LSBU alumnus captures London through the lens

BSc (Hons) Media and Society alumnus, James Burns, has spent the last ten years photographing London with VIP access to some of the most striking views from its highest rooftops.

Photographer, James Burns at a recent visit to Downing Street.

 

The course addressed issues such as representation, the city and globalisation, as well as a range of media practices including photography which kick-started James’ career. His work is currently on display at an exhibition entitled “London from the Rooftops” at The Print Space in East London, showcasing his work on London’s urban architecture. 

James was recently profiled by BBC London about his career and current exhibition. He explained that relationships must be built between himself and the buildings before he is allowed onto the roof to take photographs and he still has many buildings he’d like to gain access to. At the beginning of his photography career, James focused more upon architectural styles of social housing and has gradually moved onto the more classic landscapes of scenes such as St Pauls Cathedral and Tower Bridge so often seen by Londoners today.

James recently spoke to us here at the LSBU Alumni Association, reflecting on his time at LSBU he said: 

‘My interest in and passion for the architecture of social housing was the starting point. I would deliberately get lost on my commute by bicycle in a bid to discover this vast city by darting in any tower blocks that I could.’  

‘LSBU was where I discovered that photography was the career I wanted to pursue at all costs. I would often take the lift to the top of the London Road tower block just to spend some time with the view. Living in the halls of residence at Newington Butts was also quite a formative time for me, I would often go out of my way to pass through the estate and visit the top floor on the way to University.’

If you have a similar passion to James’ that you’d like to pursue, he has imparted these words of wisdom on us:

‘Be prepared to put in years of ground work in order to hone your style and develop the contacts you need. Photography is something you will only ever get better at so keep the faith, sometimes when it seems to be a slow burner, determination pays off in the end. ‘

James’ career, and in particular his current project is going from strength to strength:

‘London from the Rooftops has won some influential admirers of late and the project now has the backing for shoots from more and more locations that before I could only have dreamed of. Additionally, it will become a time-lapse and film project as well as photography.’

Find out more about James and take a look at his fantastic collection of London snapshots. James also has Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Instagram pages.