Cityscape Photography in LONDON with a TILT-SHIFT Lens

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6 жыл бұрын

Cityscape Photography in London with a Tilt-Shift Lens
I am in London shooting some cityscape photography and use the very special Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II tilt shift lens to capture some images with nice straight lines.
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It has been a been a while since I have a had a decent opportunity to shoot in London. This week I carved out some time so decided to hire the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II tilt shift lens for the occasion. Tilt shift lenses are perfect for using with landscape photography, especially cityscapes where the shift function corrects the perspective distortion normally suffered by wide angle lenses. This distortion causes buildings, particularly those at the edge of the frame, to angle in towards the centre of the frame.
The Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II tilt shift can also be used to capture some excellent panoramas but that is the theme of next weeks video.
I truly believe that London is one of the greatest cities in the world and provides some great opportunities for landscape photography. The cityscape of London is steeped in history and impressive buildings and skylines exist in every direction, especially down by the river Thames.
I started the day with a very clear vision of the images I wanted to achieve. I aimed to shoot North to South across the river making several iconic structures my subject, including the Shard and Tower Bridge. These have been photographed many times so I was aiming to elevate my images. Firstly by ensuring nice straight lines with the tilt shift lens and second by creating and interesting and ethereal feel using long exposure photography. I purchased a 16 stop ND filter for the occasion to achieve exposure times of around 6 minutes.
I ended the day on the Greenwich peninsula to shoot across the river towards the bank buildings of Canary Wharf. Overall it was a superb day where I got back in touch with London, a city where I lived for ten years and know very well. The day was actually quite emotional for me as I walked around and remembered all the history I have tied up in the place. I was also very happy with the images I captured using the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II tilt shift and was a nice break from my usually landscape photography shoots in the mountains.
My video photography blogs are designed to entertain and document how I go about capturing my work. If it provides landscape photography tips and inspiration along the way then please share it with your friends so more people can benefit from the content. If you enjoyed this photography vlog I would really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel so you can come along for the journey.

Пікірлер: 204

@jocoma_photography 9 ай бұрын

Just finished reading a book. Nothing particularly unusual about that, except its the first time I've read and finished a book full of hope, hurt, sadness, empathy, humour, and joy. Then I scanned one of the QR codes which took me to this video. Thoroughly enjoyed reading "Illumination" Adam. The words resonated with me, almost as much as the good pictures you create. Thank you for creating!

@Firstmanphotography 9 ай бұрын

This comment means a lot. Thanks so much for your support, I am very grateful.

@keithgrafton5006 6 жыл бұрын

So much work went into creating this weeks vid. Very interesting showing the tilt shift, looking forward to next week.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith. Really appreciate the recognition.

@michaelbrogan6412 4 жыл бұрын

This was great - tilt-shift lense rocks. Get back to some of this stuff.

@GaryGough 6 жыл бұрын

Great video Adam. I could feel your passion and emotion for the place. Some great shots too.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary. I'm glad that came across.

@mychalrezynoldz6284 3 жыл бұрын

This was the best usage of the Tilt Shift Lens I’ve ever seen. Thank you.

@LooeyvilleSlugger 6 жыл бұрын

Could tell you really enjoyed yourself. Thanks for getting outside of the box, having fun, and showing us London.

@alunfinnigan8937 6 жыл бұрын

A great vlog Adam. Having that emotional connection to an area makes those ’commonplace’ images of a location different and you certainly feel that from your final night time image. Thank you for sharing something special with us all

@antonv. 7 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@DGriffGallery 6 жыл бұрын

I lived in London for 12 years and, like you, pined for the mountains. Been back in Wales for about 10 years and don't miss London one bit! Can't see me adding cityscapes to my own channel any time soon - plenty to shoot on Anglesey and around Snowdonia. All that said, great video and really enjoy your enthusiasm.

@GoneDogging 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the video Adam. Thank you for the TS overview, and it was completly understandable to see the level of emotion the place holds for you. Thank you for sharing that too.

