It is amazing how many photo opportunities we can miss if we don’t look up and, indeed, behind us. I had seen some great shots of buildings with interesting angles and decided to head to ‘The Smoke’ (London) and specifically Canary Wharf to shoot. A great area of London to wander around, lots of shops, restaurants and right by the water’s edge if ever you are in town.

Canary Wharf takes its name from No. 32 berth of the West Wood Quay of the Import Dock. This was built in 1936 for Fruit Lines Ltd, a subsidiary of Fred Olsen Lines for the Mediterranean and Canary Islands fruit trade. At their request, the quay and warehouse were given the name Canary Wharf.

The Shard stands at 309.6 metres (1,016 ft) high and is currently the tallest building in the European Union. It is also the second tallest freestanding structure in the United Kingdom. The glass pyramidal tower has 72 floors, with a viewing gallery and open-air observation deck on the 72nd floor that stands at a height of 244.3 metres (802 ft).

Don’t forget, look up and behind you next time!

Check out my photostream on Flickr to see more London shots.