London Photography Project – Hidden Gems of the River Thames
These photographs focus on a variety of different locations along London’s river Thames and some of the interesting and different parts of the banks of the river which caught my eye.
The Thames is a long and meandering river and throughout its length there are communities and zones which are unique. This blog post will be added to over time to highlight a specific area that has caught my attention and become an extended photography project.
1) The Southbank
The Southbank is a vibrant and colourful section of the Thames with a mass of shops and food stalls as well as graffiti and skateboarders enjoying the concrete jungle.
The area is in stark contrast to its much wealthier neighbour on the other side of the Thames and attracts a more bohemian vibe of theatres, restaurants, galleries, open spaces and street food. On any Sunday throughout the year its a busy place, so I thought I would start my hidden gems blog in London’s South Bank.
2) The Riverside near St Paul’s Cathedral
At low tide you can walk along the river’s edge by St Paul’s and look for interesting images to capture, and get views of the city or St Paul’s from a fresh perspective.
The beachcombers are often out in force searching for relics and treasures dating as far back as the Roman times. I enjoy the chance to walk on a beach in London, just don’t go too close to the water’s edge the sand can be VERY soft there as my soaked socks and shoes will testify.
3) Eel Pie Island Photography in Twickenham
Eel Pie Island with it’s interesting past and now resident artist community was too tempting a photography project to resist. The island has a rich history dating back to being a favoured stopping off point for Henry VIII on his way to Hampton Court to sample the well-known Thames eels, presumably in a pie format.
In more recent times the only hotel on the tiny island, the Eel Pie Hotel, famed for its sprung dance floor became an incredible Mecca for R&B bands and later The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Black Sabbath all played there. Sadly, the hotel did burn down under mysterious circumstances in 1971, to be replaced by a housing area called Aquarius and has some very expensive properties.
Today the island is host to a collection of artists, architects and boat builders, and many have taken to outlandish additions and decorations to their homes. It doesn’t take long to explore, but Eel Pie Island still retains a unique hippy and happy community atmosphere and for a photographer makes for a worthy addition to this photography project.
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Professional corporate photographer, providing company headshot photography and video for businesses in London, the rest of the UK and Europe. Piranha are commissioned by FTSE100 companies and start-ups alike, for numerous projects, covering a wide range of work and styles. Portraits and office photography for use on websites, events coverage and PR shots for press and publications, as well as Board and location photography for annual reports. Using top of the range Leica cameras and lenses. We process the images promptly and to an extremely high standard.