London Photography with the Canon R5 Mark II
If you'd told me a year ago that I'd take a solo photography adventure through London with nothing but my camera and some annual leave to burn, I'd have winced at the thought. Yet there I was, emerging from Euston Station with my new Canon R5 Mark II in hand, quite the upgrade from my trusty Canon Cropped mirorrless sensor (APS-C) R7 ready to see the capital through fresh eyes.
Gone were the usual rushed day trips and packed itineraries. Instead, I let my camera lead the way, with contactless payment on my phone making the Underground journeys effortless. After a quick lunch at Wasabi Sushi & Bento (old habits die hard), I set off towards the Tower of London. The difference in image quality from my previous setup was immediately apparent; every cobblestone and carved detail seemed to leap through the viewfinder.
Historic Beginnings: The Tower of London
My journey began proper at the Tower of London, where winter had stripped the trees bare, creating natural frames for those iconic conical towers. As I wandered through the grounds, the contrast between old and new caught my eye - from the weathered London Underground sign, its red paint faded and cobwebbed, to the pristine stonework of Tower Bridge in the distance. The medieval fortress took on different personalities through my lens: first bathed in colour, highlighting every detail of its weathered stone, then transformed into monochrome, where shadows and textures told stories of centuries past.
A Tale of Two Architectures
London's architectural contrasts never fail to captivate, but viewing them through the R5 Mark II's full-frame sensor brought new appreciation. I caught a particular gem: a Victorian brick building, its green copper spire proudly declaring "Tower Vaults," standing in perfect juxtaposition with the modern glass curves of the 'Walkie Talkie' building. It's these unplanned moments that often make the most compelling images.
The Glass Snail: Modern London's Architectural Marvel
The old City Hall stands like a giant glass snail among the steel and concrete jungle of modern London. Its spiral design catches the light in ways that seem almost deliberate, each panel reflecting a different fragment of sky. From my vantage point near the Tower of London Café, I watched as clouds drifted across its surface, creating an ever-changing display of light and shadow. This building, love it or hate it, has become as much a part of London's iconic skyline as its historic neighbors.
Alt Text: "A modernist glass building with a distinctive spiral design dominates the frame, its blue-tinted windows reflecting clouds, while ornate Victorian street lamps stand in the foreground near the Tower of London Café sign."
Maritime Meets Metropolis
HMS Belfast provided an unexpected highlight. The warship's grey camouflage created fascinating patterns against the Thames, while the City's glass-and-steel skyline provided a striking backdrop. The R5 Mark II's dynamic range handled the challenging mix of shadow and reflection beautifully, capturing both the ship's industrial character and its subtle photogenic qualities.
Classic London, Fresh Perspectives
Yes, I photographed Tower Bridge - it would be criminal not to. The late afternoon light and the perfectly positioned HMS Belfast helped create something beyond the usual tourist snap. The subtle gradations in the cloudy sky and the bridge's Victorian ironwork added to the scene's charm. Can you spot the seagull posing in the center for me?
Poets for Hire: Spontaneous Verses in the City
On a chilly winter's day, two modern-day wordsmiths have set up their impromptu literary shop. They sit bundled against the cold in warm coats, hats, and gloves, each stationed behind a vintage typewriter perched on a folding table. A handwritten sign announces their trade: "poet for hire ~ PAY WHAT YOU LIKE" - a refreshingly open approach to their craft. The urban setting, with its backdrop of weathered brick, black metal railings, and a parked van, adds a distinctly metropolitan charm to this creative enterprise. It's a wonderfully unexpected sight - a blend of old-world romanticism and contemporary street culture, where poetry is made accessible to all passersby.
A Study in Contrasts
The Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral presented the perfect opportunity for black and white photography. The R5 Mark II's excellent detail retention allowed me to capture both the sweeping lines of the modern bridge and the intricate stonework of Wren's masterpiece. In the foreground, a businesswoman walks briskly across the bridge, embodying the busy lives that Londoners lead, often numb to the beauty that surrounds them. This timeless image bridges centuries of London's history, juxtaposing the hustle of daily life with the city's enduring architectural grandeur.
Christmas Markets in Parliament Square
As dusk approached, the Christmas market near Big Ben took on a magical quality. The twinkling lights and festive atmosphere created a perfect foreground to the historic backdrop. As I noticed the sun beginning to set behind the Palace of Westminster, I knew I had to capture that golden glow, and quickly made my way to Parliament Square.
