I was able to grab a day in London for photography a few weeks ago. This was a chance to stop off at a few key locations I had been meaning to visit for some time.
Leeke Street has become a tourist destination and lost much of its gritty cutting edge appeal. There were even crocodiles of school infants parading through, their teachers pointing out this and that. How times change! Nevertheless there are some interesting locations within the tunnel,such as at the steps and the south side entrance. You my be lucky and find a “proper” graffiti artist at work. Just ask if you can take their picture. Usually they will be happy to say yes. You will also find “amateur” artists making small works so that they can post their Leeke Street efforts on Instagram!
Charing Cross Underground Station never disappoints. The Green and white tiles in the passageway between the Bakerloo and Northern lines are superb for composing leading lines and shapes. This tunnel was built during the 1970s to connect the previously separate Trafalgar Square (Bakerloo line) and Strand (Northern line) stations. It’s largely unused and so it is not cluttered with people getting in the way of photography. But this means you can wait a long time for someone to walk down the tunnel to complete your composition. Too long sometimes!
The Garden at 120 is relatively new and the attraction is that you do not have to book, but can just roll up; it is free. You may have to wait a while to get through the security check, but the queue moves quickly and the observation deck is served by plenty of lifts. There is no catering in the garden so bring your own tucker; there are plenty of seats. It is only 15 storeys high but this affords it a unique view of the very close buildings of the City financial district for some interesting and unusual photographic compositions.
Enjoy my images!
Mike Hawkridge Photography 
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