Ghost town

Adam Waring uses ND filters to subdue the hustle and bustle when shooting busy cities

- Adam Waring

A bustling metropolis, such as London, provides a fascinating contrast of old and new, with modern glass-and-steel structures butting up against historic buildings. A case in point is the Millennium Bridge, which opened in 2000, crossing the Thames directly opposite St Paul's Cathedral, completed in 1710, and providing a wonderful juxtaposition that's begging to be captured by the photographer.

However, cities are also full of people, traffic, building work and other unsightly distractions that could spoil your shot. But employing the use of an ND (neutral density) filter can help blur moving elements, turning a choppy river into a smooth surface and making moving boats magically disappear, as in this shot. Or you can use them artistically to blur passers-by into ghostly shapes, to further emphasize the feel of a busy city while making individuals indistinct and unrecognizable, as demonstrated over the page.

1 Choose your spot