For no good reason I am always craving to get wide open views, a frustrating pursuit in a city without significant hills. However high rise towers represent both subject matter and vantage points for me. When I explore the city with a camera I often imagine what views the skyscrapers have. And up until recently Millbank Tower had merely loomed in the back of a few of my photographs but more recently I was invited to visit Altitude London on the 28th and 29th floors.
The view East from the 28th floor, Millbank Tower
I was a little taken aback to to get the chance as there was a slightly delayed response from my initial enquiry. However I was offered a date to photograph this view and it was in my diary for quite a while. I was praying for a good day for photography and for me that ideally means some directional light yielding shadows (which I find best for revealing complex detail). But summer didn't co-operate , and on the day the city was covered in a blanket of cloud, which yielded only a diffuse ambient light. Still, at least the view wasn't obscured in mist (which has happened to me in more than once).
it would be fair to say that the delicious 'Ultimate Sunday Brunch' is ample reason to visit the restaurant. But it is as a vantage point, that Millbank truly has my interest. It simply has the best views of London. From the 29th floor there are panoramic views across the entire city, and objects of interest in almost every direction. The view East is definitely my favourite, I'm sure you can see why. My image of the view East is of sufficient resolution to print up to 4ft across, and I fully intend to do that..
Sincere thanks to Altitude London for their hospitality. And in the event you're visiting London I recommend you go here. It's one of my favourite places.
The restaurant and bar on the 28th floor