Leicester Square, London - 2

Leicester Square, London 

Here's concluding my walk abouts around Leicester Square. 

Named as the Swiss Court, this is a mark of the cordial relations between the UK and Switzerland

A look at China Town London

The interesting decor at the M&M Store

Participating for: Mosaic Monday, Orange Tuesdays and Signs    

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Leicester Square, London - 1

Leicester Square, London 

If you happen to be in London, a great way to spend your evening would be walking around Leicester Square. It's a very lively place with many street side cafes, comedy stores, souvenir shops, some of the best ice cream parlours, cinemas, eating joints and much more. Also, its a short walk from Piccadilly Circus an China Town too is just around the corner.

 There is a fair bit of redevelopment happening; trust it's for the Olympics

 The Empire Cinema

 The multi-level M&M store

Participating for: Our World Tuesday, Pink Fridays, Live, Love, Travel, The Simple Things     

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Along the Thames, London

Along the River Thames, near the London Eye is a path that leads to the Golden Jubilee Footbridge. This is a very fun-filled path on weekends where plenty of street artists do some fantastic stuff. Some of them even pose as statues and that's quite unthinkable over the stretch on an entire day. 

Well, that's how I always saw it to be and sadly don't have any photos to share from then. But one windy weekday evening I stepped out to London Eye and caught a sight that gives a completely different picture. I felt that time had turned, and that's why this one's in black and white.

Participating for: Monochrome Maniacs, Highlight Sunday, Tones on Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday  

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The Best of 2011 - Part 2

In 2011 I worked harder on my photography, read a lot more and experimented a lot more. I also broadened my horizon from landscape, macro and travel photography to people, candid and street photography. Street photography can be quite fun and can produce some great candid, as I learnt. The Ganesh Chaturthi had a lot of challenging and interesting moments and so did my walkabouts in London. The best part about street photography is the unexpected bonus; I'm sure you'll be able to relate when you seen the photographs from this next set. 

8. Another Tie - Romantic Dinner and The Boy Playing with the Water Fountain

A Romantic Dinner: I was heading back home (thankfully with my camera) on a pleasant evening in London. The architecture in London, of the buildings, monuments, houses, pubs, restaurants, bridges and almost all of it, has always amazed me. After a shot of very lively and interesting pub, I caught a glimpse of this couple seemingly having a lovely quiet romantic dinner. Even more so because they were the only ones at that point in time; perfect isn't it? May not be the best shot, but works pretty well for a street/candid, doesn't it? This shot was taken at Hammersmith, London, where I managed quite a few candids, which can be seen here. You can also view the original post and comments here.

A Young Boy Playing with a Water Fountain: If I haven't sold street photography yet, this one should. I don't think there is much to say except the stress on the unexpected bonus; here the little toddler seeing from the sidelines, almost wanting to jump in and join. Also, all three potential subjects are doing their own thing in that little space. This post was quite a hit and so were other similar posts like London, Clear Blue Skies and Streaks, Street Cafes and Bakeries and An English Summer in Autumn. 

7. Bird Of Prey

Yes, you do need a bit of luck with candid shots; often you just get that little fraction to get 'THE' shot, within which you'll of course need to consider the applicable aspects of photography as well. It's evident as in the case with this shot too; when I reached here, the cat clawed and dug its teeth in its prey and hadn't noticed me. 30 seconds later (and even many minutes thereafter) this is what I got.You can view the original post and its comments here.

This wraps up Part 2 of the Best of 2011. Do let me know what you think on candid and street photography and also share your shots. 

You can also view Part 1, Part 3 and Part 4 of this series.

And of course, the finale from Part 5.   

Participating for: Shadow Shot Sunday         

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The Mall and Admiralty Arch London

The Mall and Admiralty Arch London

The Mall, London, is a road running from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch, adjacent to St. James' Park and then on to Trafalgar Square. It is closed to traffic on Sundays and public holidays, and on ceremonial occasions. The beauty about this road is that the colour of the surface of The Mall is red that gives the effect of a giant red carpet leading up to Buckingham Palace. 

Here seen are people cycling and walking at The Mall, adjacent to St. James' Park on a Sunday.

Admiralty Arch, London, seen from The Mall

Participating for: Sweet Shot Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Shadow Shot Sunday       

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Piccadilly Circus, London - Another Look

Here's another look at the Piccadilly Circus, this time at the junction, which connects 5 different roads/streets. 

Luckily, I got a shot of the old double decker bus, which made me attempt a creative output to an otherwise black-and-white image.

Otherwise, this is what the junction at Piccadilly Circus looks like today.

This was a winning entry for Tones on Tuesday 

Participating for: Monochrome Maniacs , FPOTW Contest, Scenic Sunday, Capturing Beauty, Mosaic Monday, Highlight Sunday, Our World Tuesday and Tones on Tuesday, Creative Exchange, Best Post of the Week and Texture Tuesday and Texture Thursday                                   
    

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Street Artist at Piccadilly Circus, London

Street Artist - Stand up comedian at Piccadilly Circus, London

Here are two contrasting shots of the same artist; one a more vintage look with the black and white and the other a colourful one. What's your take? 

Participating for: Wordless Wednesday, SOOC Saturday, SOOC Sunday, Ruby Tuesday, Shadow Shot Sunday and ABC Wednesday    

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Piccadilly Circus, London

Piccadilly Circus, London 

Here's another look at London's most popular spot to meet and greet and spend time, Piccadilly Circus. Popular with tourists and locals, the iconic statue of Anteros, Greek God of 'Requited/Counter Love', along with the fountain is situated at the heart of Piccadilly. Also seen in the background is the Ripley's Believe It Or Not.

A Black-and-white closeup of the statue of Anteros

We love posing and getting ourselves clicked. Tourists take pictures at the statue of Anteros, Piccadilly Circus

The statue of Anteros

Participating for: Our World Tuesday, Outdoor Wednesday and Blue Monday      

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National History Museum, London

National History Museum, London

Participating for: Ruby Tuesday and Texture Tuesday           

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Lines in London against the Sky

Lines in London against the Sky

Opposing Lines - Imperial College London

 

Vertical Lines - National History Museum, London

Participating in: Friday SkyWatch and Weekend Reflections