Last Saturday

[al_kaholik]

So as was expressed last week, I was in for a treat at the weekend. Hoping for very good weather and visibility and I was let down, mist and snow rolled in minutes before I ascended up Europe's tallest building, The Shard.

In recognition of efforts during the Olympics, a number of people from work were allocated preview tickets.

First impression was that the it is quite tall, probably not the tallest I've been up, but all the same its a big building in London at just under 310 metres.

Photography was poor, it must be said. You can imagine how disappointed I was when this came back on the computer


Before by a_t_b321, on Flickr

Not cool, at all. However a little play and I had some nice recovery of the image, there is a lot of detail in that image. This was recovered just from a JPEG, I do have some RAW but didn't realise this before I'd got involved with the image! No doubt there would be more improvement to be had.


After by a_t_b321, on Flickr

And with that I pressed on with a couple more


A view from The Shard - Tallest building in Europe by a_t_b321, on Flickr


Tower Bridge and GLA by a_t_b321, on Flickr

And a quick B&W.


Tracks by a_t_b321, on Flickr

Would I go again? Yes on a nice sunset, but at £25 a pop it isn't going to be cheap. And if you want to jump that queue then say goodbye to £100. Ouch. But the view would justify £25 to me.

[Imageryone]

[Zuiko]

Re: Last Saturday

You certainly did a good salvage job with the pp, Alex. For the B&W shot I really like the dull, misty mood. I'd say it was a day well spent and a brilliant experience despite the weather not co-operating.

[Ulfric M Douglas]

Re: Last Saturday

For me the Black&White is the best : those recovered colours are a bit ... pathetic.
Not your fault.

Someone mentioned it's fifteen quid to go up the top of the shard : is that nonsense or about right? I know you had a special ticket.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Last Saturday

What a great set of images - you did exceptionally - given conditions

I desperate tried to find "places I know" Nay! Knew back 20 years ago working in the City - but failed

We are hoping to get a Balloon flight over London this year - they were all cancelled due to Olympics and Terrorist threats last year

[Rocknroll59]

Re: Last Saturday

Must have been a bit disappointing Alex.....but looking at the mist surrounding the Thames would it be easy to see how a helicopter would crash into a crane ?? when the mist turns into fog....

Would love to go up there myself but not so sure about heights !!

Peter

[Wee man]

Re: Last Saturday

As you know I will be in London on the 12th of Feburary if my meeting ends early I may try a shot from the bottom if I get time. Thanks again for your help with directions and which trains and tube statins to use.

[al_kaholik]

Re: Last Saturday

Most definately worth it - being up high is something that you can't beat for a different view of things.

@Chevvy, no doubt that would be brilliant, and as they only fly on good days, you can guarantee a view.

@Rocknroll, you can't get close enough to the edge to be looking straight down, which is reassuring for those with height issues. Its probably due to the construction, the "shards" are actually separate from the main shell of the building. Perhaps try the Monument first and see how you get on, though that is all outside.

@Wee_man, No problem again Ed, I hope you have a good day. There are some very arty locations to take from the bottom if you stroll around for a few minutes. More London (by the GLA) is just one.

@Zuiko, John, I was impressed with how much was retained but as Ulfric rightly points out it lacks a wow factor. The B&W was my personal favourite and I'm glad that others agree.

At £25 I guess the price point is right for the majority. That was cheaper than the Petronas Towers(!)

Thanks all