Photographs from the Southbank

The London Eye is always an immense sight but on this particular day it was spectacular. What a brilliant way to welcome in the working day – blue skies, sunshine and a Costa coffee.

Although it’s been a while since setting foot inside a pod, the walk from Waterloo to Farringdon has seen me stand beneath this enormous structure many times.

It’s impossible to walk past without photographing it. All too often I find myself leaning backwards to capture a different perspective – it almost makes you giddy!

The prospect of photographing buildings and boats didn’t appeal when I was working in London initially. But over recent months, capturing the architectural delights of our City has proved pretty special. The fondness is no doubt understandable having lived in the big smoke for nearly 20 years before moving to Surrey.

Early morning along the Southbank is so peaceful. You can hear the seagulls, you can smell the sea and you gain some much needed head space.

It’s almost as if you’re an onlooker to London waking up. The roads on the other side of the Thames gradually get busier as does the volume of people heading over the nearby bridges.

There was so much to look at and with the sky so blue, it was impossible not to stop every now and again to take it all in.

Even the skate park got a look in, there was no-one there. Like the change to the rest of the Southbank, evenings see it full of wannabes showing each other impressive jumping skills.

It may seem hard to believe but there’s even a little beach. Yes it’s not Greece but it’s a stones throw away from the City and great to stroll along when the tide’s out. Frequented by all manner of birds, it’s that final piece of calm before reaching the hustle and bustle of EC2.

On the days the tide is in, there are still plenty of opportunities to take in the surroundings.

Before picking up the pace, heading over Blackfriars Bridge and along Farringdon Road.

Linking up with #whatsthestory here on PODcast.