Date
London
CountryEngland
- Reading
- 32 min
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- 7,407
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- 67
I arrived in London this morning at 9:00 after sleeping overnight on the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, Wales, and then taking an early morning bus down into England. It was actually the cheapest way to get from Dublin to Tours, France, even though it seemed like the longest possible route. I wasn’t even planning to stop in London at all, but I’m glad I did.
Thirty-two years later, I can still feel the emotional whiplash of this day.
I had just come from the raw, electric intensity of Ireland and Belfast — places that had moved me deeply, challenged me, and shown me unexpected kindness. Then I landed in London… and felt almost nothing.
I wasn’t impressed by the royalty, the palaces, or the weight of English history. As a red-blooded American kid from Nebraska, none of that stirred me. I had no real connection to the London music scene at the time, and I hadn’t done any research, so I had no must-see list. I simply wandered the streets with my camera, a little detached, a little homesick, and still riding the high from the previous days.
Looking back now, I’m so grateful I had this day.
London didn’t give me the same emotional charge as Dublin or Belfast, but it still gave me something valuable. It gave me time to breathe. It gave me space to process everything I had just experienced. And despite my indifference at the time, I took some truly outstanding photographs — images I’m still proud of today.
This day reminds me that not every stop on the journey has to feel monumental. Some chapters are quieter. Some are transitions. But they all matter. They all become part of the story.
I’m glad I had the chance to spend a day in London. And I’m especially glad I kept my camera ready, because even on the days when my heart wasn’t fully in it, my eyes were still seeing.
Stumbling Upon Buckingham Palace
That’s the funniest part of this whole story.
How the heck does a 22-year-old kid from Kearney, Nebraska “stumble” onto Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard?
Because I was doing it completely wrong — in the best possible way.
I had no itinerary. No “Top 10 London Sights” list. I wasn’t glued to a guidebook.
I was just wandering around with that big backpacker energy — curious, a little lost, following whatever looked interesting. I saw a massive crowd, thought “huh, something’s happening over there,” and wandered over. Only when I got closer did it dawn on me — Oh my God… this is Buckingham Palace.
It’s actually perfect.
Most people go to London and hunt for Buckingham Palace. I accidentally bumped into one of the most famous places on earth because I was just out there living, not ticking boxes. This photo exists precisely because I wasn’t trying to find it.
My Photographs from today in London
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Music in the Tunnel Get this as a printI had just stepped off the train in London and was walking through this long, dark pedestrian tunnel when I heard music echoing off the walls. As I got closer, I saw this man standing in silhouette, playing his flute for tips.
The contrast was striking — the bright light at the end of the tunnel, the lone musician, and the people walking past him toward the exit.
It felt like the perfect welcome to London: a quiet, artistic moment right after the loud, emotional days I’d just had in Ireland and Belfast.
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Welcome to London Get this as a printI walked out of the metro tunnel and stepped into daylight and this is what I saw.
A tourist with a big video camera was filming two mounted police officers on horseback as they calmly directed traffic.
The sound of the horses’ hooves clopping on the pavement competed with the sounds of the vehicles and the voices of the police directing traffic and pedestrians. And a tourist-filled bus and a classic black taxi completed the picture.
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What’s Going On Here? Get this as a printI walked up and saw this massive crowd gathered behind metal barriers in front of this enormous, ornate building. My first thought was, “What in the world is going on here?”
I had no idea it was almost time for the famous Changing of the Guard. Everyone else clearly knew — they were packed in, waiting patiently with cameras ready. I just happened to stumble right into the middle of it.
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A Sea of Humanity at Buckingham Palace Get this as a printI stumbled into this massive crowd waiting for the Changing of the Guard. Hundreds of people packed together behind the barriers, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the ceremony.
I had no idea when I woke up today I’d be seeing this, but I was happy to be there.
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The Victoria Memorial Get this as a printI turned around in the middle of the crowd at Buckingham Palace and saw this massive, ornate monument rising up behind me. I had no idea what it was at the time — I just knew it was huge, elaborate, and impressive.
This is the Victoria Memorial, standing 25 meters (82 feet) tall. Unveiled in 1911 by King George V ten years after Queen Victoria’s death, it was placed directly in front of Buckingham Palace as a grand tribute to her.
At the very top is a golden figure of Victory, while Queen Victoria herself is seated below, surrounded by symbolic figures representing peace, progress, and other virtues.
