From King's Cross to Wimbledon: Stunning aerial images show London in its summer glory

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These stunning images show London in all its summer glory, from the glittering heights of the Shard to the bustle of Battersea Power station.

Shot from heights of up to 2600ft, the aerial photos showcase the grandeur of the capital as the sweeping glow of sunrise gives way to the twinkling buzz of nightlife.

They were taken by daredevil photographer Jason Hawkes who, over the past four months, has hung from a helicopter to capture his rare shots of the city.

One shows the frantic hubbub of pedestrians in Trafalgar Square, while another captures the ethereal glow of the O2 dome at night.

The busy hum of Trafalgar square and the National Gallery from above
www.jasonhawkes.com
The O2 arena in North Greenwich bathed in a nighttime glow
www.jasonhawkes.com

The striking symmetry of Wimbledon’s centre court cuts a majestic contrast to the hurly-burly of Piccadilly Circus in two of the snaps.

Wimbledon's iconic centre court
www.jasonhawkes.com
Tourist hotspot Piccadilly Circus looks suitably glamorous with its pink and golden lights 
www.jasonhawkes.com

The manicured lawns of Greenwhich’s Royal Naval College sits harmoniously alongside the canal-side hum of King's Cross in two others.

The ordered beauty of the Royal Naval College
www.jasonhawkes.com
Sunworshippers lounge by the canal at Kings Cross's Granary Square
www.jasonhawkes.com

The sweltering mayhem of this week’s heatwave seems a distant memory in the pictures, with even the City looking peaceful in its regimented splendour.

“It's been a very busy Summer,” Mr Hawkes told the Standard.

“Last week we did five separate London flights, one at dusk, one at night and also one at dawn.”

The photographer was clearly willing to suffer for his art, as he admitted getting to the heliport at 4am to capture those breathtaking early-morning shots.

Mr Hawkes, who has published more than 50 photographic books, typically snaps from heights of 750ft to 2600ft in London.

Although occasionally he’ll go higher or lower if it’s for the right shot.

To see more of his work visit www.jasonhawkes.com or follow him on Twitter @jasonhawkesphot

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