Are you planning a photoshoot in London and wondering where to find the best photo spots in London for portraits?
As a professional photographer based in the city, I’m constantly spoiled for choice. From iconic landmarks that scream “London!” to quiet alleyways and charming Victorian buildings known mostly to locals, this city is full of incredible London photo spots that are ideal for portraits.
Just a little note: not every scenic or architectural spot is perfect for portraiture. Some places may look stunning in postcards but don’t always offer the right lighting or angles when your subject is the focus. Portrait photography calls for more than just a pretty backdrop — it’s about the right mix of texture, mood, and environment that lets people shine.
Let me take you through some of my favourite locations — perfect for portraits — along with a few interesting stories and practical tips for each. Whether you’re looking for the best photoshoot location London has to offer or want to explore some hidden gems, there’s something here for you.
And if you’d love some stunning, magazine-worthy portraits to mark your visit to London or capture a special occasion, I’m an award-winning, published London portrait photographer proud to call this city home — and I’d love to show you around it, camera in hand.
You can see more of my dreamy portraits in this stunning capital and other photogenic European cities in my dream shoots section, whether you are looking for empowering portraits, romantic couple photoshoot or heart warming family portraits.
Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament
Big Ben — that iconic clock tower — is attached to the grand and historic Houses of Parliament, officially known as the Palace of Westminster. Originally built as a royal palace, it carries the weight of centuries of royal and political history and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.
Whether you’re a fan of Mission: Impossible, James Bond, Tomb Raider, or Paddington Bear, chances are you’ve seen this dramatic view on screen. And it’s every bit as photogenic when you experience it first-hand. No wonder it is a firm favourite as photoshoot location London.
📸 Tip: For the best photo vantage point, head to Westminster Bridge and step back a little to fit the full height of the clock tower into your frame. Big Ben stands at 96 metres — just a smidge taller than the Statue of Liberty!
London Eye
The London Eye was built to celebrate the millennium in the year 2000 — originally intended as a temporary installation, it became such a hit that it stayed. Today, it remains one of the most visited paid attractions in the UK.
With its huge modern frame towering over the River Thames, the Eye makes a striking backdrop for portrait photos — especially when juxtaposed with nearby historic architecture.
📸 Tip: Don’t wait until you’re directly underneath it. Try photographing from Westminster Pier or across the river to capture the full circle and bring depth into your composition.
Tower Bridge
Built in the late 1800s, Tower Bridge is an architectural jewel that blends Gothic style with Victorian engineering. The tall twin towers and iconic blue suspension details give the bridge a regal, almost theatrical presence — it’s a dream for those scouting the best photo spots inLondon.
Fun fact: the bridge still opens in half to let boats pass, and the towers house the original lifting mechanisms — which are quite the engineering marvel.
📸 Tip: Whether you’re shooting from the South Bank, standing directly under the towers, or walking along the bridge itself, this location never disappoints. Want a shot of the bridge lifting? Check the daily lift schedule at towerbridge.org.uk/lift-times.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus breathes pure London energy. With its towering digital billboards, glowing neon signs, and constant bustle, this location hums with city life. It’s bold, urban, and unmistakably metropolitan. Don’t be surprised to find traffic jam in the area still persists at night time!
Surrounded by elegant Regency architecture and iconic Tube station entrances, it’s a powerful contrast of historic and modern.
📸 Tip: Embrace the movement and buzz! Don’t fight the crowds — let them frame your subject naturally. The energy of this place also adds an electric atmosphere to night shots, if you are planning for your photoshoot later in the evening.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill rose to international stardom after the film of the same name featuring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. However, it has long been a haven for bohemian charm, pastel-coloured townhouses, cobbled mews, and leafy garden fronts.
It’s impossibly romantic and ideal for dreamy portraits. Whether you’re chasing muted neutrals or bright colour pops, you’ll find a corner here to match your aesthetic. It is indeed a great photoshoot location London for lifestyle and editorial portraits.
📸 Tip: Saturdays can get extremely busy, especially around Portobello Road Market. For peaceful portrait sessions, plan for a weekday visit. But if you love candid, street-style photography, the weekend market offers endless inspiration.
St Dunstan in the East
This hidden gem feels like a setting from a fairytale. Originally built around 1100, the church was severely damaged during both the Great Fire of London and then World War II. Instead of being completely demolished, the ruins were transformed into a public garden in the 1970s, offering tranquil escape among the city maddness.
With ivy-draped stone walls, gothic arches, and a peaceful atmosphere, St Dunstan in the East is one of the most atmospheric photo spots in London within easy access — especially for couples and editorial-style portraits.
📸 Tip: The location is popular for proposals! So high alert for engagement shoots seekers. Aim for a weekday morning or afternoon to enjoy the serenity before or after office workers wander in for their lunch break.
