Blavatnik Building, Tate Modern

View from Tate Modern Switch House

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Location: the viewing terrace at the Blavatnik Building, Tate Modern, London

Camera: Nikon D810

Lens: Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8

The story behind Blavatnik Building, Tate Modern

This shot was taken from the viewing terrace at the top of the Blavatnik Building (formerly known as the Switch House). It was early afternoon in late July, which was the perfect time for strong light to come straight down Sumner Street, creating great contrast between the deep shadows and the bright pavements.

I love the dynamic range and the mix of straight lines and curves in this shot, and the way the twisting road leads you through the frame.

The viewing terrace has really good views across central London, in particular of the City from the other side to this. The building itself also has some interesting photographic potential, not least the concrete staircase on the ground floor. If you go up to the viewing terrace, you should definitely walk up the stairs if you’re able. There are good shots down the stairwell and at various points on the floors in between.

Elsewhere in Tate Modern, the Turbine Hall is good for people photography. Time it right, and you get great light and shadows with the sun coming through the window in the west end of the hall.