If you think you know London, think again. Our creative weekend photo workshop guides you to many hidden and little known photo spots around London, plus fits in alternative views of the most iconic locations as well…
Photography in London
Photographing London is like capturing a city with a thousand faces, where history, modernity, and the whimsical blend into one sprawling, cinematic canvas. Photography in London is an exhilarating adventure through one of the world’s most diverse and photogenic cities. The city offers a rich tapestry of scenes, where centuries-old history rubs shoulders with cutting-edge architecture, vibrant street life, and serene green spaces. Each neighborhood, landmark, and moment provides endless opportunities to capture a unique side of London.
Sunrise in London
Starting our journey at Tower Bridge at sunrise. The bridge, often mistaken for London Bridge, stands like a guardian of the city’s medieval heart. In the soft, golden light, the towers glisten, and the river reflects a quiet calm before the city awakens.
Photographing Tower Bridge is an essential part of capturing the city’s spirit, as the bridge stands as both a historical icon and a symbol of modern engineering. The challenge and beauty lie in its many perspectives, allowing for different moods and compositions depending on the time of day, weather, and your vantage point.
Photographing London at sunrise offers an intimate, almost magical opportunity to capture the city as it transitions from night to day. The early light casts a soft, golden glow over iconic landmarks, while the streets are relatively empty, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere perfect for stunning photography.
Modern London at sunrise presents an extraordinary opportunity to capture the city’s sleek, cutting-edge architecture bathed in warm, golden light. The juxtaposition of contemporary glass structures against the soft hues of dawn creates a striking contrast, bringing out the sharp lines and reflective surfaces of London’s skyline.
Photograph London’s modern architecture
Photographing modern architecture in London is an exhilarating journey through a city known for its bold, innovative designs. The contrast between sleek, contemporary structures and their historic surroundings creates dynamic compositions that make the city a paradise for architectural photography.
Symmetry & Lines. Reflections. Angles & Perspectives. All contrasting with the Sky make for stunning imagery.
Modern architecture, with its emphasis on shape, line, and texture, works well in black and white. This removes the distraction of colour and allows the stark contrasts of the building’s form to shine.
Street photography in London
Street photography in London is like stepping into a living, breathing canvas, where history and culture intertwine to create an ever-changing story. The city’s streets are full of vibrant energy and hidden moments of human connection that unfold against the backdrop of iconic landmarks, busy markets, and quiet alleys.
London’s weather is famously unpredictable, but that’s part of its charm for street photographers. A sudden burst of sunlight can create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, transforming an ordinary street scene into something cinematic. Narrow alleyways like those around Soho or Shad Thames are perfect for playing with these contrasts, as shafts of light filter through old brick buildings, casting long shadows on cobbled streets.
London offer endless possibilities for street portraits. Capture the cool confidence of a punk rocker in Camden, the elegance of a businesswoman in the City, or the quiet contemplation of an elderly gentleman sitting on a park bench in Greenwich.
Night photography in London
Night photography in London is an enchanting experience, where the city transforms into a glowing, vibrant metropolis. The lights reflecting off the Thames, the illuminated landmarks, neon signs reflect in wet glistening cobbles, and the hustle of the streets all come together to create stunning visual opportunities ripe for our cameras.
Highlights may include Westminster Bridge with a grand view of Big Ben, the London Eye comes alive at night with rotating lights, the Southbank bustles with evening activity, street lamps glow on the river, and Piccadilly Circus with its giant billboards light up the night, perfect for capturing the energy of London at night, with fast moving crowds, red double-decker buses, and neon lights.
London’s bustling streets are perfect for capturing the movement of the city through long exposures. Shooting at twilight or after dark, you can turn moving cars, buses, and even boats on the Thames into light trails, creating a sense of energy and flow.
We will find creative and alternative views of London
Both our photograhy guides live in London but are not native Londoners. We have spent significant time and shoe leather searching for amazing views, creative locations, unusual elements, etc.
Creative photography in London is an exploration of contrasts, colours, and unexpected perspectives. The city, with its rich history, modern skyline, and diverse neighborhoods, is an endless playground for photographers looking to push the boundaries of creativity. Whether you’re capturing the gritty urban textures of Shoreditch, the vibrant energy of Covent Garden, or the reflective stillness of the Thames, London’s dynamic character invites experimentation.
London offers a rich selection of creative staircases, reflections, abstract art, street art, colours and shapes. Using slow exposure and intentional camera movement to create interesting imagery.
Typical schedule & locations
We won’t have a specific schedule for this workshop as it will flex depending on weather. We have several plan B locations in case of wet weather.
Our days can be full and long but there will be plenty of opportunities for rests during the day. We will typically meet every day close to London Bridge station.
Friday 11th April 2025: Starting at midday and shooting through to sunset and bluehour.
Saturday 12th April: Starting early at sunrise and shooting through to sunset and bluehour.
Sunday 9th April: Starting early at sunrise and shooting through to approx 13.00.
Accomodation in London
We don’t include accomodation for this trip so it allows attendees to choose their own level and quality, or if local you can join us directly from home. When choosing accommodation please ensure it has easy access to central London for sunrise – around 06.00. Our starting point will typically be around London Bridge Station, but may change slightly due to weather.
Most hotels will have checkin times after the workshop starts, but most will allow you to arrive early and leave your luggage and then checkin later. Hotels used by previous participants:
- Premier Inn, Southwark: Well located and pleasant chain hotel. Has left luggaage facility so can arrive early without having to checkin.
- Travelodge Bank: Lower cost chain hotel, but appears to have NO left luggage facility
- Premier Inn, Bank: Well located and pleasant chain hotel. Has left luggaage facility so can arrive early without having to checkin.
Photography Learnings
Over the duration of the workshop we will work on various photography subjects and elements, including:
- Working with available light
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- Street photography techniques
- ICM and multiple exposures
- Use of filters
- Use of tripod
- Long exposure
- Architectural techniques
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of London.
- Vast local knowledge gives you access to little known locations
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Photo reviews and critique
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced street and architectural photographer, knows the best spots to shoot
Our workshop is for you if…
- You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
- You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
- You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images
- You want to spend a week with like minded photographers
Images from our previous London Workshops
This collection may feature more locations than we will visit.