Even though I wasn’t particularly moved by royal history, I still recognized this as something special and wanted to take a photo of it.
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My Buckingham Palace Selfie Get this as a printI had just stumbled into the huge crowd in front of Buckingham Palace when I decided to take this selfie. One of the very few I took during the entire trip.
I’m smiling because I was genuinely happy — a 22-year-old kid from Nebraska, thousands of miles from home, standing in front of one of the most famous places in the world with absolutely no plan. Just pure adventure.
This remains one of my favorite photos from the whole journey.
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Mounted Officer on Duty Get this as a printWhile packed into the crowd at Buckingham Palace, I looked up and spotted this police officer sitting tall on his horse. He was calmly watching over the scene as everyone waited for the Changing of the Guard.
There was something striking about the image — the officer’s formal uniform and the powerful horse contrasting with the sea of casual tourists around him.
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Directing the Crowd Get this as a printThis police officer on horseback was actively directing the large crowd gathered in front of Buckingham Palace. From his elevated position, he had a clear view and was gesturing to help manage the people waiting for the Changing of the Guard.
I loved how calm and authoritative he looked amid all the excitement and chaos of the crowd. It was another classic British scene I stumbled into — formal tradition meeting everyday tourism.
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Moving Through the Crowd Get this as a printStill not entirely sure what was happening, I flowed through the dense crowd trying to find a better vantage point. The energy was high — people jostling for position, cameras held high, everyone in a great mood, expectantly waiting for something to happen.
I found myself right in the middle of it, camera in hand, just trying to see what everyone else was so excited about.
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The Best Vantage Point I Could Find Get this as a printI had worked my way through the dense crowd and finally found what felt like the best spot I was going to get. At 5'11", I was as tall or taller than most people around me, so I held my camera high above my head with both arms outstretched and clicked the shutter.
I couldn’t see through the viewfinder at all — I had to completely trust my instincts. However, at this point in my photography journey I had gotten pretty good at this technique, so I was confident I was capturing strong images even without looking.
This is one of the photos that resulted from that method. Even though I didn’t fully understand the significance of the ceremony at the time, I was determined to bring something home from the moment.
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Here Come the Guards Get this as a printI heard them before I saw them — the steady, powerful sound of a marching band approaching.
Suddenly, one of the Foot Guards bands came into view, marching in formation across the parade ground in front of Buckingham Palace. This was the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, a tradition that dates back over 300 years.
The crowd surged with excitement as the soldiers in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats marched past. I held my camera high above my head and clicked instinctively, confident I was capturing the moment.
I will admit, at this point I was beginning to be impressed by the pageantry and precision of it all. -
Inside the Gates Get this as a printOnce the first group marched past, another detachment of guards appeared inside the palace gates and began their own precise drill and marching routine.
The crowd pressed forward against the fence, cameras held high, trying to get a better view of the ceremony unfolding within the palace grounds. I was right there with them, still shooting blindly with my camera held over my head.
This was the heart of the Changing of the Guard — the formal, disciplined changing of responsibilities between regiments in one of the most famous ceremonies in the world.
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Watching the Watchers Get this as a printWhile everyone else was focused on the guards and the ceremony, I became equally fascinated by the crowd itself.
I turned my camera toward the people around me — the way they shielded their eyes from the sun, stood on tiptoes, craned their necks, and held their cameras high to catch a glimpse of the show. There was something compelling about all these strangers from different countries sharing this one moment together, completely absorbed in the pageantry.
This photo captures that side of the experience for me — not just the formal tradition happening inside the gates, but the shared human reaction happening outside them.
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Waiting for the Changing of the Guard Get this as a printI remember standing in the middle of this crowd thinking how different everyone’s story was. I was sure many of these people had planned their trip for months, booked tours, and scheduled their entire vacation around seeing the Changing of the Guard.
Meanwhile, I had simply walked out of a metro tunnel, saw a big crowd, and wandered over with zero plan. If I had turned left instead of right when I came up from the station, I would have completely missed this entire experience.
Was this another divinely guided moment for me? It sure feels that way now.
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Here They Come Get this as a printAnd then they approached — the marching guards in their red tunics and bearskin hats, moving in perfect formation across the parade ground.
The energy in the crowd felt surprisingly like a rock and roll concert. Girls sat on their boyfriends’ shoulders, people craned their necks, and everyone pushed forward trying to get a better view as the band played. I held my camera high above my head again, taking my pictures from deep within the sea of people.
It was quite a spectacle.
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The March Past Get this as a printThe guards continued their procession, marching in precise formation past the waiting crowd. This part of the ceremony is when one regiment formally hands over responsibility for guarding the palace to the incoming regiment — a tradition that has been performed for centuries.
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“God Save the Queen!” Get this as a printThis enthusiastic older gentleman was walking through the crowd yelling “God Save the Queen!” at the top of his lungs with pure joy and passion.
He was a real character — full of energy and patriotism — and stood out among the mostly quiet tourists who were focused on taking pictures. His enthusiasm was contagious and added a wonderful human touch to the whole experience.
I quickly raised my camera to capture him in the moment.
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So Formal Get this as a printThe guards stood in perfect, motionless formation inside the palace grounds. Everything about them — the tall bearskin hats, the crisp uniforms, the rigid posture — felt incredibly formal and precise.
I included the bars of the gate in my composition, which added to the sense of formality and structure. It was such a contrast to the casual, excited crowd on my side of the fence.
Even though royal traditions weren’t my main interest, I had to admit the level of discipline and pageantry was impressive.
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Through the Bars Get this as a printI kept moving along the fence, trying to find better angles. This shot shows what most of us experienced — peering through the thick vertical bars of the palace gate, craning our necks and holding cameras up high to catch glimpses of the guards standing at attention inside.
The formality and distance created by the fence made the whole ceremony feel even more like a performance — something beautiful but slightly out of reach.
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A Young Photographer Get this as a printIn the middle of the large crowd, this young girl sat high on someone’s shoulders, intently holding her small 110 camera up to capture the ceremony.
The 110 was an inexpensive, simple camera that used much smaller film than my 35mm. This was clearly her camera — she had it securely around her wrist and looked completely comfortable using it.
I love watching other photographers, no matter their age or the gear they use, enjoy this hobby. Her innocence, combined with the simplicity of her little plastic camera and that deeply focused expression, always makes me smile when I look at this image. I hope she still has these pictures from this day.
While adults around her jostled for position, she had one of the best views in the entire crowd — completely absorbed in the moment.
That style of camera has long gone out of use. One reason I connect with this photo so much is because at Bob’s Superstore Camera Department, I developed thousands of rolls of 110 film. I can still remember standing in the darkroom — or using a dark box with my hands inside — carefully loading the exposed film into the containers our developing machine used. These little plastic cameras were once used by millions of people around the world to capture their most important life moments. Today they’ve almost completely disappeared, replaced by phone cameras that are a hundred times better. That’s why images like this feel like such a special time capsule of the early 1990s.
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After the Show Get this as a printOnce the ceremony seemed to be winding down and the energy in the crowd started to dissipate, I began walking away. As I did, I noticed these people had climbed up onto the stone balustrade and fence to get a better view during the event — just like fans at a rock concert finding creative spots to watch the show.
It was a fun detail that stuck with me. Everyone was doing whatever they could to catch a glimpse of the pageantry.
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The Scale of the Scene Get this as a printStepping back from the crowd gave me a much better sense of the full scale of the event. The massive gathering stretched out along the front of Buckingham Palace, with the grand Victoria Memorial on the left and the enormous palace itself dominating the background.
From this distance, you could really appreciate how big the space was and how many people had shown up. It was quite a production for a Sunday morning — something I had simply wandered into by accident.
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The Massive Size of Buckingham Palace Get this as a printStepping back even farther gave me a true sense of just how enormous Buckingham Palace really is. The long, grand facade stretches across the entire frame, with the huge crowd gathered in front looking almost small by comparison.
I was awed by the sheer scale and grandeur of the building, and impressed with its size and symmetry.
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A Grand Scene Get this as a printThis was the final photograph I took at Buckingham Palace — stepping back to take in the full scale of what I had accidentally stumbled into.
The towering Victoria Memorial stood proudly in the foreground with the massive palace stretching out behind it, while hundreds of people filled the open space, all drawn to the same historic tradition. From this wider perspective, I could truly feel the grandeur of the setting.
I had wandered here with no plan, no expectations, and no real interest in royalty — yet here I was, standing in one of the most iconic places in the world, camera in hand, capturing a moment in time. It was a perfect example of how this entire trip was unfolding: beautiful things kept finding me when I simply stayed open and kept walking.
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A Quiet Reset Get this as a printAfter the loud, crowded energy of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, this quiet moment was the perfect contrast.
I came upon this young woman sitting peacefully on the steps, away from the crowds. The sunlight and shadows, the stillness, and the simplicity of the scene felt like an instant reset. It was a gentle reminder that after intense, overwhelming experiences, these small pockets of calm are what help us keep going.
This photo captures the balance I needed at that moment — the loud spectacle followed by the quiet pause.
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Seeing the Circus Get this as a printThis is the famous Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most iconic intersections. The word “Circus” comes from the Latin for “circle” or “ring,” referring to the roundabout where several major roads converge. “Piccadilly” dates back to the 17th century, named after “piccadills” — the stiff, ruffled collars that were fashionable at the time.
Even in 1994, it was a bustling, neon-lit hub full of tourists, shoppers, and the energy of central London. The giant signs for McDonald’s, TDK, and Sanyo were classic landmarks of the era. I wandered through here after leaving Buckingham Palace, soaking in the contrast between the formal pageantry I had just seen and the commercial, vibrant pulse of the city.
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Piccadilly Circus Get this as a printThis is the heart of London.
The famous roundabout was buzzing with energy — bright advertising signs, constant movement, and people from all over the world filling the square. In the center stood the ornate fountain, while the surrounding buildings and lights created that unmistakable Piccadilly atmosphere.
As a photographer, I especially like how the young woman jogging into the frame brings a sense of human motion into the scene, adding another layer of energy on top of the moving vehicles and bustling crowd. It pulls the viewer right into the moment.
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What the Heck?! Get this as a printI had never seen so many pigeons in my life!
As I wandered through Piccadilly Circus, I suddenly came upon this wild scene — a man with a cigarette in his mouth, completely surrounded by pigeons. It looked like he was holding half a dozen or more of them at once, with dozens more swirling around his feet and landing on him.
I thought, “What the heck is going on here?” It was such a chaotic, strange, and entertaining moment. Of course, I had to get closer to investigate and capture it.
This was pure Piccadilly Circus energy — loud, crowded, a little bit crazy, and completely unforgettable.
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A Wider View of Piccadilly Circus Get this as a printStepping back gave me a much better sense of the full scene at Piccadilly Circus. In the center stands the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, commonly (but incorrectly) known as the “Eros Fountain.” The winged figure on top is actually Anteros, the Greek god of requited love. It was erected in 1893 to honor Lord Shaftesbury, a philanthropist known for his work helping the poor.
The grand fountain, the surrounding buildings, the constant flow of people, and hundreds of pigeons scattered across the square created a lively, almost chaotic atmosphere.
This wider perspective shows how central and energetic this famous London landmark really was. Tourists, locals, and pigeons all sharing the same busy space — it was the perfect embodiment of the vibrant, slightly overwhelming energy of central London in 1994.
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Feeding the Pigeons Get this as a printAs I wandered through Piccadilly Circus, I came upon this delightful scene — a young girl standing right in the middle of a massive flock of pigeons, arms raised, feeding them with pure joy.
Dozens of birds swirled around her, landing on the ground and even fluttering near her hands. She was completely absorbed in the moment, lost in that simple, magical interaction between a child and the birds.
This was the beginning of a lovely little story unfolding in front of me. I couldn’t help but smile as I raised my camera.
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Caught in the Moment Get this as a printThe young girl was completely surrounded by pigeons now. One had just taken flight right in front of her, wings fully spread, while she stood mesmerized in the middle of the flock.
You can feel her total absorption in the experience — the wonder, the slight nervousness, and the pure joy of being right in the middle of it all. The pigeons were everywhere, on the ground and in the air, creating this beautiful chaos around her.
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My Favorite Frame Get this as a printThis is my favorite photograph from the entire day at Piccadilly Circus.
The young girl was completely surrounded by pigeons — one perched confidently on her head, several more in her hands, and a whole flock swirling around her feet. The boy standing beside her watched with pure fascination. In that moment, she wasn’t just feeding birds… she was the center of their world.
My instincts as a photographer kicked in. I dropped down to my knees to get low, to her level, so the viewer could experience the scene from a child’s perspective. The composition, the action, the wonder — everything came together in this single frame.
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Almost Perfect Get this as a printThis frame would have been my absolute favorite of the entire series.
The young girl was still surrounded by pigeons, with one perched proudly on her head, while she looked down feeding the flock at her feet. Everything was happening so fast — the birds were constantly moving, landing, and taking off.
In my head, my self-conversation was “keep walking kid, keep walking,” but the bird flew off before he moved away.
I love this photo anyway. It captures the beautiful, chaotic energy of the moment perfectly.
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The Payoff Moment Get this as a printThis is the sweetest image from the entire series.
A few minutes after I first saw the man with the cigarette standing in his own world, surrounded by dozens of pigeons, I came back to find him gently helping this young girl. He was patiently showing her how to hold her hand just right so a pigeon would land and eat from her palm.
In that moment, they weren’t strangers anymore. They were connected through their shared love of the birds. The man’s kindness, the girl’s trust and concentration, and the pigeon taking that leap of faith — it all came together perfectly.
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Art Capturing Art in Front of Art Get this as a printThree layers of creation unfolding in one frame.
A street artist sat at the base of one of the great bronze Landseer Lions — iconic sculptures that guard Trafalgar Square, carefully sketching a portrait of the man posing for him. I stood back with my camera, quietly capturing the entire scene — the artist, his subject, and the powerful sculpture watching over them.
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First Glimpse of Big Ben Get this as a printAs I stood in Trafalgar Square, I looked down the long avenue and caught my first real view of Big Ben rising in the distance. Even from here, it was unmistakable.
Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most famous public spaces. It was named after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, a decisive British naval victory. At its center stands Nelson’s Column, and guarding the four corners are the famous bronze Landseer Lions, sculpted by Sir Edwin Landseer. The square has long been a gathering place for Londoners and visitors alike — a crossroads of history, tourism, and everyday city life.
Seeing Big Ben from here felt like a proper “I’m really in London” moment. I had wandered into one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints without even planning it.
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More Pigeons Than People Get this as a printThere seemed to be more pigeons than people in this part of the square.
The ground was covered with them — hundreds of birds walking, pecking, and suddenly taking flight in bursts. Every few seconds another small explosion of wings would erupt as the flock shifted and moved together. It was chaotic, loud, and strangely hypnotic.
I stood there for a while just watching the scene. It felt like the pigeons had claimed this part of London for themselves, and the humans were just visitors passing through their territory.
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The Pigeon Experience Get this as a printThis seemed to be the main event for many families visiting the square that day.
A young family stood right in the middle of the chaos as dozens of pigeons swarmed around their feet. The two little children watched with wide eyes while their parents tried to navigate the sea of birds. All around them, other tourists were doing the exact same thing — feeding the pigeons, taking photos, and laughing as the birds fluttered and landed on people.
It was a small moment that felt strangely charming. I took this picture, then decided it was time to move on.
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A Multi-Cultural City Get this as a printOne thing that struck me as I wandered through London was the incredible mix of people around me.
Families, tourists, and locals filled the streets, and I heard different languages and accents everywhere I went. London felt less like an English city to me and more like an international crossroads — people from all over the world sharing the same streets.
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Mounted Sentry Duty Get this as a printThis is a member of the Household Cavalry (Life Guards regiment) performing mounted sentry duty outside Horse Guards on Whitehall.
Although it looks like pure pageantry, these are real, serving soldiers in the British Army. When they are not standing guard in London, they serve as armoured reconnaissance troops and have seen active combat overseas.
The large crowd had gathered because tourists love getting close to the horses and taking photos. The man in the white t-shirt had walked right up to the horse, which is why the guard was looking down at him.
It was a classic “only in London” moment — centuries-old military tradition meeting modern-day tourism.
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Talking to the Guard Get this as a printThis is another member of the King’s Guards (Foot Guards regiment) performing ceremonial sentry duty in central London.
Like the mounted soldier we saw earlier, this is a real, serving British Army soldier. When they are assigned to public duties, they wear these historic uniforms and stand guard at royal residences and important sites. While it looks purely ceremonial, they are trained soldiers who rotate between these duties and active operational roles.
The man standing directly in front of him was trying to talk to the guard. Tourists often do this, even though the guards are instructed to remain still and not engage in conversation while on duty. You can see other people gathered around taking photos, which was very common.
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A Little Loving in London Get this as a printAs I was walking through the city, this young couple caught my eye.
They were standing right in the middle of the sidewalk, completely wrapped up in each other — her arms around his neck, his hands on her waist — lost in their own little world. Everything else around them (the cars, the noise, the people) seemed to fade into the background.
It was a sweet, simple moment of young love happening right in the middle of busy London.
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City Contrast Get this as a printWalking past this building, this quiet scene on the steps caught my attention.
An older man sat near the bottom of the stairs with what looked like half-eaten food beside him. His body language made me think he might be homeless. A woman was walking down the steps right past him, holding her purse. It felt like two very different moments happening in the same space — one person sitting alone and withdrawn, and another simply moving through her day.
I didn’t know their stories, but the contrast between them felt very real.
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Big Ben Selfie Get this as a printThis is the Elizabeth Tower (commonly known as Big Ben) and the Palace of Westminster behind me — one of the most iconic views in London.
I stopped for a quick selfie here. I don’t love my expression in this one, but without a camera with a built-in mirror like we have today, what I got is what I got — no do-overs. Film photography was unforgiving that way. You just pointed, hoped for the best, and kept moving.
Still, I’m glad I have this. Me in front of Big Ben — heck yeah!
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The Classic London Scene Get this as a printThis is the view most people picture when they think of London.
From across the River Thames, the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) stretches along the riverbank, with the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) rising on the left and the Victoria Tower on the right. It’s one of the most recognizable and photographed skylines in the world.
I stopped here for a moment to take this wider shot. After spending so much time in the busy streets and crowds, it felt good to step back and take in the full scale and beauty of this historic complex from across the water.
Even on an overcast day, it still looked majestic.
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My Postcard Picture of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey Get this as a printAlthough this picture is not hard for anyone to take — just stand on the bridge and point your camera that way. As long as it’s in focus, you’ll have a glorious image.
So although I wasn’t technically challenged to capture this, I sure am glad I took it, because it is a glorious image of the most famous London scene.
And, added bonus, I didn’t have to spend 35 cents on a postcard, because I just created my own. -
Taking Their Turn Get this as a printAfter I took my own photographs of the famous view, I stepped back and watched as others moved in to capture theirs.
People approached the railing on Westminster Bridge, each with bags in hand, ready to take their own shot. It was clear this was one of those “must-see” stops for everyone.
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The Famous View Get this as a printThis was clearly one of those spots where almost everyone stopped.
A small group stood together at the railing on Westminster Bridge, looking out across the River Thames at the full length of the Palace of Westminster. It didn’t matter where people were from — this view had a way of pulling everyone in.
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Souvenirs for Sale Get this as a printAfter leaving Westminster Bridge, I came across this classic London souvenir stall.
It was packed with keychains, postcards, small figurines, and other little trinkets — all the typical tourist souvenirs you’d expect to find near the major landmarks. A man was browsing through the items, likely looking for something small to bring home.
These kinds of stalls were everywhere in the busy tourist areas. They offered cheap, mass-produced mementos.
Being on a budget, I was satisfied that my pictures would be my souvenirs, and I kept on walking.
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Relaxing and Reading the Papers Get this as a printThis felt like such a typical London moment back then.
A man was lying on one of the beautiful old sphinx benches, completely relaxed, reading his newspaper with his feet up. No phone, no rush, no one filming or staring. Just a guy taking his time with the paper in the middle of the city.
These kinds of quiet, unhurried public moments have become much rarer. Today, almost everyone would be looking at their phone instead. This photo captures a small slice of everyday London life in 1994 that has largely disappeared.
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An Unhurried Afternoon in Hyde Park Get this as a printUsing the map in my Let’s Go Europe guidebook, I made my way to Hyde Park — London’s largest park.. As I wandered through it, I came across this older couple standing quietly together under the trees.
They weren’t in any rush. They just stood there, close and relaxed, enjoying the afternoon together. A small child ran across the grass behind them while pigeons wandered around their feet. It felt like a perfect, gentle moment — a simple, unhurried scene that stayed with me long after I had left.
After the noise and crowds earlier in the day, this peaceful little moment in Hyde Park was exactly what I needed.
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Feeding the Pigeons in the Park Get this as a printThis couple was gently feeding the pigeons. They seemed completely content in each other’s company, taking their time in the park on a lovely afternoon.
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An Almost Perfect Photo Get this as a printI saw this scene and loved it immediately.
A tired little boy in his stroller, a couple quietly embracing on the bench, the soft light filtering through the trees — it felt like a gentle, everyday London moment. I raised my camera, framed it up, and just as I pressed the shutter… someone walked right into the left side of the frame.
I knew instantly this wasn’t the shot I wanted.
But instead of walking away frustrated, I decided to wait. I loved what I saw too much to give up on it. So I stayed patient, watched, and started working the scene — waiting for the right moment, the right composition, the clean frame I had in my mind.
This photo became the first of four as I tried to capture what I was really seeing.
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This Is Better… But Get this as a printI waited.
This frame felt cleaner than the first one — the person had walked on. The sleeping boy, the quiet couple on the bench, the soft light through the trees… it was getting closer to what I was seeing in my mind.
But then I noticed the tree trunk.
It was cutting right through the middle of the scene, visually splitting the child from the couple. It broke the connection I wanted the viewer to feel between them.
I remember thinking, “This is better… but it’s still not it.”
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Third Attempt Get this as a printI twisted the zoom ring on my 100-300mm lens from all the way out at 300mm to somewhere around 200mm. The wider view felt better — I could see more of the leaves scattered on the ground.
But I missed the focus.
At fifty yards away, handheld, with that long lens, I knew when my hand was shaking. The family was blurry.
I knew it the second I pressed the shutter.
I wasn’t mad at myself though. I was standing a long way back, no tripod, just me and that big lens trying to hold steady.
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Sunday Afternoon in Hyde Park Get this as a printAfter three attempts, I took a deep breath, let the camera hang around my neck by its strap, shook out my arms and hands, and moved a few feet to my left.
The new angle opened everything up. The tree trunk that had been cutting through the middle of the frame disappeared, replaced by the soft water of the lake. She leaned her head gently into his shoulder. The baby wiggled in the stroller. I felt the energy shift in that exact moment and knew this was it.
I pressed the shutter, confident I had finally captured what I had been chasing.
Here it is, or as they say in French, “Voila!”This image has become one of the most beloved photographs from my entire 100 days in Europe.
It was completely unplanned and unscripted. Unlike the postcard view of Big Ben I had taken just minutes earlier — a scene that hasn’t changed in a hundred years — this moment existed for only a few seconds. It required me to notice it, work through it, and be ready when the magic moment arrived.
I still get tears in my eyes and a feeling of pride in my heart every time I look at it. A pure, peaceful, happy moment that I was blessed to witness and preserve on film.
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On the Way to Play Cricket Get this as a printI knew exactly what these two were up to the moment I saw them.
The cricket bat slung over the shoulder, the casual walk across the grass — it all came rushing back from my year as an exchange student in Australia. I had learned about this quirky game that no one in America knew anything about, and for one quick second I thought about walking over and asking if I could join them.
Then I remembered.
Cricket isn’t a quick game. A proper match can stretch on for hours… or even days. I only had a few hours left in London before I needed to catch my train, so I smiled to myself, raised the camera instead, and let them walk on.
I loved seeing this little slice of everyday London life — two friends heading out for a game on a sunny afternoon in Hyde Park. I took the picture, lowered the camera, and kept moving.
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One Last Look Get this as a printAs I was heading out of the area, I turned around for one final view of Buckingham Palace.
Framed by the ornate iron gates, it looked even more impressive than when I had accidentally stumbled upon it a few hours earlier. The palace stood there — grand, solid, and permanent — while I was just a backpacker passing through for a single day.
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The Weight of the Day Get this as a printI saw this man and stopped for a moment.
He was completely spent — head heavy, shoulders slumped, arms folded across his chest as if holding himself together. The newspaper beside him fluttered in the breeze, unneeded. He had found this bench and surrendered to it.
In that moment, I felt a connection.
I was just as exhausted. My legs ached from walking for hours. My mind was tired from navigating crowds, chasing light, and being deliberate with every frame I photographed. I had pushed hard all day to create something meaningful, and now I was done.
All I wanted was a quiet place to close my eyes.
I took this picture, lowered my camera, and kept walking toward the station. I still had an overnight ferry to catch to France, and the thought of a bunk and a few hours of sleep suddenly felt like the greatest luxury in the world.
This was my last photograph in London, and even today, it feels like a perfect close to this day.
1994From my journal
Day 5 / 9-11-94London
Once again, the day isn't yet over, but all that's left is a bus ride, and I'm bored, so I’ll write now.
I arrived in London this morning at 9:00 after a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, England, and then a bus down. It's weird, but the cheapest way from Dublin to Tours is through England, which seems to be the longest. Oh well, I'm glad, because I wasn't going to come here at all.
I stored my luggage, but not before some frustration. I needed local currency to pay the porters, but since it's Sunday, and the banks are closed I was forced to use the bus station’s exchange.
But the jerk wouldn't take my Irish £5 note because it had been ripped and taped back together. I only wanted a few pounds, enough for my luggage and a meal, so I really didn't want to change a US $20 bill. I decided to use the ATM, but it rejected both my bank ATM card and credit card. So I went back to the dude and he ended up charging a £3.50 service charge, and my US $20 became £10 and change. Oh well, I needed to eat!
So with nine hours to kill I set out. The first place I stumbled on was Buckingham Palace. That fucker is huge! It definitely puts the Dome to shame.
I sat down to take it in when a bobbie (a policeman with a tall hat) tells me I have to get behind this barricade. So I'm standing there with all these other people wondering what is going on.
It turns out I had showed up just in time for the changing of the guard!
But my initial excitement soon soured. This changing of the guard ceremony is the most overrated thing in the whole world. I've never seen anything so ridiculous – 2,000 people watching two dudes come to work. They had a parade, and a bunch of marching back and forth, and then more songs. Can you imagine that in America? Can you imagine that for the marine guards at the White House? People would go crazy if they saw their tax dollars wasted like that.
And it's only for the queen - she doesn't even do anything! She just sits there. And even if some assassin did take her out, there wouldn't be any political turmoil because their heir is already determined for the next two generations.
Anyway, back to the guards. There were two kinds, and they wore black uniforms and red uniforms. The way they moved around, it was like a giant checkers game. I couldn't tell who was cooler. The red guys got machine guns, but they had to wear these two-foot-tall black furry hats. The black ones had normal uniforms, but they only had swords. And the actual two guards who guarded the entrance, they must have the worst job imaginable, because they don't even get to move, they just have to stand there all day.
JournalMy handwritten journal pages · 4 pages
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A map of central London, courtesy of one of the double-decker bus companies.
2026Looking Back from 2026
I arrived in London with nine hours to kill and almost no interest in being there.
I had only come because it was the cheapest route from Dublin to Tours, and I wasn’t planning to visit England at all. After the emotional intensity of Ireland and Belfast, London felt like an obligation rather than a destination. I was tired, low on money, and carrying a bit of an American chip on my shoulder about royalty, tradition, and what I considered a waste of time and tax dollars.
Then I stumbled straight into Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard.
At first, I was excited. I had accidentally walked into something famous. But that excitement didn’t last long. Sitting on a bench, watching thousands of people gather for what I saw as two men simply showing up for work, my 22-year-old arrogance kicked in hard. I thought the whole thing was ridiculous. Overrated. A waste. I judged the ceremony, the Queen, the guards, and the people who had come to watch. I compared it unfavorably to America and decided, quite confidently, that it was all a bit absurd.
I’m a little embarrassed reading those words now.
Because while my younger self was busy criticizing everything he saw, he was also quietly doing something else: he was making photographs. He was working scenes, changing focal lengths, moving his feet, waiting patiently, and chasing moments that actually mattered to him. The selfie at the palace gates. The young girl with her little 110 camera. The couple on the bench in Hyde Park. The man asleep at the end of the day. Those images came from the same person who was so quick to dismiss what he was witnessing.
By the time I took that final photograph of the exhausted man on the bench, I was finished. Physically and mentally spent. I had walked for hours, pushed through crowds, and tried to create something meaningful with every frame. When I saw him — head heavy, arms folded, completely surrendered to the bench — I recognized myself. I was just as tired. All I wanted was a place to close my eyes on the overnight ferry to France.
Looking back, I can see how much of that day was shaped by my own limited perspective. I was quick to judge what I didn’t understand and slow to appreciate what was actually in front of me. I’ve grown since then. I’d like to think I’m more open now, less certain that my way of seeing things is the only way.
I would love to go back to London one day. This time without the chip on my shoulder. This time with more curiosity and less judgment. I think I’d see it very differently.
But I’m still grateful for that day exactly as it happened. It was unplanned, imperfect, exhausting, and strangely beautiful. And even with all my arrogance and criticism, I still managed to make a few photographs that have stayed with me for more than thirty years.
That’s the strange thing about this trip. Even when I wasn’t at my best, the camera was still working.