London Eye Spying

It was the big smoke for me this week – up to London for the Budget announcement. There’s always an early start on Budget day so it meant a late train and overnight stay. My favourite place to stay for business is at the County Hall Premier Inn. Okay, a Premier Inn isn’t that remarkable but it’s five minutes walk from Waterloo and right next to the London Eye on the south bank.

On my way into the hotel I could see the blue fairy lights illuminating the path to the entrance. Once my bag was stowed I was out with the camera, trying to balance the 24-70 across the edge of a security barrier using my wallet as a support. Yes, I wasn’t prepared. Yes, thinking back I shouldn’t have been out with an expensive camera flashing my wallet around at almost midnight in central London. Still, let’s not dwell on that! I managed to get the shot above with a shutter speed of 2.5 seconds at ISO 200, I love the way the blue lights have set the scene – in reality it was a far more subtle effect.

Nikon D700, 24-70 f/2.8 at 24mm, 1/20th at f/2.8, ISO 3200

Getting closer to the London Eye itself I started playing with a few abstract shots, handheld at higher ISOs after my lack of tripod shenanigans. I’m really pleased with the results, it’s testament to the D700 that images at ISO 3200 are perfectly usable.

Nikon D700, 24-70 f/2.8 at 24mm, 1/25th at f/2.8, ISO 3200

This was my favourite shot of the night. It feels like there is a completeness in the frame even though only half the eye is present. There are also times in situations like this when I step further back and back to get the composition I want only to almost trip over a tramp. Well, only one time to be honest. I can’t help wonder what extra opportunities are afforded by a real wide angle lens in this situation.