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Gallery: London shadows in black and white

November 20, 2025 / 43 Comments

In photography there are no shadows that cannot be illuminated

August Sander

Photography, especially black and white photography, is all about light and darkness, and balancing the two. Too much of either and the photo is at best dull, at worst incomprehensible.

This month we are squaring shadow images for Becky’s November Squares challenge. I think shadows can be very effective when captured in monochrome, as it emphasises those light/dark contrasts. So this week I’m doubling up with Leanne’s theme-free Monochrome Madness.

My previous set of shadows took you all over the world. In contrast, for this post I have selected shadowy images from my London files, so all very close to home.

My feature photo was taken in Green Park. It does worry me that the goose on the far left appears headless, but I’m pretty sure that wasn’t actually the case!

Squinting against the sun in Green Park

Canada Gate, Green Park, looking out at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace

In Whitehall

Winter on Hampstead Heath

Gasholder glimpsed from shady Camley Street Natural Park near Kings Cross

Tree shadows on a house in Chelsea

The More London development near London Bridge

Dark clouds over the Thames near Wapping

St Paul’s Cathedral seen from a shadowy side street

The Queen’s House, Greenwich

Looking up from inside the 2023 Serpentine Pavilion, Kensington Gardens

House detail, Queen Anne’s Gate

Visitors to Battersea Power Station

Self-portrait at Hays Galleria, near London Bridge

Self-portrait under Christmas lights in Carnaby Street

43 Comments

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