Golden Hour Over London's Timeless Skyline
The view from Westminster Bridge offers a mesmerizing panorama of London at sunset. The vibrant hues of the setting sun cast a golden glow over the city's skyline, illuminating the modern skyscrapers and historic buildings that line the riverbank. The River Thames flows serenely below, with boats and barges gliding across its surface, adding to the dynamic yet peaceful ambiance. This harmonious blend of natural beauty and urban architecture captures the essence of London, reflecting its rich history and contemporary vibrancy.
Elizabeth Tower: London's Timeless Guardian
The day's final shot—Big Ben standing proud against a dramatic sky—felt like London's way of bidding farewell. The clock face caught the golden hour light perfectly, bathing the iconic tower in a warm glow that made every limestone detail sing. The R5 Mark II's weather sealing meant I could keep shooting despite the typical British drizzle that had begun to fall.
Palace of Westminster: A Golden Hour Spectacle
The sun setting behind the Palace of Westminster delivered the most magical moment of my day. As the light dipped behind Victoria Tower, it cast long shadows across the gothic architecture while setting the Thames ablaze with golden reflections. Standing there on Westminster Bridge, the Union Jack atop Victoria Tower rippled in the winter breeze, silhouetted against the amber sky. Even with freezing hands and a nose turning red in the cold, I couldn't tear myself away some photographs are worth enduring the chill of a London winter evening.
Victoria Tower: A Royal Sunset
This is one of my favourite ever photos I have taken, with the sun setting behind Victoria Tower from New Palace Yard created a breathtaking finale to my day. The gothic spires stood silhouetted against the amber sky, while the Union Jack fluttered proudly atop its flagpole. The Thames reflected the warm light, turning the entire scene into a canvas of gold and shadow, perfectly capturing the majesty of Britain's parliamentary home.
Fortnum's Festive Welcome
Along Piccadilly, Fortnum & Mason's entrance stood as a testament to London's Christmas spirit. The historic department store's classical doorway had been transformed into a spectacular festive arch, with baubles in their signature burgundy alongside glints of gold and silver. The dense arrangement of ornaments and greenery created a portal that seemed to transport visitors from the busy street into a world of Victorian Christmas charm. Each carefully placed decoration caught the light differently, creating a kaleidoscope of festive sparkle against the building's honey-coloured Portland stone.
Reflections of Piccadilly
In the soft evening light, a Victorian lamp post cast its reflection across Fortnum's display window, creating an accidental artwork of layered cityscapes. The ornate street lamp, a reminder of London's gas-lit past, seemed to float amongst the carefully arranged antique vases and contemporary lighting within. Through the slightly misty glass, interior and exterior merged into a single composition, the kind of serendipitous urban poetry that only appears when you take time to really look.
Technical Notes
Switching from the R7 to the R5 Mark II was transformative. The full-frame sensor's superior dynamic range, especially noticeable in low-light conditions, opened up new creative possibilities as day turned to dusk. The improved autofocus system made capturing spontaneous street scenes a joy. The detail and clarity of the shots make me want to revisit all the past locations where I photographed with my Cropped R7, to capture them from a new perspective.
Final Thoughts
This solo adventure revealed a different side of London-one best discovered at a photographer's pace. The R5 Mark II proved to be more than just an upgrade; it was a companion that helped me see familiar scenes with new eyes. From historic monuments to modern marvels, every frame told a story of a city constantly reinventing itself while holding onto its past.
Whether you're a fellow photographer or simply someone who appreciates London's endless capacity to surprise, I hope these images capture something of the magic I experienced. Sometimes the best adventures are those we take alone, with nothing but a camera to guide us.
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Stay tuned for more photographic adventures, and as always, keep exploring and capturing the world through your lens.
Equipment used:
Backpack - Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 Backpack
Wide angle lens - Canon EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM Travel lens - Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS II USM Lens
Portrait 50mm - Canon RF 50mm f1.2L USM Lens
Ballhead - Manfrotto XPRO Ball Head with Top Lock
Print This Moment 🖼️
If any of these images from my London adventures resonate with you, I'd be thrilled to provide prints for your own walls. While I regularly update my online print store, some of my favorite shots may not make it there right away. So if you see a particular photograph here that you'd love to have as a print, please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm always happy to discuss print options and pricing for those special images that speak to you. To me, there's no greater joy than sharing these little slices of London's magic and allowing their beauty to adorn your own spaces. Just drop me a line about the photo that moved you.
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