Snapshots: From London Bridge to Charing Cross

I find myself faced with a unique challenge during my morning walks from London Bridge to Charing Cross.  London is so beautiful at this time of year and all I want to do is explore, drink in the views and take photographs.  Alas, I must be disciplined and make sure that I get to work at a reasonable time. Here are a couple of my favourite iPhone photos from the past couple of weeks.

Sometimes you need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.  I was just about to zoom in on St Paul’s Cathedral when I realised that this photo wouldn’t be complete without the dramatic sky and Shakespeare quote.

“Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtue we write in water”
― William Shakespeare, Henry VIII

One of these days I'll find a way to explore the Inner Temple Gardens. In the meantime, I make sure to visit the City of London boundary dragons every so often.

London Bridge is so pretty at dawn. One day I will take a photo that does this historic bridge justice.

The Thames is tidal and the water is especially choppy at dawn.  I really loved the dramatic sky and water on this particular morning.

If you cross over London Bridge and take the stairs down to Upper Tames Road, you can see this stunning view of the Shard and Fishmonger's Hall.

I always appreciate the juxtaposition of old and new in London.  Here you can see one of the original Cannon Street towers and the facade of the newly constructed Watermark Place.

I've always wanted to take a photo of Old Father Thames but I'm usually really late by the time I reach this point on my walks.  This morning was no different but I just couldn’t resist.

I have to admit, I'll a little fickle. After loyally following the construction of the Shard for over two years, I have found a new object of admiration.  The Walkie-Talkie Building (officially 20 Fenchurch Street) is going to be massive and while it won’t be as tall as the Shard, it is going to dwarf the Gherkin when completed.

I was just a little bit lost when I stumbled upon the Royal Courts of Justice one morning and ever so slightly late for work too. I’d had a wonderful time exploring the alleys of the City but this complex was just magical.  One day I promise to set out just a little bit earlier so that I can fully explore this fairy tale neighbourhood.

Shortly before the snow really came to London, we had one morning where it pretended to come. I specifically headed straight for St Paul’s Cathedral on this particular morning to capture the slightest dusting of snow on the dome.

And the day before the snow really came to London, the skies were blue but it was bitterly cold.  It was also absolutely beautiful and I couldn’t resist turning towards Tower Bridge before I headed back to Charing Cross.  I took this photo at day break.

The best part about my early morning walks? I get to see daylight. Winter in London can be brutal but I realise that even at its darkest, the sun rises at 8am and I am absolutely cashing in on that hour of light. Sometimes I see a bit of blue sky and very occasionally a ray of sunshine, although I have to admit, it sometimes takes me a while to recognise what the pale golden glow actually is.