Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a London location manager, or just someone who appreciates the perfect photographic backdrop, this guide is for you. London is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and architectural wonders.
As a leading film location agency in the UK, London boasts a range of spaces, each with its unique features. From the historic Thames to local pubs and bustling boroughs, you'll find ideal spots for every shoot. What follows are just a few of the fabulous locations our location agency lists for photographers searching for their next inspirational London location.
Inspiring Arches, Iconic Bridges, and Historic Tunnels
If you're looking for architectural features that can transform a photo shoot, London's bridges, arches, and tunnels are a great place to start. These structures, steeped in history, add a layer of grandeur and timelessness to any shot.
While London has its fair share of famous architecture, there are many more arches, bridges, and tunnels in a range of locations that may not be as well-known but are perfect for an architecturally inspired bit of filming.
The iconic Tower Bridge has long been a signature feature of London and is not just a bridge but a symbol of the city's past and present. The hauntingly beautiful arches of the underground tunnels can lend a mystical aura to your photography.
Here are some quick tips for capturing the best photos at these locations:
- Use the architecture as a frame: Position your subject within the arch or under the bridge to frame them naturally.
- Play with perspective: Stand at one end of a tunnel or bridge and capture the vanishing point, which can add depth to your photo.
- Utilize the light: Light often peeks interestingly through arches and tunnels, and the shadowy contrasts can add drama to your shots.
Post-Apocalyptic Derelict and Wasteland Locations
London is not just about iconic landmarks and polished facades. There's a raw, unfiltered side to it that few get to see. Tucked away in parts of the city you will come across everything from abandoned factories to desolate public spaces.
These locations can serve as excellent canvases for creating surreal and raw photographs to deliver a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era or spark the imagination with visions of an apocalyptic future.
These tips should help you capture a sense of desolation in your images:
- Maximize natural light: These locations often have interesting lighting due to their broken windows or open spaces. Use this to your advantage to create dramatic effects.
- Emphasize texture: The grunge, rust, and chipped paint can add a unique aesthetic to your photographs. Don't be afraid to get close-ups.
- Use props: Adding a model or object can bring life to these abandoned spaces and create a striking contrast between the old and the new.
Warehouses and Industrial Locations
One of London's secrets is its seemingly endless supply of warehouses and industrial locations. Often featured in films and photo shoots, these spaces offer a different kind of charm.
With their earthy brick walls and high ceilings, they create an edgy, urban aesthetic for the perfect backdrop for a range of photography styles. From fashion shoots to lifestyle portraits, these spaces can lend a unique, edgy character to your photos.
Try to incorporate some of the following tips when using any of these types of spaces to add creative grunge to your portfolio:
- Utilise the Space: Warehouses are often large and open. Use this space to your advantage, incorporating wide-angle shots and creating interesting compositions.
- Capture the Details: The industrial elements - old machinery, rusty pipes, exposed brickwork - can provide interesting subjects or backgrounds.
- Play with Lighting: Natural light can stream in interesting ways through windows or gaps in the structure. Experiment with how it interacts with your subject.
Scenic Parks
Famous London parks are a vibrant tapestry of nature, offering a refreshing contrast to the city's urban hustle. With their lush greenery, beautiful flowers, serene ponds, and impressive trees, parks like Greenwich Park or the famous Notting Hill communal gardens can serve as an idyllic location for your photo shoots.
Whether you're looking to capture bright, sunny, outdoorsy shots or use the shade and texture of the trees to add a broody atmosphere, London's parks are some of the most versatile locations for cinematographers and still photographers.
Tips for capturing the best photos in parks include:
- Use the Golden Hour: This time just after sunrise or before sunset provides a soft, warm light that can make your photos look magical.
- Play with Depth: Use a shallow depth of field to focus on your subject and blur the background, creating a sense of depth.
- Wildlife and Macro Photography: Don't forget to capture the smaller details of park life - squirrels scampering, bees on flowers, sunlight through wind-rustled leaves, or intricate patterns on natural surfaces.
Rooftops and Cityscapes
Elevate your photography to new heights by exploring the manyrooftop locations in London. From the highest points of Canary Wharf to the iconic skyline views from Piccadilly Circus, London's rooftops offer a panorama of the city that's hard to beat.
They provide a modern, cutting-edge backdrop that captures the cosmopolitan energy of the city, perfect for everything from serene to cinematic shots.
Reach new heights in your photography with these tips:
- Capture the Skyline: Use a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the cityscape as possible. This can give grandeur and scale to your images.
- Time it Right: Twilight hours, when the city lights start twinkling, can provide an enchanting, ethereal quality to your photos.
- Use the Height: Look for interesting perspectives, like looking down at the streets below or focusing on a single standout building amid the urban jungle.
Rivers and Canals
Rivers and canals are integral to London's identity, with the Thames being a world-famous feature of the city. These popular shoot locations are not just for commuting or tourism, they're also prime locations for capturing unique and stunning photographs.
The reflective surfaces create perfect conditions for capturing cityscapes, the riverside architecture offers a different perspective on the city, and the wildlife can make for great macro shots. Whether you're at Gabriel’s Wharf or exploring the canals around Little Venice, there's always something interesting to capture.
Photography tips for making the most of a riverside location include:
- Reflections: Utilise the water's reflective surface to create symmetrical compositions, particularly during dawn or dusk.
- Wildlife: Rivers and canals are often home to a variety of birds. Patience can reward you with some great shots.
- Long Exposure: If you're photographing in the evening, try a long exposure to capture the light trails of boats moving down the river.
London's Streets and Urban Life
From the buzz of Borough Market to the quiet lanes of Paddington, the streets of London are as diverse as they are plentiful. They offer an unfiltered view of urban life – the hustle and bustle, the quiet moments, the street art, the daily routines. These elements can be used to capture authentic, candid shots that tell a story about the city and its inhabitants. Whether you're in the heart of the city or in the laid-back suburbs, there's always a photo opportunity waiting around the corner.
Use these strategies to capture a slice of London life from the streets:
- Candid Moments: Street photography is all about capturing unplanned, unposed moments. Keep your camera ready to capture those fleeting expressions and interactions.
- Architecture: Look for interesting architectural elements or landmarks that can serve as a backdrop or focal point in your photos.
- Night Photography: The city takes on a different persona at night. Neon signs, street lamps, and headlights can create interesting lighting scenarios for your shots.
Each location, be it a historic arch, a bustling street, a tranquil park, or an edgy, derelict warehouse, offer unique charm and character. No matter what you're looking for, London's landscape is sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your photo shoots.
Finding the perfect film location in London is made easy with Locations Direct. As a leading film location agency, we offer a wide range of locations around the city and beyond. Whether you're looking for an iconic landmark, a hidden gem, or a specific neighbourhood, we can help you find a London film location that will perfectly align with your creative vision.