London and Paris are a little over two hours apart on the Eurostar, so plenty of trips include both. If London is on your itinerary and you’d love a London photoshoot with the whole group in the frame, a local photographer is the way to get it.
I photograph couples and families in Paris, so London isn’t my turf. When someone asks me who to book there, I recommend Flytographer, a Canadian company (I’m Canadian too) with local photographers in 350+ cities, London included. Here’s what I’d tell a friend.
Browse London photographers on Flytographer and get $25 off your first shoot.
Why book a London photographer for your trip
London is huge, and the best photo spots are spread out. A local photographer knows which ones fit together in an hour, and which ones are worth the Tube ride.
They also know the city’s moods. London light changes fast, and a good London photographer can make an overcast day look soft and flattering.
And everyone ends up in the photos, including the person who usually takes them.
Where to take photos in London
Notting Hill. The pastel houses are the classic London photoshoot backdrop. People live in these homes, so stay on the sidewalk, keep it quick, and skip the doorsteps. Your photographer will know the streets where that’s easiest.
Tower Bridge and the South Bank. The bridge from the riverside walk is iconic. Early morning is calmer, and the walk along the Thames gives you lots of angles.
Shad Thames. Right by Tower Bridge on the south side, this old warehouse lane has iron walkways crossing overhead and cobblestones underfoot. It’s great for groups, and it pairs well with a Tower Bridge session.
Westminster and Big Ben. Busy, but worth it for a “we were in London” shot. Westminster Bridge gets packed, so go early.
Primrose Hill. A skyline view over the city and a more relaxed feel. Lovely at sunset, and good for families with kids who need room to run.
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Tree-lined paths, the Italian Gardens, and soft light under the trees. Great in spring and fall.
Leadenhall Market and Neal’s Yard. Small, colorful, and full of character. Leadenhall’s painted Victorian roof is a favorite on rainy days, since it’s covered.
London weather and your photoshoot
It might rain, so plan for it. A clear umbrella photographs well and looks very London.
Overcast skies are kind to skin. That soft, even light means no squinting and no harsh shadows, so a gray day can give you some of the most flattering photos of your trip.
If it pours, ask your photographer about rescheduling or moving to a covered spot like Leadenhall Market.
What to wear for London photos
London’s brick, stone, and pastel facades suit both soft and bold colors. A camel or navy coat, a red scarf, or a floral dress in spring all look great. Neutral outfits also let London’s red buses and phone boxes do the talking.
Bring a layer even in summer, because evenings cool down. You’ll walk between spots, so pick shoes you can handle for an hour on pavement.
How booking a London photographer through Flytographer works
Browse the London photographers, look at their portfolios, and pick the style you like best. Choose a package and date, and the Flytographer team helps you and your photographer settle on where to meet.
During the shoot, you walk, chat, and get gentle direction on where to stand and what to do. Your edited photos arrive within 5 days.
Sessions in London start at around $325 USD for 30 minutes. The price depends on the photographer and how long you book, and your edited digital photos are always included.
Thirty minutes in Notting Hill makes a nice short session. For Tower Bridge and the South Bank together, I’d book at least 60 minutes.
How to get $25 off your London photoshoot
Book through my Flytographer link for $25 off your first shoot. Create an account after you click, and the credit stays saved even if you book later from a different device.
Flytographer gift cards work in all their cities, so they make a good gift for anyone with a London trip coming up. Here are the current Flytographer discount codes and Black Friday deals.
Taking the Eurostar to Paris?
If Paris is your next stop, I’d love to photograph you there. Here’s what to know about booking a photographer in Paris, and for families, my guide to choosing a Paris park for your family portraits.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
London photoshoot FAQ
Through Flytographer, sessions start at around $325 USD for 30 minutes. The price depends on the photographer and how long you book, and your edited digital photos are included.
Notting Hill, Tower Bridge and the South Bank, Westminster, Primrose Hill, and Kensington Gardens are the most popular. Leadenhall Market is a good covered option for rainy days.
Light rain can make lovely photos, especially with a clear umbrella. In heavy rain, ask your photographer about moving to a covered spot or rescheduling.
Yes, from the sidewalk. The colorful houses are private homes, so keep off doorsteps and keep noise down. A local photographer will know the streets where it’s easiest.
Early morning for the busy landmarks like Tower Bridge and Westminster. Late afternoon works well in the parks and on Primrose Hill.
As soon as your travel dates are confirmed, especially for spring and summer. That gives you the widest choice of photographers and time to plan the location together.
