A love letter to the Barbican

A street photographers paradise

By Michael Wilson

January 12^th, 2025

"The Barbican is an absolute eyesore"

Yeah, that's something I used to say, back when I wasn't even thinking about street photography. I had a few friends who were totally obsessed with the Barbican – you know, that massive concrete building? They'd rave about its 'brutalist beauty' and all that, but I just couldn't see it. To me, it was just this huge, grey block that kind of smothered the whole neighborhood.

But then, everything changed when I finally went back there to shoot some street photos.

Great location, whatever the weather

The first reason it's such a great location, is the Barbican centre itself. There's always some kind of show or event happening, so you're guaranteed to have people around.

And that architecture! All those crazy angles and shapes, it's like a playground for photographers. If you're into symmetry, you'll lose your mind there.

Plus, let's be honest, London weather can be a real downer. But with the Barbican, you've got this amazing indoor space to explore. So, no matter what's happening outside, you're always covered.

When the weather is grey

The Barbican itself is basically a giant grey canvas anyway.

But you know what's even better? The estate around it. Texture for days! All those concrete walls and weathered surfaces, perfect for framing your shots. And those endless corridors? Amazing for playing with light and shadows. Plus, it's not exactly Times Square, so you can usually find your subject without a crowd of tourists getting in the way. And don't even get me started on the symmetry… it's a photographer's paradise.

When the sun has got its hat on

But when the sun actually decides to grace us with its presence? Forget it. Game over. All that texture, those corridors, that symmetry – it all just pops. It's like the whole place comes alive.

And the sheer scale of the place? There's so much to explore. You've got those bars and restaurants, always bathed in light. Perfect for capturing some layered portraits. And the Conservatory? Stunning. Whether you're shooting from inside or out, it's a photographer's dream. Plus, it's a residential estate, so you've always got a stream of people going about their day, offering endless photo opportunities.

So, the next time you're looking for a new spot to shoot in London, do yourself a favor and check out the Barbican. You won't regret it. And if you ever want to grab a coffee and shoot together, hit me up on Instagram. I'm always down for a photo adventure.