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London for Photography

London is one of the most photographed cities in the world — iconic in ways that mean almost any visitor will recognise their own shots later. But the most memorable photos are usually found just off the obvious angles. Here's the full guide.

Iconic Views

Tower Bridge from Butler's Wharf (south side of the river, looking north-west) — the classic shot, best in early morning light when the South Bank is quiet. Big Ben from Westminster Bridge — photograph looking east at sunrise for the light; looking west at sunset the bridge is in shadow. St Paul's from the Millennium Bridge — the view approaching from the Tate Modern side, with the dome framed by the bridge's cables.

Less Obvious Angles

The Sky Garden (20 Fenchurch Street, free booking) gives a lesser-seen view over the City from the north — looking south toward the Shard and Canary Wharf. Primrose Hill at sunset gives the widest London skyline view outside a tower. Greenwich Hill looks back west along the river to Canary Wharf's cluster of towers, a view that reads completely differently to any West End angle.

Timing

Golden hour (the hour after sunrise) makes central London magical — St Paul's, Tower Bridge and the South Bank are significantly less crowded before 8am and the light is extraordinary. Blue hour (15–20 minutes after sunset) is the best time for the lit buildings reflected in the Thames.

Street Photography

Leadenhall Market, the Columbia Road Flower Market (Sunday mornings), Brixton Market and the Portobello Road antique section on Saturday mornings are the most photogenic working markets. The covered arcades around Covent Garden and the streets of Shoreditch reward slow, patient street photography.

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