Street Photographer Has Been Shooting London at Night for 10 Years

Aug 09, 2024

Matt Growcoot

A person stands in front of a food truck with a bright "FISH & CHIPS" sign. The truck, lit up in the night, has menus on its sides and various condiments displayed. The scene is dark except for the illuminated truck.

A photographer has been shooting London after dark for over 10 years, exploring the city’s carefree energy at night.

Bal Bhatla, better known online as MrWhisper, tells PetaPixel that there is “something magnetic about the streets of London at night” and it is when he likes to tell the city’s story.

“As the sun sets, the city undergoes a dramatic transformation,” Bhatla says of the British capital.

“The bright lights of the theatres, cinemas, and passing traffic illuminate the streets. The neon signs come to life, creating an almost cinematic atmosphere.”

A person is stepping onto a train at a dimly lit station. Several other people walk along the platform in the background, heading toward or away from the trains. The platform is marked with yellow lines and signs, and a digital clock displays "00:21:49.

A dark alleyway is illuminated by a single streetlight and red lanterns hanging above. A lone person walks down the alley, wearing a jacket and a face mask. Buildings on either side create a narrow path, with shadows adding to the dim atmosphere.

A nighttime scene of a subway entrance in London, featuring the iconic red and blue "Underground" sign. A man in a suit carries a bag and descends the staircase. The surrounding area is dimly lit, with historic buildings and streetlights visible in the background.

Bhatla says the city’s mood lightens after sundown and becomes more extroverted which helps him tell better stories through his pictures.

“During those hours, you encounter the energy of unleashed Londoners, adventurous and carefree, chasing the night,” he says. “These are the moments I am passionate about documenting and make London such an intriguing place to shoot.”

A shadowy silhouette of a person is visible on a fogged-up, pink and purple-lit glass surface with streaks of condensation. The raised arms and dynamic posture suggest movement or dancing, creating an abstract and mysterious atmosphere.

A neon sign is reflected in a wet pavement, creating a blurred, mirror-like effect. The red and pink glow of the sign stands out against the dark background, adding a moody, urban ambiance to the scene. The words on the sign are reversed in the reflection.

A dimly lit entrance to The Ivy restaurant, featuring ornate double glass doors framed by dark walls. Two illuminated menus are displayed on either side of the door. A figure is slightly visible inside through the glass door.

Bhatla, or MrWhisper, is now releasing a book entitled London After Dark which, he says, has been a long time coming.

“When I was originally approached by Trope Publishing in 2018. They wanted to use my existing photos, however I pushed back. I wanted to shoot everything fresh as making my first solo book was a huge deal for me,” he explains.

“At the time the book was actually centered around public transport. As the years went by It evolved into London After Dark due to my newfound passion for low light photography.”

A crowded subway car with passengers sitting and standing, holding onto handrails. Some are looking at their phones, others are engaged in conversation. The mood appears subdued, with people engrossed in their own activities. A man in a coat stands near the door.

A silhouette of a person is seen through a window with red neon lights, climbing an interior staircase. The walls are adorned with various artistic drawings and symbols, creating an eclectic and moody atmosphere.

A window display features two mannequins dressed in dark clothing, each adorned with a leopard print lampshade as a hat. The background is dimly lit, and two blurred figures can be seen walking in front of the display.

Bhatla, a Fujifilm ambassador, says he is always looking for a story in his photographs and watches for narratives that can engage viewers.

“I strive to create images that evoke a sense of emotion and connection with the viewer,” he says. “Through my work, I hope to inspire others to see London in a new light and appreciate the fleeting moments of beauty, intrigue, and raw emotion that are all too often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life.”