Finding the right backdrop for your next shoot shouldn’t feel like a second job. Whether you’re scouting for a fashion editorial, an e-commerce catalogue, or branded social content, the location you choose shapes everything—from lighting to logistics to the final images your clients will see.

At Locations Direct, we’ve spent years building a database of photo locations for hire across London and the wider UK, connecting photographers, producers, and creative teams with spaces that actually work for professional shoots. This guide walks you through how to find, filter, and book the perfect photoshoot space, with practical tips on what to look for and how our team can help.

How to find photo locations on the Locations Direct library

Our online location library is designed to help you discover options in minutes, not hours. Using clear filters and a straightforward keyword search, you can narrow down hundreds of properties to a focused shortlist that matches your brief. For even more convenience, you can use the Locations Direct website to discover new photo locations and plan shoots while on the go.

Here’s how our search tools work:

• Filter by area: Choose from larger areas of London like South East London, or search by London Boroughs like Southwark for example. If you are shooting outside of London you can search by counties or towns like Manchester, Brighton, Kent or Surrey.
• Filter by property type: Narrow your search to townhouses, flats, studios, warehouses, period homes, commercial spaces, or country estates to name a few.
• Filter by style: Looking for minimal, rustic, maximalist, industrial, or period? Select the aesthetic that fits your creative vision.
• Check rates: Check a locations price guide on their profile before you reach out.

You can also search by specific features that matter for your shoot—things like “double-height ceilings”, “roof terrace”, “concrete floors”, “exposed brick”, or “drive-in access”. These detail-level filters are particularly helpful when you’ve got a particular look in mind or technical requirements to meet. For detailed navigation and location views, users can see on Google Maps where a location is situated.

Each listing includes a full stills gallery, and property descriptions that can include things like - parking and access notes, power information, and rough starting day rates. This lets you assess whether a space is genuinely suitable before you commit to a recce or enquiry, saving everyone time.

While platforms like PhotoHound provide information on photography locations in over 100 countries, Locations Direct specialises in curated UK locations, ensuring a focused and high-quality selection for your next shoot.

Types of photoshoot locations

When it comes to planning your next photography trip, look no further than understanding how the right location can make all the difference in bringing your creative vision to life. The UK offers an extensive selection of diverse and unique photography locations, each providing its own distinct atmosphere and endless creative possibilities. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting your journey, exploring different types of spaces is your trusted pathway to discovering fresh inspiration and elevating your portfolio to new heights.

Urban spaces are a standout choice amongst photographers, particularly in dynamic cities like London. From sleek contemporary apartments and rooftop terraces boasting panoramic city views to characterful alleyways and vibrant street art, urban locations provide a vast selection of opportunities to capture the raw energy and contemporary edge of city life. These exceptional spaces are the perfect backdrop for fashion shoots, editorial portraits, and creative campaigns that demand a modern, cutting-edge aesthetic.

Historic and period properties offer a completely different experience, with their intricate details, sweeping staircases, and timeless elegance. Shooting in a Georgian townhouse, Victorian mansion, or centuries-old library adds remarkable depth and sophistication to your work, ensuring your images stand out in any professional portfolio. These distinguished locations are ideally suited for classic portraits, refined lifestyle shoots, and projects that call for an unmistakable touch of heritage charm.

Industrial and warehouse spaces represent another exceptional option, especially for photographers seeking to create bold, impactful imagery. Exposed brick walls, steel beams, and expansive open areas deliver an authentic, raw aesthetic that's simply impossible to replicate elsewhere. These versatile sites are consistently chosen for lookbooks, music promos, and creative editorials that require a distinctive urban edge and contemporary feel.

Countryside retreats and rural estates across the wider UK provide the perfect escape and opportunity to capture nature at its most stunning. Picture rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and peaceful lakes—these inspiring locations are tailor-made for outdoor portraits, family sessions, and brand campaigns seeking to evoke tranquility and natural beauty.

Coastal spots bring an entirely fresh palette to your photography, featuring dramatic clifftops, pristine sandy beaches, and ever-changing natural light. Whether you're capturing sunrise magic on a Cornish beach or showcasing the rugged splendour of Scotland's coastline, these locations are perfectly suited for adventurous photographers determined to create truly unforgettable imagery.

With such an amazing selection of photography locations spanning urban, historic, industrial, rural, and coastal spaces across London and the wider UK, finding your perfect shoot location has never been easier. By exploring this diverse range of settings, you'll unlock new creative possibilities and ensure every project delivers exceptional results. So gather your equipment, assemble your team, and embark on discovering the ideal locations for your next photography adventure—the perfect backdrop for your vision is waiting to be found.

Country & coastal photo locations across the UK

While London dominates the calendar, many clients head out of the city for spring and summer campaigns—or whenever a brief calls for something slower-paced, greener, or more dramatic. Countryside and coastal photo locations offer a completely different mood, and the wider UK has some amazing places to explore.