Regent’s Park / Hyde Park / St James’s Park
London’s Royal Parks offer open green spaces, seasonal florals, and a fresh, romantic tone for portraits. If you would like to have greenery in your photoshoot location London, they are within easy access and offers expansive green in your photography canvas as a best photo spot in London! Each park has its perks:
- Regent’s Park is known for Queen Mary’s Gardens and is delightful with its explosion of roses in spring.
- Hyde Park is vast and versatile, with tree tunnels and a serene lake.
- St James’s Park, while next to Buckingham Palace, adds royal grandeur to your background.
📸 Tip: Autumn colours and spring blossoms make these parks especially photogenic.
Mews Streets – Marylebone & Kensington
London’s mews streets are full of old world charm. Used in the 18th and 19th centuries as stables and carriage houses as living quarters of servicing staff, these quiet secluded lanes become some of the city’s most exclusive residential areas. Marked by cobbled floors, archways, original stable doors, symmetric low rise houses; they form some unparalleled London photo spots and transport us into the time tunnels.
While mews can be found in various parts of London, there is a good clusters of them in the areas of Marylebone, Kensington and Notting Hill.
📸 Tip: These are residential streets, so always be respectful. Early mornings are best for clean shots and natural light.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Few backdrops are as iconic as St Paul’s Cathedral, with its soaring dome and dramatic columns of Baroque elegance. The current structure — completed in the 1700s — was drawn on inspiration from St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It’s still a working place of worship and weddings today. In case you wonder: it hosted the royal wedding of (then) Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer as one of its most well-known events!
While the cathedral in totality is spectacular as backdrop for portrait photos, the close-up façade is also impressive. Whether it is the columns, the steps, terraces around the cathedral or the intimate gardens in the back, the London photo spot is filled with opportunities for great portrait photos.
📸 Tip: Check below for description of Millennium Bridge. You can also consider shooting from One New Change rooftop — free public access and a dramatic skyline view featuring St Paul’s.
Millennium Bridge
Similar to London Eye, the Millennium Bridge opened in year 2000 to mark the turn of the millennium. Built by globally famous architect Norman Foster, it is a pedestrian-only suspension bridge crossing the River Thames. It connects St Paul’s Cathedral (north bank) to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe (south bank), creating a dramatic urban walkway between old and new London. It is also known as a ‘wobbly bridge’. Don’t worry – the wobbling only happened when the bridge first opened. It is very secured now!
As a London photoshoot spot, it is known for its symmetry and vanishing-point perspective — a dream for stylized or editorial-style portraits.
📸 Tip: For cinematic portrait photos, the best vantage point would be taken from South Bank, with the bridge and St Paul’s dome directly behind. Though it also looks very cool at the bottom of the bridge with the bridge hanging over the subjects in the photos!
Bank & Leadenhall Market
In the heart of the City of London, the Bank area is known as the city’s first financial district. It offers a backdrop of neoclassical architecture, wide stone steps, weathered limestone walls and financial power vibes. You will also see skyscrapers dotted in between the historical buildings, creating an ever-interesting contrast of old and modern. I love it as a back ground for glittery stylised portraits, as well as personal branding photos or business portraits.
Right nearby is Leadenhall Market, a covered Victorian arcade that glows with red and gold accents, wrought iron, and vintage character. It’s also a famous Harry Potter filming location — recognisable as Diagon Alley.
📸 Tip: Leadenhall is fantastic on overcast days — the light filters beautifully through the roof, and the colours pop in all weather.
Canary Wharf
Sleek, modern, and unapologetically urban — Canary Wharf offers a completely different mood compared to the historical heart of London. Think reflective glass facades, towering skyscrapers, wide open plazas, and striking lines of symmetry. This is one of the best photo spots in London for those seeking a contemporary, minimalist, high-end city vibe for personal branding photography and business portraits.
📸 Tip: Jubilee Park and Crossrail Place Roof Garden also provide lush green contrast to the steel-and-glass backdrop.
Further Reading: What is Branding Photography and Why is it Important
In Summary: Photoshoot Location London
London is a city of stories — where every street, every facade, every archway holds history, colour, and character. Whether you’re after elegance, energy, nature, or urban drama for your photoshoot locations, there’s a corner of London that fits your vision.
Further reading: What to Wear for Branding Photograpy
Let’s Plan Your London Photo Shoot
As a London-based portrait photographer, I don’t just take pictures — I help curate an experience and plan your photography session to ensure we get the best results. Whether you’re exploring an iconic photoshoot location London is known for, or something more offbeat, I’ll guide you to the perfect spots that suit your style and purpose.
There are limitless reasons to have a dream photo shoot in London. Whether you’re a traveller in town, planning your engagement and proposal, revisiting memories, marking a milestone, or simply want to feel beautiful, I will bring that magic into your London portrait photoshoot. Not only do I possess the expert photographer skills to capture the best looks of you, I can also help create a tailored shoot itinerary with best photo spots in London that tie with your heart and vision.
💌 Ready to explore some unforgettable London photo spots while looking your very best for your portrait photos? Whatever style you are after, I can make your dreams come true.
Further reading: Explore different styles of photography
