London-based photographer Ben Moore has released a new photo book, Above & Across London, showcasing the city's often-unseen futuristic and moody urban landscapes. Moore's work aims to present London through a lens inspired by 'Cyberpunk' and 'Gotham City' aesthetics, revealing a striking and cool perspective of the ancient metropolis.
Key Takeaways
- Photographer Ben Moore's new book, Above & Across London, captures London's futuristic and dark urban side.
- Moore was inspired by 'Cyberpunk' and 'Gotham City' aesthetics for his unique vision.
- The project involved overcoming strict drone regulations and access limitations in the city.
- Photos in the book span from 2016 to 2024, documenting the city's constant evolution.
- Moore utilized Nikon cameras and DJI drones for his aerial and high-vantage shots.
Capturing London's Evolving Character
London has a rich history, dating back to Roman times. It is a city that constantly changes and expands. Many photographers have documented its evolution. Ben Moore sought to offer a fresh view of this iconic city.
Moore explained his artistic motivation. He stated his goal was to share his personal vision of London. He has always been drawn to cool, urban, and cyber-futuristic environments. He often finds glimpses of this aesthetic in London itself.
"I'm a huge fan of styles like Cyberpunk and Gotham City, and sometimes London gives me that same vibe. That's the vision I want to capture and portray, because it reflects what I'm drawn to. I want people to see that London can look just as striking and cool when viewed from my perspective," Moore told PetaPixel.
This approach allowed Moore to highlight angles and atmospheres that many residents and visitors might overlook. His photography focuses on the city's moody, urban, and darker aspects, moving away from common picturesque depictions.
Quick Fact
London receives approximately 21 million international visitors annually, making it one of the most visited cities globally. Despite this, Moore found new ways to photograph it.
Overcoming Photographic Challenges
The project, titled Above & Across London, required Moore to find high vantage points. This included using drones. However, these methods came with significant challenges.
Moore faced strict regulations, especially for drone photography. Certain areas were off-limits or required special permissions. This necessitated careful planning and flexibility in his approach.
"There were definitely some restrictions, especially with the drone shots," Moore explained. "We had to be mindful of local regulations and safety guidelines, so certain areas were off-limits or required special permissions. It meant planning ahead and sometimes adjusting our original ideas, but in the end those limitations pushed us to be more creative with how we captured the scenes."
Translating his mental images into actual photographs was another hurdle. Moore described the difficulty of capturing precise angles or finding alternative views when initial ideas were not feasible. This balance between vision and adaptation was a core part of his creative process.
London's Aerial Restrictions
London has some of the strictest drone regulations globally, particularly over central areas and near airports. Operators must often obtain specific permissions from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and local authorities, making aerial photography a complex endeavor.
A Decade of Documenting London
The photographs featured in Above & Across London were taken between 2016 and 2024. This timeline showcases nearly a decade of Moore's dedication to capturing the city's dynamic character. His equipment included Nikon D800, D810, Z7, and Z8 camera bodies. For aerial shots, he used DJI Mavic Pro, Mavic Pro Platinum, and Mini 3 Pro drones.
Moore emphasized the importance of readiness in photography. He explained that a photographer must be prepared to capture sudden shifts in weather, such as fog, snowfall, or the changing light of sunrise and sunset. Living in London provided him with opportunities to experience and document these varied conditions.
The book reflects the diverse moods and atmospheres of London throughout different seasons and times of day. This extensive period of work allowed Moore to build a comprehensive visual narrative of the city's modern identity.
- Nikon Cameras: D800, D810, Z7, Z8
- DJI Drones: Mavic Pro, Mavic Pro Platinum, Mini 3 Pro
- Years Covered: 2016 to 2024
The Best and Worst of London Photography
When asked about the most rewarding and challenging aspects of photographing London, Moore highlighted the city's variety. He noted how every corner of London seems to possess a different personality.
"The best thing about photographing London is the variety, it feels like every corner has a different personality," Moore stated. "You can go from historic architecture to modern skylines to urban streets, and they all have such a uniqueness to them."
This blend of historical landmarks, contemporary skyscrapers, and diverse urban streets offers endless photographic possibilities. It allows Moore to explore different themes and compositions within a single metropolitan area.
However, access restrictions posed the biggest difficulty. Many prime views and building access points are not open to the public. This often means that photographers cannot get the exact shot they envision. Despite this, Moore found value in these challenges. He believes overcoming them adds to the worth of the final image.
Did You Know?
London boasts over 1,000 square miles of urban landscape, featuring a mix of Roman, medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and ultra-modern architecture.
The book, Above & Across London, is published by Trope. It offers a unique visual journey through London, inviting viewers to see the city from an unconventional and compelling perspective. Moore's work contributes to the ongoing artistic dialogue about one of the world's most photographed cities.