For any London street photographer, practising street photography on London’s public transport is an excellent way of developing handheld low-light photography skills and the confidence to photograph people.

The London Underground is one of my favourite street photography locations in London, or at least it was before 2020 imploded because of Covid.

Having now photographed London and Londoners for over a decade through my urban photography, I have been invited many times by the deepest underground platforms calling my name like mermaids calling sailors and begging me to capture their light.

“Nico… come to us… Nicoooo…. “

How could I resist?

I have also spent countless hours waiting for that bus that never came… and then shot a few people (with my camera) by way of retribution.

(Please note all these were shot pre-Covid)

There is a certain mood or atmosphere I aim to capture on public transport.

We spend a large portion of our urban lives on public transport on our way to and from work.

Most find it uncomfortable, dirty, crammed, generally late, overpriced and some passengers seem to aim to irritate. Often to shield from the outside world people will get in the zone, either looking at their phone, reading the papers, listening to music or having a conversation with themselves.

Unless I’m headed somewhere and in a rush, I find street photography on the London underground or London buses to be quite peaceful and enjoyable. There is no traffic trying to run you over, it is warm (at times too warm) and it takes you to great places across London.

I just avoid rush hour.