Come "behind the shot" with photographer Ben Moore as he shares the stories behind some of his favorite photos from his upcoming solo book, Above & Across London.
Above & Across London is available now at Trope.com and will be available in stores September 16th.
When I look back at these photos, I see far more than just images frozen in time, I see chapters of a story, each one tied to a day, a place, and a journey that began with a spark of inspiration I felt compelled to bring to life. Behind every frame lies quiet planning, bursts of creativity, and countless small decisions that shaped the final result. Together, they form a body of work that reflects not only my consistency and discipline but also my relentless commitment to my craft, and my willingness to give my all in the pursuit of both growth and mastery.
We’re often told to never stop learning, but for me, that learning has always been rooted in action. I’m a hands-on learner, the kind who understands best by experimenting, failing, adjusting, and trying again. Each photograph was never just a visual capture; it was a lesson in light, timing, perspective, and patience. Some moments stretched me more than others, but all of them contributed something whether it was a technique, a perspective, or a piece of wisdom and shaped me into the photographer I am today. Every photo is a stepping stone, and together they form the path leading me closer to my greater goal.
Some photos were more challenging than others, whether it was finding a way onto rooftops, working with unpredictable light, braving the biting cold for hours, or searching for a safe place to launch the drone. These moments tested not only my patience but also my creativity, forcing me to adapt, problem-solve, and push through discomfort. And yet, they’re the ones that stay with me the longest.
The process behind the photograph often carries more weight than the image itself. It’s the climb up a hidden stairwell, the quiet wait for just the right cloud to pass, the thrill of catching a fleeting reflection in a puddle that will vanish in minutes. It’s about experiencing the city from a perspective most will never see and capturing a fragment of time that will never unfold in exactly the same way again. Those challenges become the heartbeat of the work and the stories that give each image its depth and meaning.
Above Tower Bridge
This is one of my earliest drone shots and still one of my favourites. I like to think of photography in layers. For example: layer 1 is the perspective, layer 2 is the bridge opening, and layer 3 is the boat passing through at just the right moment. Each of these layers builds on the other, turning the image into more than just a photo, and it becomes a moment.
When people see it for the first time, they almost have to unpack it piece by piece, figuring out exactly what’s happening. That’s what makes it such a visual feast and one of the images I’ll always be grateful I captured.
Above The Shard
This shot is probably one of my boldest and most daring perspectives. While photographing The Shard, I wanted to push the envelope and see what would happen if I experimented a little. That’s the beauty of flying drones — it’s all about exploring new angles and perspectives to see what unfolds.
As I was composing the shot, I noticed the opening and how striking The Shard looked from this viewpoint. The result turned out to be one of my most unique and creative photos, yet also one of the most underrated.
It’s a reminder that while planning is important, sometimes the best results come from simply experimenting and trying something new.
Above Seven Dials
This photo came from my search for unique points of view in London, using Google Maps and other tools to scout potential spots. By then, I had been exploring what iconic locations might look like through drone photography and adding a bit of editing flair to make them stand out.
This image really speaks for itself. The location is called Seven Dials, and as you can see, seven streets all converge at the central dial. From this perspective, it captures the name perfectly.
It’s fascinating to think that people walk through here every day without ever seeing it from this angle. Now, you have.
Above Oxford Circus
When I’m searching for fresh and interesting compositions, I often keep an eye out for crossroads, flat lays, or top-down shots. They’re some of the easiest to capture and compose, yet they always deliver striking results. What I love most about this image is the dynamic interplay between the roads and the buses. It creates a sense of movement and rhythm. Shots like this are quite popular, but what makes this one stand out is its setting: Oxford Street. I made sure to head out early in the morning, when the streets were still quiet and free of shoppers, which gave the scene a calm, uncluttered look. I especially love how the roads complement one another and how the central pattern ties everything together. It’s a simple shot, but one that’s very satisfying to look at.
Learn more about Above & Across London and get your copy today at trope.com.