"I vowed, after ten photography books, that would be my last! Then, quite unexpectedly, a speech by President Trump in December 2025 persuaded me otherwise and my love letter to London was born."
So explains Chris Porsz's introduction to London Calling, a joyous record of over 350 shots of the city that he is regularly compelled to travel to from his hometown of Peterborough. Children leap into puddles on Victoria Street. Union Flag boxers shorts are flaunted in front of Buckingham Palace. Billingsgate fishmongers kiss mackerels.
One section in particular — focused on the transport network — grabbed Londonist's eye: from Tube-riding pirates to lost property office staff taking a moment to enjoy a pair of scooters, Chris' shots capture the madness — and the joy — of this ever-moving city.
We also seem to have underestimated how much dressing up goes on in London.
We'll let Chris tell us more:
I like candid photography but I often get stronger pictures by engaging in conversation with complete strangers from all over the world and hearing their fascinating stories," Chris tells Londonist. "One problem I did face at some events and transport hubs: as soon as my 'fancy camera' was spotted I would be challenged by security and police. For example, when I was trying to take an image of the wonderful Windrush Monument at Waterloo.
I couldn't help asking if they had approached the hundreds of people taking pictures with their often more powerful and discreet cameras aka a mobile! Legally there should be no problem but the interpretation by some staff has not kept up with the law or the technology. I stood out like a sore thumb.
Is it a myth that Londoners are unfriendly? It's hard to generalise, but I am sure the non-stop rush and stress contribute to that 'stiff upper lip' on the Tube compared to those on, say, a tram or bus stop in Newcastle. Much depended on how friendly I was, and I found the vast majority were very friendly, chatty and incredibly helpful when I got frequently and hopelessly lost.
I was also impressed by Tube staff’s knowledge and patience in response to my questions that they must get asked scores of times in a shift.
My tips for taking photos on public transport: be respectful and ask yourself how you would feel if someone took your picture. I find an explanation and a smile goes a long way. I would also offer them a copy of their picture and say 'you may get your 15 minutes by starring in London Calling!'
All the world’s a stage and so I just wait for that character who stands out from the madding crowd.
I find that having a camera opens up conversations you wouldn't otherwise be having. Often I would get recommendations on places to try and meet fellow street photographers and exchange notes. On reaching the summit of the O2 on the sunset tour I took a picture of four ladies drinking champagne and on asking where they were from they replied 'Peterborough!' Frustratingly I missed a rainbow by a minute but at least I got the sunset!
In all my years of photography my best shot has to be Greg Cosens at Oxford Circus in 2015 and it just had to go on the front cover! Greg has retired now to look after his mum in Somerset and they were both delighted with their copy.
The picture was part of an exhibition at Westminster station on the introduction of the Night Tube in 2016.
My hometown is under an hour away and the economical, super efficient Tube and regular buses meant I could cross the capital in minutes. London is not only a very green but a walkable city too, and I roamed hundreds of miles by 'shanks' pony' which kept me fit too.
I certainly felt much safer and experienced much cleaner transport than I did, for example, in big American cities.
London Calling by Chris Porsz
