The view from above
I've always loved seeing things from different angles. In fact, one of the most exciting things that ever happened to me was getting my Nikon Coolpix 995 camera with ace macro function and swivel body. Suddenly, I could see detail I would and couldn't have seen before (the underside of flowers, etc.).
A few years ago now (five and a half, to be exact), I was lucky to be allowed up to the top of a very tall building in the centre of London. I was there to take publicity photos in advance of a charity abseil. I was very lucky to be allowed to do this (and also that they didn't make me read and sign the inch thick document most photographers are asked to sign before being allowed to take pictures at the top of this building) and I still love the pictures I took up there. I remember being totally blown away by details which I'd never seen before (and would, most likely, never see again).
I was reminded of those photos by the fact that I'm working in a very tall building at the moment. I unfortunately don't have the time I'd like to stand and gaze out of windows on high floors, but the time I do have is taken up by a childlike sense of awe at how amazing London is when seen from such a high vantage point, removed from the hustle and bustle of the rat race. It energises and inspires me.
I never got round to posting the photos I took that day, all those years ago, but I think it's time that I shared them.
For all it's grimness and grime, London is still an amazing city.