@nigelmorley8092 6 жыл бұрын

Good on you Adam...like you I lived in London for 13 years or so (worked there for 20+) and now love visiting as a occasional change from the countryside...I think one needs to move away from the daily chaos there to appreciate it more..!! glad you're getting your mojo back..I have never met a serious photographer who doesn't go through these phases of self-analysis as we try to improve and self-motivate..great channel...

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nigel. Really appreciate the comment and the support.

@prburley 6 жыл бұрын

Very glad to discover this particular video! New-ish to photography and learning the tilt shift lens is... not moving along well.

@martinhogarth3862 6 жыл бұрын

Stunning Vlog...love the long exposures, I don't have a 16 stop, I use square filters, but never been to London...great video.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin. Appreciate it. Its a Formatt Hitech Firecrest. They make a square version of the same filter.

@noramuse8205 6 жыл бұрын

Love the nighttime shot. Glad you enjoyed your time back in London.

@justinkellyphotography4396 6 жыл бұрын

Great shots. I love seeing when people have passion for what they do. It's very inspiring to see that side of you. Thanks for sharing Adam!

@tropicalverktaki 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing! 6 minutes exposure seems like forever, but the result is so stunning...

@MiguelACoronaDM 6 жыл бұрын

A lot of new construction in London! Thanks Adam for the overview of the tilt lens. I never knew how it worked - now I do. Thanks!

@robinhill9439 6 жыл бұрын

Adam great vlog, having spent my first 35 years in London you tend to take I for granted as a place to look round. Now living in the north west we go back to London with friends and show them a places you saw all the time you where living there. visitors tend to see it more for the sights we see it in everyday life.

@taylorstewart5397 6 жыл бұрын

I love all of your videos Adam and this one was another great one. It was wonderful to learn a bit more about you, get a small lesson about tilt-shift lens, and see how you capture one of my favorite cities in the world. Great job.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Taylor. Your comment means a lot. I really appreciate it and am very grateful to you for watching.

@cjbjcb5377 6 жыл бұрын

Another masterpiece, starting to look into long exposures myself, as always you so inspire us beginners. Thank-you

@kingkenny2635 6 жыл бұрын

Really great vlog. The emotional aspect of the memories added to that. Some superb pics too 📸👍

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. Really appreciate that comment.

@kevinwatson4084 6 жыл бұрын

Super cool Adam. I recently purchased the Canon 5D Mark IV and am loving it. I always look forward to your next videos.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kevin. That's a lovely piece of kit you've got there. Enjoy.

@MegaDwilkinson 6 жыл бұрын

thanks Adam - very useful and enjoyable. like many people my work keeps me in "the cityscape" mode for much of the time, and so I balance my time between landscapes and city scapes. having access to Sydney harbour means the subject matter is beautiful, but work also takes me to London and major cities in Asia, so I am always looking for inspiration and ideas. I was in the same location as you very recently (it was cold) - would love to see you do more city work - thanks

@clarkbarrow6750 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely excellent!

@Firstmanphotography 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly!

@GilbertTV 6 жыл бұрын

wonderful... I love shooting in London ..amazing pictures

@philippeguichard5670 6 жыл бұрын

Great to see a different type of photography from you. I can relate to cityscape living in NYC and have done quite a few long exposure shots around the city myself. You really seem to have enjoyed your stay in London and the video relates it.

@barthofman3805 3 жыл бұрын

Very good video. Love the explanation of how the ts lens works. Thanks!!

@antonoat 5 жыл бұрын

Top job First Man, London has huge potential as you've proved, cheers.

@teejamgal Жыл бұрын

A great vlogg I learn so much from you Adam and thanks for you help. Think of buying a ts -e 24mm myself but would be secondhand 😀

@insightvideo6136 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoy your videos and your work. Thank you for this!

