London from the sky: Photos show summer in the city

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Image source, Jason Hawkes
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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

30 September 2024

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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