London-based photographer Ben Moore has completed an ambitious project capturing the British capital through a unique cyberpunk and Gotham City-inspired lens, resulting in a striking photo book titled "Above & Across London." The collection showcases London's futuristic and darker urban characteristics, offering a fresh perspective on one of the world's most photographed cities.
Moore explains his artistic vision centers on revealing London's moody, urban side that often goes unnoticed by visitors and residents alike. "I'm trying to share my vision of London. I've always loved the look of a cool, urban, cyber-futuristic world, and at times I catch glimpses of that in London," Moore tells PetaPixel. "I'm a huge fan of styles like Cyberpunk and Gotham City, and sometimes London gives me that same vibe. That's the vision I want to capture and portray, because it reflects what I'm drawn to."
The photographer acknowledges the significant challenge of bringing something new to London photography, given the city's extensive documentation by countless photographers throughout history. London has existed since Ancient Roman times and continues to evolve, expand, and transform, making it both an ideal subject and a daunting one for contemporary photographers. Moore's approach focuses specifically on high-altitude vantage points and angles that emphasize the city's architectural drama and atmospheric qualities.
Creating the photo book presented numerous technical and logistical challenges, particularly regarding drone photography regulations. "There were definitely some restrictions, especially with the drone shots," Moore explains. "We had to be mindful of local regulations and safety guidelines, so certain areas were off-limits or required special permissions. It meant planning ahead and sometimes adjusting our original ideas, but in the end those limitations pushed us to be more creative with how we captured the scenes."
Moore describes the most difficult aspect of the project as translating his mental vision into successful photographic compositions. "The hardest part was definitely translating what I pictured in my head into something that actually worked on screen," he says. "There were ideas that felt so clear in my head, but once I started creating, it became a challenge to capture the angle that I wanted or the view was off limits. Finding that balance, staying true to the vision while also adapting along the way, was the most difficult, but also the most satisfying when it finally worked out."
The photographs in "Above & Across London" span an eight-year period from 2016 to 2024, effectively chronicling Moore's career development and London's urban evolution during that time. For his equipment, Moore utilized several Nikon camera bodies including the D800, D810, Z7, and Z8 models. His aerial photography was accomplished using DJI drone systems, specifically the Mavic Pro, Mavic Pro Platinum, and Mini 3 Pro models.
Living in close proximity to London provides Moore with unique advantages for capturing the city's changing moods and atmospheric conditions. "As a photographer, you always have to be ready to catch those shifts, whether it's fog rolling in, snowfall, or the glow of sunrise and sunset," Moore notes. "Living in close proximity to London gives me the chance to experience and capture all of that and it's all here in this book."
When discussing the benefits and challenges of photographing London, Moore emphasizes the city's remarkable diversity. "The best thing about photographing London is the variety, it feels like every corner has a different personality," he explains. "You can go from historic architecture to modern skylines to urban streets, and they all have such a uniqueness to them." However, he also acknowledges significant obstacles, particularly regarding access to optimal shooting locations.
"The worst thing is probably how restricted the views are and how restricted the access to the buildings is," Moore admits. "A lot of London is hidden from the general public because of membership or status, so you don't always get the shot you had in mind. But in a way, those challenges also make it feel worthwhile when you get a great shot in the end; it adds to its value."
"Above & Across London" is published by Trope and is currently available for purchase. The book represents Moore's attempt to show viewers that London can appear just as striking and cool when viewed from his distinctive cyberpunk-influenced perspective, challenging conventional perceptions of the historic city's visual identity.
