London
The ULTIMATE photograhy guide
London
The ULTIMATE photograhy guide
Photographing London? I got you.
London: Dynamic streets and iconic sights
Few cities rival London’s ability to enchant and challenge photographers. Its vibrant streets, iconic architecture, and dynamic atmosphere make it a dream destination for anyone with a camera. Whether you’re drawn to historic bridges, bustling markets, or serene parks, London offers a diverse array of backdrops for your creativity.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the city’s most photogenic spots, offering tips to elevate your photography while making the most of your London adventure.
The 5 Best Photo Spots In London
Above: You can get some great views from Tower Bridge. This was taken with my iPhone 16 Pro.
Gear For This Trip
Tower Bridge: Up Close and Personal
Piazza del Duomo
50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Snack Recommendation: Roasted nuts from the street vendors around the Tower of London
Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London, offering diverse photographic opportunities.
When to Arrive
At sunrise, the bridge glows in soft pastel hues, while at night, its illuminated structure reflects beautifully on the Thames.
Pro Tip: Consider playing with different angles. This is one of the most famous bridges in the world, so the key is to capture it uniquely. Think very wide or very close. The barriers along the Thames are suitably big to place a Platypod.
Where to Shoot From Walk along the South Bank for wide shots or venture onto the bridge itself for unique perspectives of its towering structure. Capture the intricate details of the Victorian Gothic architecture or frame passing boats beneath the bridge to add movement to your shots.
Inside the Burlington Arcade
The Underground
Ponte Vecchio, 50125
Firenze FI, Italy
Use Google Maps to plan your route
The London Underground offers a gritty, modern aesthetic for photographers looking to experiment with urban themes.
Some Location Ideas
Westminster Station provides symmetrical compositions, while Canary Wharf impresses with sleek, futuristic designs. Capture the dynamic energy of Londoners rushing to catch trains or focus on the geometric patterns in the tunnels and escalators.
Pro Tip: A wide-angle lens is invaluable here to emphasize depth and scale. Also, make sure to experiment with long-exposure, both stationary and through panning. I like 1/20-1/30th of a second.
Composition
Play with leading lines created by escalators and platforms. Aim for views not commonly seen, like low or high angles and consider framing your shot through tunnels, for example,
Best Timing
Look for the off-peak hours because it can get incredibly busy/crowded.
Sunrise near Tower Bridge with convenient help from some sky replacement
London’s streets are a treasure trove of photographic inspiration
The Where
Capture the eclectic mix of old and new in places like Notting Hill, with its pastel townhouses, or Soho, teeming with life and neon lights. Markets such as Borough Market and Camden Market are perfect for candid shots of vendors and bustling crowds.
Pro Tip: Use slow shutter speeds to add a touch of motion in your images but be prepared for a lot of missess. Still, you only need one amazing photo. I use 1/15th of a second with continuous focus and my camera on the highest speed burst setting possible.
Add Motion
Panning shots are particularly effective in London, whether it’s cyclists near the Embankment, iconic double-decker buses crossing busy intersections, or the ubiquitous London taxis.
Dinner Spot: Affordable, fresh, and delicious–check out Hobson’s Fish and Chips.
Musical recommendation: Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theater. I was skeptical given that the movie is my favorite, but this was an astoundingly well done performance with a unique take on the classic.
Ceiling inside Frameless
Big Ben & Westminster
Piazza de’ Pitti, 1,
50125 Firenze FI, Italy
No trip to London is complete without photographing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Big Ben
These landmarks exude timeless grandeur, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the sky casts a golden glow. Westminster Bridge offers unparalleled views, but don’t miss exploring the area for alternative perspectives, such as capturing Big Ben reflected in a puddle after a rainstorm.
Pro Tip: Shots at night generally benefit from long exposure to get other elements, like the trails from car lights. That said, the hands of the clock can get fuzzy in these cases. Shoot an identical exposure at a faster shutter speed and then composite them in Photoshop later.
Avoid the Ordinary
Try to capture Big Ben in new and unique ways. Consider moving down one of the side streets to frame it creatively.
We also often see it in a wide angle view, so maybe try a telephoto lens for something different.
The escalator as you enter the Frameless Gallery
London’s museums are more than repositories of history—they’re playgrounds for photographers seeking to capture architectural beauty, vibrant exhibitions, and unique storytelling.
Frameless
Frameless left us spellbound. This immersive art experience turned the traditional museum visit into a vivid, multi-sensory journey where dynamic projections brought iconic works to life. It’s a feast for your lens and your imagination. Focus on shooting for the highlights, but expect to use an ISO of 6,400 or above. Truly one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen.
Pro Tip
Use a fast lens (f/2.8 or better) to navigate dimly lit spaces and seek out patterns, reflections, or dramatic focal points like vaulted ceilings. Always review the museum’s photography guidelines before capturing your shot.
Other Ideas
For interior photography enthusiasts, the British Museum’s Great Court dazzles with its iconic glass roof, while the Natural History Museum’s grand staircases and intricate ceilings make for breathtaking compositions. Some other great recommendations are the Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Cabinet War Rooms, and Imperial War Museum.
Overlooking the HMS Belfast
History, architecture, and modern energy immortalized
I’M Jeff
An internationally award-winning portrait and documentary photographer who got my start in travel photography before beginning medical school
Depending on when you read this, I’ll either have content uploaded or am in the process of creating it.
Either way, follow below for more!
I’M Jeff
An internationally award-winning portrait and documentary photographer who got my start in travel photography before beginning medical school
Depending on when you read this, I’ll either have content uploaded or am in the process of creating it.
Either way, follow below for more!