@ianblackman2144 6 жыл бұрын

A really nice video I can see that you put a lot of work into it I've never thought of a tilt lens but that might be something for the futur thank you again can't wait for the next video

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ian. Appreciate it.

@scotthughes290 6 жыл бұрын

Loved this Adam as so different from all the other vlogs I think more should do a city vlog from time to time.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

I definitely intend to do more. Back in a frozen Lake District next week though.

@Brenda-xc7sq 6 жыл бұрын

Wonderful shots, your videos are always educational as well as interesting - I should comment more because I always watch and enjoy so thank you.

@GarethDanks 6 жыл бұрын

I love London. Always excites me going there. And as you say it’s never easy to photograph! Nice images mate. Loved your emotion too! It’s great to have a place that’s special to you! 😊👍🏻 have a great 2018 buddy ❤️

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

You too. Thanks Gareth. Appreciate you taking the time to comment.

@RobOutenPhotography 6 жыл бұрын

Super vlog Adam. Great information about how to use a tilt shift lens. Thanks for sharing.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Robert. Really glad you enjoyed it.

@MrCochise71 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful!

@stephenballam5593 6 жыл бұрын

Great video and images Adam. It was a nice change from the mountains. You've made me want to get there myself.

@jimwlouavl 3 жыл бұрын

Neat photos of my favorite city. Interesting to see you getting use out of such a special purpose lens.

@kghareeb 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much ... absolutely beautiful

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Much appreciated.

@chriss665 6 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed that educational video and have learnt a lot thanks so much for doing these videos

@GlenDomulevicz 6 жыл бұрын

For me, this was a great video. I never fully grasped the advantage of tilt-shift lenses until your demonstration. I had a limited understanding. Great examples of how to use one well. Thanks!!! Happy Holidays!!!

@paulshaffer6492 6 жыл бұрын

Adam great vlog, love the emotion and honesty also great go to see you take some lovely photos in my hometown. I wish more accomplished landscape photographers would go into the city, any city and apply their skills on video there. Makes me think I may need to consider upgrading my variable ND filter to a filter system, once I've mastered long exposure shots.

@RiverRatJimmy 6 жыл бұрын

Another belter, love the bridge and city pano.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. Appreciate it.

@ThePosiview 6 жыл бұрын

I went to London recently and it was wonderful. Planning a return trip next year. Final image worked really well. Cheers.

@ashleydarby3652 5 жыл бұрын

Love it. Awesome frames

@paulcomptonpdphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Shot in London a few times you really do have to be careful with your kit. But great shots the tilt shift works great. Maybe do a vlog in the hills to explain how to use one I know nothing about them and why I would need one!!

@tompetersphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Great job adam, lovely shots👍🏻 brave boy getting all that gear out in London lol

@sylviaslavinarps1021 6 жыл бұрын

Very good explanation of how the tilt shift lens works for architecture. Nice change from the usual landscape work.

@simontulip6559 6 жыл бұрын

Love photographing in london, it has so much opportunity. Love the lens but I bet they cost a bit so might need to save up. Already planning a trip after your did so thank you

@ianlivermore2981 6 жыл бұрын

A superb vlog Adam and great pictures. I think you are a city boy at heart nice to see you mixing it up. Keep up the good work 👍

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ian. I think I'm probably both. Equally comfortable mixing it up in the city as I am alone up a mountain. As long as I'm outside, I'm happy.

@photoquent 6 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this video - very inspirational. I lived in London for 30 years and did not use the opportunity to photograph the amazing cityscapes. When seeing images of the Docklands now I always think back to how it was when I first saw it back in the 1980's and of course the Jean Michelle Jarre Destination Docklands concert in 1988 which was incredible. It has changed! This is the first time I have seen a Tilt-Shift lens being used, so would be very interested to see a full review of the lens. Thanks once again Adam.

@TheYorkshireTourist 6 жыл бұрын

Cracking video mate, cinematics are spot on 👌🏻

@richiehall4832 6 жыл бұрын

cfracking vid mate from another northerner (newcastle) i bought the 24mm T/S so its been very informative, very similiar stories met my mrs down here too and lost motivation but now back into it, maybe next time your down here ill see you and buy you a coffee, great video work too

@alanm.1368 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent work Adam some wonderful captures. Thanks.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alan. Appreciate it.

@Rwm18 6 жыл бұрын

You were right, this was a nice change from the landscapes. The tilt shift lense makes a huge difference and your demonstation was great. Awesome image of the night time buildings. Although where you shot it from was creepily deserted for a urban environment. If it was up in the hills and mountians that situation would of been perfect.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the images. It’s funny really I was about 100 meters away from thousands of people in the O2 arena yet it was still so quiet.

@wanderingdevonian Жыл бұрын

Just doing some research and didn't know you had covered the tilt shift lens. The quality of this video compared to your recent uploads are ever so slightly different. Quality of the gear helps! But your philosophy still on par 👌

@Firstmanphotography Жыл бұрын

Ha. Thanks

@gerardkelly881 2 ай бұрын

Inspiring - thank you

@TheHikeChoseMe 6 жыл бұрын

oh I miss London so much

@Mcguppy 6 жыл бұрын

Great video Adam, really enjoyed it. And you did get some amazing shots.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy. Appreciate it.

@mikedeakin6842 6 жыл бұрын

Great images Adam I specially like the night scene.

@grahambarnett6107 6 жыл бұрын

Another well made vlog Adam, some great shots. I don't think I will invest in a tilt shift lens, I seem to get away with post editing with PS. But real good to see you back with your Mojo.

@derekwillson2538 6 жыл бұрын

Really interesting video Adam, very pleased for you to have had good conditions at such a personally significant place . Lovely night shot, very interested to see more tilt shift photography.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. More tilt shift stuff next week.

@barrysmith4094 Жыл бұрын

I never used a tilt and shift lens before, but when you tilt your camera up to photograph the top of a building, the building will look tilted back. And if you use a wide angle lens, this is exaggerated even more. But even a one story building can look distorted. compressed in the back, and extended up in the front.

@oldgrumpyjim5003 6 жыл бұрын

Well done! Great informative video and lot of info! Jim

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Jim, glad you liked it.

@scottwanstall3449 6 жыл бұрын

Aw mate, it must have taken some balls to keep the emotional section in - but it really brings the video home. Hope you're feeling reinvigorated enough to get out and get shooting :) All the best!

@bellacavachon7510 6 жыл бұрын

Great job again, Adam.

@garyclayton4652 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Adam.

@davewall4931 6 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video very much, been getting to grips with my 24mm TS-E for some time, I'm fairly confident using the shift function but still not quite so sure with the tilt setting, would you consider doing a follow up video on the tilt aspect?

@mazue3011 6 жыл бұрын

loved your London video

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Really glad you liked it.

@howardallen5390 6 жыл бұрын

You got some good images and again your passion came through.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Howard.

@davidnaylor83 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the shift demonstration! Never looked into the method before, since T/S lenses have always been a little too expensive.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah they can be expensive. Good to hire though.

@chrisnowellphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Cool Vlog. I really want one of them lenses

@TonyNeat 6 жыл бұрын

Great episode Adam, great shots too 👍🏼

@theresarice7289 6 жыл бұрын

That tilt-shift is sweet.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

I love it.

@cdduffy 6 жыл бұрын

Have a great Christmas budd hope you get a pair of gaiters to encourage you with your landscape photography 😀

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Hmmm!

@charass1 6 жыл бұрын

Really nice shots with the long exposure! TS lens is a nice thing - but quite expansive and very specific usage.

@libork5397 6 жыл бұрын

Adam, well done ! Great shots with the perspective control lens.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy.

@marseillex 6 жыл бұрын

sterling video and fantastic fotos. i really enjoyed it. keep up the great work. and thx for sharing. subscribed :-) greets from munich

@jimhamilton8775 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for giving us this video Adam. Lovely night shots. Having lived there you would know the area well. A person strange to London might feel anxious about their safety in the city.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

It’s a pretty safe city really.

@jamieandtal 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Adam - Great video and great to see that your mojo is back. Please do count me in for a London workshop..

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate. Appreciate your comment. You'll be the first to know when I get it organised.

@paulbowen6600 6 жыл бұрын

Great vlog and images

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul.

@ninacleven7889 6 жыл бұрын

Nice photos & enjoyable video.

@yamyam_1978 2 жыл бұрын

Fab, I'd go back in a heartbeat but it's too risky right now ... have to get a cheaper one (Samyang) & practice. Love the architecture

@scotty4418 6 жыл бұрын

Adam, your change of scenery certainly delivered some great images. In terms of your long exposures, is it better to cover over the eye piece or does it not impact on the image

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

It depends on the camera, and whether you left it in the car or not!!! The Canon 5D Mark IV allowed me to get away with it. Anything over 2 mins with any other camera I've ever used would have destroyed the picture without it.

@bpatterson1972 6 жыл бұрын

Great job Adam, enjoyed it very much. Nice change.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brad. Glad you liked it.

@RoffeQRT 6 жыл бұрын

Great video Adam, great to see you have such a connection with London. What settings did you use for the night time shot?? :)

@jbairdexp 6 жыл бұрын

Great work Adam. I can see the production values in your videos going up. I used to live in the highlands of Scotland, but I wasn't really a photographer at the time, so know what you mean about returning to a location to photograph it after you've left. Do you ever use your tilt-shift lens for landscape work? would be interested to see you put it to use to maximise DoF. Keep up the good work. :-)

@robcarr1899 6 жыл бұрын

Great photos Adam. Love the night time shot of London. If you ever get to Manchester, have a look at Media city in Salford. It's stunning at night.

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Cheers Rob. I don't know Manchester particularly well so I will definitely check that out. Thanks.

@tomgee887 6 жыл бұрын

great shots love them all Time u came up to Scotland for some more great shotsTom G Scotland

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Definitely mate. Its in the diary for January.

@dslmaxe 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Adam, nice, emotional video. I really want to see more about the tilt/shift-lens and maybe a comparison with/without using that features. Nice, clean cityscape!

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah. I’m working on a video like that. The Guided Upright feature in Lightroom is very helpful.

@dslmaxe 6 жыл бұрын

Cool, looking forward to see. P.S. Lightroom? I am a darktable user! Peace. ;)

@mandurahchess 6 жыл бұрын

Shots across the Swan River are somewhat similar. I've found a TS-E 90, I might have used an extender, gives a different view of Perth.

@stevenmccaughan2752 14 күн бұрын

My daughter lives in London on I don’t remember her her saying that she is wearing her winter gear however they seem to have rain daily

@andy1753 6 жыл бұрын

Great video, have a nice Christmas

@Firstmanphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy. Same to you.

@1spitfirepilot 6 жыл бұрын

A very good video - you are on my patch this time. I felt the passion in your voice! On those very long exposures - 6 minutes or so - do you find that without grad filters there was any trouble with balancing light? I presume you wouldn't bracket at such very long times.

@StewartMarsden 6 жыл бұрын

Nice video, great images too. good skills with the TS. Im suprised you didnt get the tripod police come at you near the Mayors Office!!

@Yamanotefy 6 жыл бұрын

You did very well Adam. As I am doing mostly cityscapes here where I live (never without my trusty TS-E lenses, especially the 24mm II and a bunch of ND filters), as traditional landscapes are further away, I know the difficulties of tight spaces and clotty looking compositions due to the abundance of activities in crowded spaces. Not saying you don't have this in landscapes, but I guess, for architectural work, it is one of the main hindrances. And yes, you are right, even if photos are literally at your feet, you have to go out and shoot them. For the everday world one seems to have this attitude. ;-)