Hammersmith Bridge sunrise and photowalk

I was dying to see some good weather, but in February this year was quite miserable. There was a lot of rain and cloudy mornings, so I never had a good chance to go out for some photography challenges.

So when I saw a surprisingly good forecast for this Sunday, I immediately knew that was it! All that’s left was to choose the location.

Since I live in West London, I picked the bridge in Hammersmith and allowed myself to spontaneously discover the rest of the route.

Sunrise at Hammersmith Bridge

Hammersmith Bridge is a suspension bridge in West London, constructed in 1824 and upgraded in 1880. It connects Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham with the Borough of Richmond upon Thames on the other side of the river.

I’ve run a couple times along the Thames so I knew there are some interesting places out there and I won’t have a boring time.

Pavement in front of Furnivall Sculling Club, overlooking Hammersmith Bridge, London, UK

I’ve arrived (by bike) at the spot around an hour before dawn, so I had enough time also to look around and experiment with various frames.

The light was getting better and better. But this side of the river was very crowded with barges and boats cluttering the view.

I’ve decided to go to the other side. Passing some beautiful house fronts, I’ve walked over the bridge. The bridge itself is currently closed for all motor traffic, as bridge is undergoing full restoration works.

A beautiful house front and a parked bicycle in Hammersmith, London, UK

To the other side…

As I was leaving the bridge onto the opposite riverbank, the sun began to come out above the city building, flooding everything with its golden light.

It was truly the golden hour!

A view from the south riverbank of Thames on Hammersmith Bridge during the golden hour, London, UK

Yes, the photo is a little bit overprocessed, but I’m stunned by the dynamic range of the Sony A7III. The image above was produced out of single RAW capture! Marvelous!

I also love the versatility of the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 - the lens was smooth and sharp, and the image quality - simply fantastic.

A view from the south bank of Thames on Hammersmithth, London, UK

Leg O Mutton Local Nature Reserve

As I’ve continued to bike/walk along The Thames Path, more and more great subjects and locations appeared. I’ve left the bike locked to nearby fence and ventured into the lush thicket of Leg O Mutton Reserve.

The area looked fantastic! The golden hour was ending, and the sunlight was becoming stronger, but I’ve managed to capture some great looking photos!

Lush thicket bathed with golden lights near Mutton Local Nature Reserve, London, UK

The pond inside the reserve wasn’t that spectacular, there were many birds species to hear and observe. Walking along the path, I’ve spotted a small birdie, the European Robin if I’m not mistaken.

European Robin hiding in thicket, Leg O Mutton Local Nature Reserve, London, UK

…and back

I’ve crossed back the Thames on Barnes Railway Bridge, pausing for few minutes to observe scullers training on the river.

Scullers on the Thames seen from the Barnes Railway Bridge, London, UK

Chiswick House & Gardens

On the way home, I’ve cycled through Chiswick House & Gardens and decided to stop by at their café house for some late breakfast. Almond croissant, banana bread, and coffee never tasted this good!

Camellia Show

I was surprised to discover that the Garden hides a lovely conservatory building, which was hosting a stunning exposition: The Camellia Show. The place spots more than thirty different varieties, some descending from the original plantings from the 19th century.