Night life – Soho windows
At this time of the year, with the nights drawing in, much of my street photography has to be done in the dark, out of necessity, as it is getting dark when I leave work. Thankfully, I love bright city lights and in particular the lit-up shop fronts. None are better for photography than cafes, bars, hairdressers – where there is a lot of activity going on. You can see what is going on indoors far better when it is lit up and you are standing with your camera in the dark. And the lighting can give a magic to an otherwise unprepossessing shop front.
The first shot was taken in China Town, on Gerrard Street.
The shot below was taken on Old Compton Street. I thought the table and chairs outside looked a little forlorn in the dark.
And no set of photos of Soho at night would be complete without that Soho institution – Bar Italia
What an interesting photography series. You’ve actually captured shop windows in a really cool way.
Wow. Thanks Marco. That is a compliment. I shall be doing more. I think night time hairdressers and barbers could be interesting
I love bar and cafe photography. Love the colours and the people. On close inspection, there is so much to peek at on that last shot. Great stuff. (quite voyeurish in a fascinating way… well we all peer into windows, don’t we?)
I can’t help myself Bill! If you leave the light on, I’m going to look!
Great window shots! You missed my favourite shop, the Algerian Coffee Store, but I think their window may be less interesting.
Thanks Susan. Is the Algerian Coffee store just down from Bar Italia? I tried a coffee shop there but it’s lights weren’t as bright, so it didn’t work well as a shot.
Algerian Coffee store is next door to the Admiral Duncan pub. It’s not a flashy joint, but they sell the best coffee in Britain!
I shall have to pay it a visit!
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I love the mood of your night photos of people through windows.
It has the feel of the photographer being a pensive observer. There is almost a sense of urban loneliness in the shots, and I mean that all in the best way. It makes me feel like I’m out on a stroll, lost in thought and a little lonely but okay with it.
Thank you. You’ve almost described how I feel like when I’m out taking photographs – strolling through London looking for something to catch my eye.