Essence of London:
A Guide to Black-and-White Photography in the UK’s Capital
London has always been an epicenter for photographers, blending historic architecture, bustling streets, diverse cultures, and changing landscapes. Through the years, photographers have captured its timeless allure, especially in black and white, which adds a dramatic, nostalgic edge to its already storied streets and landmarks. Some of the most iconic images of London have come from photographers who used Leica cameras, a tool synonymous with capturing moments of authenticity. In this guide, we’ll explore some of London’s best photography spots, the iconic photographers who immortalized them in monochrome, and the ideal lenses for capturing these places.
A Brief History of Leica and Black-and-White Photography in London
Leica cameras have long been associated with street photography, especially in black and white. The compact, discreet design of Leica rangefinders made them a popular choice for capturing candid, natural scenes in the city. In post-WWII London, Leica became the tool of choice for photographers like Bill Brandt, one of the greats of British photography. Brandt’s work with London in black and white remains unparalleled; his moody images of bomb shelters and back alleys in war-torn London are iconic. Henri Cartier-Bresson, while not British, also used a Leica to document London in a candid, photojournalistic style, capturing moments of daily life that might otherwise go unnoticed.
British photographers, including later figures like Martin Parr and Ian Berry, have continued this tradition, adding to London’s photographic heritage. While they are not exclusively black-and-white photographers, their Leica work has preserved London’s grit and glamour in a way that feels intimate and raw.
Best Places to Photograph in London
From historic landmarks to gritty street corners, here are some of the best locations for black-and-white photography in London.
1. The Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Lens recommendation: Leica Super Elmar 21mm
These iconic structures are beautifully photogenic in black and white, especially under the city’s moody skies. The Super Elmar 21mm offers an ultra-wide field of view that can capture the Tower, the bridge, and the Thames in a single frame. This lens excels at accentuating the lines and perspectives of grand architecture, making it ideal for photographing London’s historical monuments.
2. Covent Garden
Lens recommendation: Summicron 35mm
Covent Garden is bustling with street performers, shoppers, and tourists. A 35mm lens gives you a versatile focal length that’s wide enough to capture the energy and details of the environment without distorting the scene. With its superior sharpness and contrast, the Summicron 35mm is perfect for creating immersive street scenes.
3. The South Bank and the Tate Modern
Lens recommendation: Super Elmar 21mm or Summicron 35mm
South Bank offers a stunning riverside promenade with the Tate Modern, the London Eye, and views of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Super Elmar 21mm can capture panoramic views of the skyline, while the 35mm provides a more intimate perspective for photographing people and smaller scenes. The industrial feel of the Tate Modern, with its towering structures and open spaces, works well with black-and-white compositions.
4. Brick Lane and Shoreditch
Lens recommendation: Summicron 35mm or Summicron 50mm
Known for its vibrant street art and eclectic mix of cultures, Brick Lane is one of London’s most popular destinations for street photography. The Summicron 35mm or 50mm lenses are ideal for capturing both wide and close-up details. The Summicron 50mm is especially good for focusing on individual subjects, bringing out textures and details in a way that adds depth to black-and-white images.
5. Hyde Park and Regent’s Park
Lens recommendation: Summicron 50mm or 90mm
For more tranquil scenes, Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are ideal. The Summicron 90mm lets you capture portraits from a distance, ideal for candids of people enjoying nature. Meanwhile, the Summicron 50mm works well for close-up details of flora, sculptures, and secluded paths. In black and white, the high contrast of these lenses emphasizes the textures in both greenery and architecture.
6. Soho
Lens recommendation: Summicron 35mm
Soho is filled with neon signs, theaters, bars, and clubs, making it one of London’s liveliest spots. The Summicron 35mm is excellent for low-light photography, especially when shooting handheld at night. In black and white, Soho’s bright lights transform into a dramatic contrast of shadows and highlights, creating moody, cinematic images.
The Benefits of Different Lenses in London’s Photography Landscape
Leica Super Elmar 21mm f/3.4
Ideal for: Architecture, Landscapes, Skyline Shots
Strengths: Ultra-wide field of view, excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, ability to capture large scenes with minimal distortion.
The 21mm lens is excellent for capturing London’s iconic landmarks or grand views of the skyline. The Super Elmar’s high sharpness and contrast bring out the drama in London’s architecture, especially when processed in black and white.
Summicron 35mm f/2
Ideal for: Street Photography, Urban Environments
Strengths: Versatile focal length, fast aperture for low-light conditions, excellent for capturing candid moments.
The 35mm lens offers a broader perspective, allowing photographers to frame subjects and environments effectively. It’s precious in crowded, bustling areas like Covent Garden or Soho, where you can move close to your subject without intruding.
Summicron 50mm f/2
Ideal for: Portraits, Close-Up Street Photography
Strengths: Natural perspective, subtle background compression, excellent detail.
This 50mm lens is a classic choice for street photography. It gives a slightly tighter perspective than the 35mm, isolating subjects in their environment. The 50mm focal length is ideal for capturing people's unique personalities and expressions in places like Brick Lane or the South Bank.
Summicron 90mm f/2
Ideal for: Portraits, Details, Isolated Subjects
Strengths: Strong compression, significant for creating subject-background separation, ideal for candid portraits.
The Summicron 90mm works well when you want to capture details or portraits from a distance, making it an ideal choice for places like Hyde Park or Regent’s Park, where you may want to capture people enjoying nature without intruding on their space.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Black-and-White Photography in London
Photographing London in black and white emphasizes the textures, contrasts, and moods that define this historic city. Each Leica lens offers unique advantages for capturing London’s multifaceted charm. With the right combination of equipment and an understanding of the city’s rich photographic heritage, you can create images that document London and evoke the timeless feeling that black-and-white photography evokes.
Last but not least, here is my gallery:
