Capturing London’s Steel & Hertfordshire’s Mud
Photography isn’t just about gear it’s about how you see the world. And sometimes, the world looks completely different depending on where you are.
Take these two shots: one from the sharp, structured streets of London, taken with my Fujifilm X100F on a night photo walk, and the other from the moody countryside of Hertfordshire, captured on an iPhone during a trip to see family. Two totally different settings, two completely different moods both equally stunning in their own way.
City vs. Countryside Two Different Worlds
London Steel, Glass, & Lights
London at night is a playground of light and geometry. Everything feels deliberate, designed, and symmetrical. The city is full of sharp lines, glowing office windows, and reflections that turn everyday scenes into something cinematic.
While out on a night photo walk, I knew my Fujifilm X100F would be perfect for this kind of setting. It captures the crisp details of glass buildings, the deep shadows between skyscrapers, and the perfectly framed office lights that make the city feel alive. The clean, structured look of London just suits black and white photography.
Hertfordshire Mud, Sky, & Pure Atmosphere
Then there’s Hertfordshire. No grids, no neon just open land, dramatic skies, and a whole lot of mud. The countryside has a completely different kind of drama, less about precision and more about mood.
This wasn’t a planned shoot I was on my way to visit family when I spotted the scene. The iPhone was the only camera I had, but it handled the moment well. The contrast between the dark trees and the glowing horizon adds to the raw, almost cinematic feel of the shot. It’s less polished than the London image, but that’s exactly why it works. The countryside isn’t about perfect lines it’s about unpredictable beauty.
Why Black & White?
I use black and white to strip away the distractions of colour and bring the focus back to light, contrast, and texture. In London, it enhances the structural precision. In Hertfordshire, it deepens the atmosphere and makes the sky feel even more dramatic. Two different worlds, one timeless look.
London is all about clean lines and artificial light. Hertfordshire is all about raw textures and natural drama. Two places, two completely different visual languages. And yet, both work beautifully in black and white.
So next time someone says urban and rural photography are worlds apart, just show them some glass towers and a muddy gate.