Ben Moore, an award-winning freelance photographer based in London, defied conventional wisdom by embracing his passion for photography at the age of 30. His work is characterized by a captivating blend of moody and clean aesthetics with a touch of earthy warmth, which he uses in his solo book Above & Across London to share a unique perspective of London from above.
Above & Across London, featuring over 170 images, is exclusively available at Trope.com and will be in stores September 16th. Learn more about Ben Moore below.
How long have you been a photographer and what initially drew you to the profession?
I’ve been a professional photographer for over 15 years now. What drew me in originally was that I’m a bit of a gadget head and I’ve never needed a DSLR. So I bought one, which just grew my fascination with photography and taking the perfect photo. I’ve always been an artistic person, and photography became the natural outlet for me to express that. Over time, it grew into more than just a passion and it became a career and a way to constantly evolve creatively.
What made you first interested in photographing London from the sky?
London has always had a certain energy for me. It’s a city that never sits still, and yet from above, it feels calm, almost abstract. I was initially drawn to aerial photography as a way to see familiar places differently and to show scale, patterns, and symmetry that you’d never notice from the ground. There’s something about seeing the geometry of the city from above that really connects with my architectural style of shooting.
Tell me a bit about your editing process.
My editing style is warm and intentional. I like to keep things clean with mostly warm tones with a strong emphasis on contrast and lines. The goal for me is to enhance what’s already there, not to overdo the editing process. I want the focus to be on the subject, the lines, and the light. I do most of my editing in Lightroom, sometimes bringing files into Photoshop if they need extra refinement, but I try not to overcomplicate it.
Is there a shot that you recently took that has inspired you above others?
I recently took a photo of Tower Bridge at sunrise. There was a bit of fog lifting, and the morning light was hitting the bridge in a really beautiful way. I started shooting but honestly, I didn’t think too much of it in the moment. It felt like a standard shot. But when I began editing it later, the image completely came to life. What caught me off guard was that I hadn’t seen its potential at the time. It was a good reminder that I still have a lot to learn about reading light and recognizing a moment as it’s happening.
What advice do you have for other budding photographers?
Start simple. Don’t get caught up in gear or trends. Focus on learning how to see light, composition, and storytelling. Shoot every day if you can, and don’t be afraid to experiment or fail. Also, be patient. Building a style, a portfolio, and a name takes time. Most importantly, shoot what you love. That passion will come through in your work.