London from the sky: Photos show summer in the city

30 September 2024

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Image source, Jason Hawkes
Image caption,
This is the photographer's favourite snap: "The light and the shadows are just lovely"
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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"In the summer we usually get up in the helicopter just after dawn"
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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"This means leaving home at 03:30 BST, getting to the hangar by 05:00 and often lifting by 05:45 to get lovely warm low light over the city"
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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Battersea Power Station's Olympic and Paralympic fan zone proved popular
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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Night flights provide a different perspective on the capital
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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The London Stadium and Aquatics Centre feature prominently in the Olympic Park
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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"When I first flew over London more than 25 years ago the city was so much more low rise than it is today; some parts are barely recognisable," Jason says
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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"The changes around Vauxhall and Battersea, the City of London and Canary Wharf in particular are just staggering"
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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"Once overhead I'll double-check my harness and slide open the door which gives fantastic unrestricted views"
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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"There is nothing better than sitting in a hover with a fantastic sunset and asking the pilot to fly slowly sideways up the Thames whilst I lean out of the door..."
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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"...Times like that I think I must have one of the best jobs in London"
Image source, Jason Hawkes
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The lights from Piccadilly Circus's famous billboards in the heart of London can be seen from the sky

Harry Low

BBC News

Jason Hawkes has spent more than quarter of a century capturing the world from the sky.

All of the photographs featured here were taken above the capital between June and September.

He flies in an AS355 twin-engined helicopter from heights of between 750ft (229m) and 2,400ft (732m).

"It's incredible to document the changes in the city," he says.

All photographs courtesy of Jason Hawkes, external

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