Photographing Copenhagen’s Metro: Challenges and Beauty

Photographing in the metro can be a great experience, especially in a city like Copenhagen. The underground world here is a blend of modern design, efficient flow, and unique lighting that offers many opportunities for photographers. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges.

A Metro Station offers the possibility to create a different world with the camera. Freezing the moments, using the light and form of the architecture creates a different story. 

Quite different by the way, from the photoshoot I did a few weeks ago in Berlin in a historic old train station.

The Beauty and Flow of Copenhagen’s Metro

Copenhagen’s metro system is renowned for its architectural brilliance and thoughtful design. Thanks to strategically placed skylights, the stations are spacious, open, and filled with natural light in some places. This design enhances the aesthetic appeal. The minimalist and functional design of the metro stations makes them look partly futuristic, and the lines and light are interesting to use as a photographer.

The Metro station is just short walk from the Leica Store in Copenhagen by the way, which I visited before I walked a round the city and then to the Metro to explore that one.

The pictures here were all taken at the same Metro station, which we will visit on the Copenhagen photo workshop in late June.

There are 25% savings on Copenhagen in June and Rome in May, so it’s an all-time low price if ordered this week. The offer runs out Sunday at midnight. 

Photo from the Metro Station at Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen.
Leica M9 with Summilux 50mm f1.4 ASPH. Camera settings: ISO 640, 1/250 and f1.4

Challenges of Photographing in the Metro

While the metro’s design offers plenty of photographic opportunities, it also presents several challenges:

Lighting Conditions: The lighting in the metro can be unpredictable. Natural light from skylights can vary throughout the day, and artificial lighting might not always be consistent.

Crowds and Movement: The metro is a busy place, with people constantly moving in and out of your frame. Composing and patiently seeking the decisive moment is part of succeeding in capturing a great shot here.

Security and Permissions: In some metro systems, photographing might require special permissions or could attract the attention of security personnel, which happened. I know the rules, so no problems. I asked a service agent for some advice regarding tickets, and he noticed I had photographed it, and he also noticed my Press Card I always carry for my assignments when working as a photojournalist, when I showed him my electronic train ticket regarding a question about that.
So he kindly told me that I needed permission for any work-related photos published on the news platforms, but also confirmed I was welcome to take pictures for artistic purposes as an amateur street photographer in the situation this day. There always is a difference being taking pictures privately and being a pro on the job for the news or related.

Photo from the Metro Station at Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen.
Leica M9 with Summilux 50mm f1.4 ASPH. Camera settings: ISO 640, 1/250 and f1.4

Embrace the Light

Use the natural and artificial light creatively. Look for interesting shadows and reflections that can add depth to your photos, and be patient. 

Photographing in Copenhagen’s metro is a rewarding experience that combines the challenges of street photography with the beauty of architectural design. By understanding the flow and lighting of the underground and being prepared for the challenges, you can capture stunning images that showcase the essence of this vibrant city.

Photo from the Metro Station at Kongens Nytorv in Copenhagen.
Leica M9 with Summilux 50mm f1.4 ASPH. Camera settings: ISO 500, 1/50 and f2.8