Typical countryside photo locations on our database include:

• Georgian rectories in the Cotswolds with walled gardens and honey-stone facades
• Rural country homes all across the UKs beutiful countryside
• Converted barns in Oxfordshire with vaulted ceilings and rustic textures
• Farmhouses in Kent with orchards, meadows, and traditional Aga kitchens
• Lake District boathouses with water access and mountain backdrops
• Scottish lodges with dramatic landscapes and moody interiors

Coastal photo locations are equally popular for fashion, swim, and lifestyle campaigns:

• Cornish beach houses with direct sand access and panoramic sea views
• Brighton seafront apartments with balconies overlooking the pier
• Private stretches of beach and dunes suitable for larger productions

Key visual features clients look for include big gardens, tree-lined drives, meadows, glass extensions, pools, tennis courts, and walled gardens. These elements create variety within a single location, letting you capture multiple scenes across a weekend shoot or even a single day.

Our team can advise on travel times from London, accommodation options for crew, and local suppliers—keeping the planning process practical and stress-free. Whether it’s your first time shooting outside the city or you’re a regular on country call sheets, we’re here to help.

What makes a great photo location?

This section is helpful whether you’re a client booking photography locations or a property owner interested in listing your home on our database. Understanding what makes a space genuinely shoot-ready can save time on both sides. Clients often mention the pleasure of working with a helpful and professional team during their photoshoots and bookings, which adds to the overall positive experience.

Practical qualities to look for:

• Good natural light: Large windows, skylights, or glass extensions that flood rooms with soft, workable light throughout the morning and afternoon.
• Workable room sizes: Enough space for crew, kit, and talent to move comfortably—cramped rooms rarely photograph well.
• Parking or loading access: A driveway, allocated bays, or street parking that can accommodate a van or truck.
• Power supply: Reliable sockets in key rooms, ideally with capacity for lighting rigs and charging.
• Quiet surroundings: Essential for any video element, but also helpful for keeping the atmosphere calm and focused.

Visual qualities that stand out:

• Consistent style: Spaces with a clear aesthetic—whether minimal, period, industrial, or eclectic—are easier to brief and art-direct.
• Interesting textures: Exposed brick, panelling, concrete, tiles, and natural wood add depth to images without needing props.
• Statement features: Staircases, large kitchen islands, roll-top baths, fireplaces, and architectural details create visual interest.
• Versatile spaces: Rooms that can be shot several ways in one day—changing angles, moving furniture, using different backdrops—offer better value for clients.

Logistics that matter:

• Clear access hours: Early morning or late evening shoots are common; flexibility here is a real advantage.
• Nearby unit base options: Space for catering, wardrobe, and crew to gather off-set and parking.
• Relaxed neighbours: Properties where neighbours are used to shoots (or at least unbothered) reduce risk and stress.
• Straightforward house rules: Clear guidelines on noise, numbers, and any no-go areas help everyone plan ahead.

How to book a photo location with Locations Direct

The booking process is designed to be quick and transparent for busy photographers and producers. Whether you’re planning a major campaign or a simple catalogue shoot, here’s how it works:

1. Send us a brief: Share your preferred date(s), budget, crew size, usage requirements, and any reference images via our enquiry form or by email. The more detail, the better—we want to pinpoint options that genuinely fit.
2. Receive a curated shortlist: Our location agents review your brief and send back a selection of suitable photo locations, usually within 24 hours.
3. Hold options and arrange recces: Once you’ve identified your favourite photo spots, we can hold them for you while you arrange a visit or confirm internally. Recces are particularly helpful for larger productions or unfamiliar properties.
4. Confirm your booking: When you’re ready, confirm in writing. We issue location agreements covering fees, overtime, usage, damage deposits, and house rules—everything clear upfront.

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We can also advise on permits for public spaces, parking suspensions, and neighbours’ letters where relevant. Last-minute bookings are possible, especially in London—we can often turn around a simple stills shoot location within a day. If you’re on a tight week or facing a surprise brief, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Working with UK photo location experts

Locations Direct is a leading UK location agency specialising in film and photoshoot locations. We’ve worked on fashion campaigns, interiors features, cookbooks, catalogue shoots, TV commercials, music promos, and social media content for UK and international brands. Whatever your brief, we’ve likely seen something similar—and we know which properties deliver.

The value of working with a named location agent goes beyond access to a database. We interpret complex briefs, suggest left-field options you might not have considered, and flag any red flags early—whether that’s tricky access, noise restrictions, or planning rules that could affect your shoot. Our team is here to store your favourites, track your events, and keep your account organised for future projects.

For clients: If you’re looking to find your next photo location, send us your brief and let us do the legwork. Whether you’re after a minimal studio, a period townhouse, or a rare coastal property, we’re confident we can help.

For property owners: If you think your home has strong shoot potential—great light, interesting features, or a distinctive style—we’d love to hear from you. Visit our website to learn more about listing your space.

We hope this guide has been inspiring and helpful, giving you the ideas and tips you need to discover the right location for your next project. Whether you’re heading to London, the Cotswolds, or somewhere completely new, our team is ready to help you create something brilliant.

Get in touch today to start your search, or head to our database to explore—we’re here to help you secure the right photo location on time and on budget, with minimal stress.