasting “funny”, but I assumed this was because it was whole milk which I am not accustomed to. Whatever it was, it put me in bed for 2 days.
I did, however, find time to go for a short walk Tuesday to get fresh air and take a few “snaps” before the illness hit me. I started feeling normal mid-day Thursday, and after a full afternoon of work and a great dinner with a small group of customers and colleagues, I could not fall asleep. Since my camera had mostly been dormant, I took it for a about an hour and a half venture. The evening stroll did not disappoint. It was a crisp, cool evening. Big Ben had alluded me on my previous trip, so it became my primary target for the evening.
This is my favorite Big Ben image from the evening walk. Lens flare from all the street lights was not only very difficult to control, but was impossible to completely eliminate. It actually adds a bit of character in this photo, in my honest opinon. I decided to process it in both color and B&W. Let me know which you like best. I see merits in both. It’s not clear why, but I am drawn to B&W photography more and more these days. I’ve always loved it, but for some reason it energizes and intrigues me even more than ever. One of the many benefits of digital imaging is that I have the luxury of processing both.
Thanks for looking, and enjoy.
Big Ben – London, England
Big Ben – London, England
5D MkII, 50mm f/1.4, 8 secs @ f/11, ISO 100
Wow, very nicely done!! I am partial to the B&W version myself, namely because it adds to the overall nostalgic feel of the iconic landmark. The part of the color image that strikes me the most is the red of the streaking tail lights, as well as the green of the tower lights. As for the flare in each, I love that touch. Well composed too!
I agree with both of you and prefer the black-and-white. I’ve been looking more and more for B&W opportunities. Whether it’s the simplicity or the geometry of it, it’s cleaner and very appealing. Your B&W version above definitely hits me harder viscerally! 😉
Thanks gents! Your opinions always mean a lot to me.
You never fail to amaze me brother. I like both photos in their own unique way, , , b&w for the mysterious feel you think about London at night (Jack the Ripper, Henry the 8th, the Beatles and all the history), but I really like the “goldish” color of the tower and green illumination above the clock, , , makes the photo memorable and even brings out the tree leaves in the foreground. Nice work.