In this edition of PROFOLIO, we’re excited to showcase the work of Balwinder “Mr Whisper” Bhatla, a London-based visual storyteller whose photography transforms the bustling metropolis into intimate, human moments. With over a decade dedicated to natural and low-light street photography, Bal has earned a reputation for capturing the quieter side of urban life—aptly described by the Evening Standard for his “most human moments” of London.
His career evolved from these humble street vignettes into high-profile commissions for clients such as LVMH, Netflix, Disney, BMW, Fujifilm, Google, Meta, and the Design Museum. Now a Fujifilm ambassador, and with his first street photography book London After Dark on shelves, Mr Whisper continues to influence how we see the city—one candid frame at a time.
In this PROFOLIO, we asked Balwinder to share some of his favorite photographs and the stories behind them.
1. Cinderella
I was about to board my last train home when I noticed this woman holding her heels in hand. I followed her along the platform, waiting for her to step onto the train. I had a specific composition in mind, and it just took patience to capture that decisive moment.
2. Smile
Initially drawn to the condensation on a restaurant window, I took in the vibrant colors and shop front graphics. After composing the shot, I was rewarded with a warm smile from the chef inside—adding a human, uplifting touch.
3. St Paul’s Reflect
I’m always seeking fresh ways to photograph iconic landmarks. On a rainy afternoon, St Paul’s Cathedral glimmered on the pavement. I waited for a bus and a passerby with black shoes to create layers and offer a new perspective on this familiar structure.
4. Stick Up
A winged figure pointing a gun on the massive Piccadilly screens caught my eye. Watching the reflections dance over passing cars, I waited for the perfect alignment—making it appear as if she were holding up the car’s passengers.
5. Drip
Condensed windows always captivate me. This restaurant window, with a striking red hat inside, stopped me in my tracks. By focusing on the droplets and leaving the interior slightly blurred, I invite viewers to interpret the scene themselves.
6. Blue Suede Shoes
On Shaftesbury Avenue, a woman waiting at the crosswalk caught my attention—her posture and blue suede shoes stood out. I moved in close, isolating her from the crowd before the traffic lights changed, creating a moment both timeless and intimate.
7. MJ
New LED signs in Soho were advertising a musical. After experimenting with angles, I crouched low to silhouette passing drivers against layered red stripes. The result was a striking composition that combined graphic elements with spontaneous human presence.
8. Ten
Noticing uniquely shaped windows with lights still on inside, I found the perfect silhouette setting. Patience paid off when a figure with an umbrella stepped into the frame, completing a minimal, balanced composition that captures the city’s quiet elegance.
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