Looking for some unique photoshoot locations in London? We’ve got you covered (including info about permits and permission).
Whether your test shooting with fellow freelancers or capturing images for high profile clients, it's important to find a strong backdrop for your shoot. No point having a great model, makeup artist and stylist if you haven’t got a good setting, right?
So, where should you shoot? In this article we’ll share our top eight London photoshoot locations.
Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that permits are needed by photographers in certain areas of London, especially if you’re doing commercial work. If you’re test shooting without lots of equipment (like lights etc.), it’s sometimes possible to do so without a permit. However, we always recommend that artists check the permit requirements associated with specific locations well ahead of a shoot.
Kew Garden
Location: FPH3+FQ Richmond, United Kingdom
Permit info here.
The lush vegetation and colourful flowers at Kew Garden make it an ideal place to capture some lovely shots. What's more, the looming structures of the old Victorian glass houses across the grounds also make for ideal backdrops. Don’t forget to check out the rose gardens as well as Japanese gardens while you're there.
Shoreditch
Location: Shoreditch, London N1 6BY
Info about featuring street art in your images here. If you're selling an image that shows a mural, you may need to seek permission from the artist.
If you’re looking for London photoshoot locations with urban, edgy vibes, you're sure to find a backdrop that suits your vision in Shoreditch. This artsy district in the East End is renowned for its world class street art and is covered head to toe in an vibrant array of ever changing murals.
Top tip: Start at Brick Lane and work outwards - it’s like a maze of art!
St. Dunstan in the East
Location: St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD, United Kingdom
Permit info here.
Nestled right in the heart of busy London, St. Dunstan in the East is an oasis of calm. The church, which was destroyed during the second world war, emanates Mediterranean vibes with leafy vegetation (there’s a public garden here) weaving through the old ruins.
Top tip: The grey, cracked walls of the church coupled with its dramatic arches make for great backdrops.
Covent Garden
Location: 14 James St, London WC2E 8BU, United Kingdom
Permit info: Difficult to find but this page and this page might be good starting points.
So you’ve probably been to Covent Garden, but have you ever thought of shooting there? If you hit this popular spot at off peak times, there’s lots of scope to capture some really lovely photos. Night shoots or sunrise shots, Covent Garden has streets that make stunning backdrops.
With looming ceilings, rustic colours, and vibrant shop fronts - you’re sure to find a backdrop that will compliment any subject.
Canary Warf
Location: GX3R+G9 Barking, United Kingdom
Permit info here.
One shouldn’t overlook Canary Warf when considering shoot locations in London. If you’re looking for a place that boasts an impressive skyline both day and night, Canary Warf ticks all the boxes.
Regents Street
Location: Regent Street, Mayfair, London, UK
Permit info here.
The best thing about Regent Street (aside from the beautiful Victorian buildings)? It has a little pathway that runs up the middle of the street, which enables photographers to take really cool shots that take in the entire span of this infamous stretch. If only every street in London had one of these…
The Barbican
Location: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS, United Kingdom
Permit info here and in this doc.
The unique architecture of The Barbican is ideal for a photoshoot. Take a walk around the area and you’ll quickly discover some really cool nooks and crannies!
Top tip: the concrete columns and walkways around the areas make for really cool backdrops!
Camden
Location: Camden Town, London.
Permit info here.
Where trade, music and fashion collide. Camden is well known for its colourful shops, market stalls, music venues and restaurants. You’ll have no problem finding an interesting backdrop in this vibrant corner of London.
Top tip: use the backdrop below in your shoot, just google Cafe Benjamin on Camden High Street.
If you're finding it difficult to pinpoint the right shoot locations in London for your specific project, we hope this article has helped.
Finding photoshoot locations in London can be time consuming, but don’t overthink it. London is a vast city full of unique alleyways, stairwells and street corners that make for brilliant backdrops. Your ability to spot a gem that works for your shoot will make all the difference.
You never know, the backdrop that you’ve been envisaging for your next shoot could be a stone's throw away from your apartment, so why not do a mini scouting session around your local area, before going farther afield?
Looking to source a team for a shoot or keen to join an existing team? Check out our Collabs.
