11 Best Photo Locations London To Get Great Headshots
I know from experience that not everyone vibes with the whole “studio backdrop and awkward posing” setup. But the good news? You really don’t have to.
London is basically one giant outdoor studio. With the types of shoot locations London has, be it green and leafy outdoors or parliament and the city depending, you can definitely find somewhere that makes your headshot feel a bit more you, and a lot less corporate cardboard cut-out.
If you’re a freelancer, coach, creative, or someone just trying to look a little more legit on LinkedIn, then of course; choosing the right backdrop can seriously change how your photo feels (and how people see you).
So I’ve pulled together 11 of the best photo locations London has. Each with a quick breakdown of what it looks like, who it suits, and how to get there without needing to pack a compass and a sandwich. Basically: if you’ve been Googling “London photoshoot locations” and trying to weigh up the countless amounts of options available... Then you're now in the right place.
Urban & Central Shoot Locations London
1) Big Ben (shot from the South Bank)
Starting with the obvious, but if you want a London photoshoot location with instant recognisability, then you really can’t do much better than Big Ben. But, the trick is not standing right in front of it. Shoot from the South Bank instead, and you get a full backdrop of the Thames, Westminster Bridge, and that iconic clock tower.
Who It Suits:
Perfect for consultants, founders, or C-Suite level professionals wanting something that says “I work in London” without needing to literally say it. There’s a classic elegance to it, and the association of leadership and governance help really drive the feeling of competence and professionalism.
Pros:
Instantly recognisable and very London
Dramatic architectural lines, especially at golden hour
Plenty of space to move and find a quieter pocket
Cons:
Gets very tourist-heavy during the day
How To Get There:
You can hop on the tube and take the Jubilee line to Westminster. Once you’re there, just cross the bridge on foot, and walk down the South Bank. The best angles tend to be just before the bend toward the London Eye (you’ll know it when you see it.)
2) The London Eye
Definitely not a subtle one, but 100% it's photogenic! The London Eye isn’t just a tourist magnet, it’s also one of the best photo locations London has if you want a setting that's a bit more playful and modern. The trick here is to frame it with you, not behind you like a theme park selfie. Get the angles right and you’ve got clean lines, light, and movement, all working in your favour.
Who It Suits:
Anyone really! But to be a bit more specific you could generally say people such as; creatives, media professionals, and personal brands that lean a little more casual. If your vibe is approachable, modern, and maybe just a little bit fun then the London Eye is certainly one of the best shoot locations London has.
Pros:
Unique structure that adds curve and depth to shots
Great golden hour light bouncing off the Thames
Feels modern and recognisable without being stuffy
Cons:
The crowds (again)
Can feel overly busy if the background isn’t carefully framed
How To Get There:
Your best bet is Waterloo or Embankment tube stations. From there, walk riverside toward the Eye. The best shooting spots are usually just off-centre, so you get the full curve without standing in the middle of the tourist swarm.
3) St Paul’s Cathedral (shot from Millenium Bridge)
This one’s got a real sense of drama about it. Standing on Millennium Bridge with St Paul’s Cathedral framed perfectly behind you? Strong. The leading lines of the bridge pull everything toward the dome. Visually, it just works. It’s one of the best London photoshoot locations if you want something structured, sharp, and undeniably powerful.
Who It Suits:
Ideal for lawyers, strategists, consultants, or anyone who wants their headshot to say “I mean business” but without going full pinstripe suit on a blank canvas studio background. The combination of historic architecture and clean metal lines gives this spot a real balance.
Pros:
Strong symmetry and leading lines
Architecture itself gives off professional impact without needing a suit and tie
The dome photographs beautifully in soft light
Cons:
Gets windier than you’d expect, so beware of flyaway hair
Harsh shadows if you’re shooting bang-on midday
How To Get There:
Take the Central line to St Paul’s station or the Circle line to Mansion House. From either, it’s about a 5–10 minute walk. Aim to shoot from the middle of Millennium Bridge for that perfect centred shot.
4) St Paul’s Cathedral (up-close)
If the Millennium Bridge angle is all lines and drama, then this one’s more about grandeur and presence. Shooting directly at St Paul’s Cathedral (usually from the front or steps) gives you classic architecture, big scale, and a sense of London heritage that feels powerful without being shouty (essentially in that quintessential English Gentleman way).
Who It Suits:
Great for people in leadership roles, founders, keynote speakers, and anyone wanting to dial up the authority without looking too staged. The stone backdrop and columns give the whole shot a timeless, trustworthy kind of feel, especially in monochrome!
Pros:
Iconic but softer than the bridge shot
Makes you look polished and purposeful
Plenty of variety depending on angle and lens
Cons:
The front steps can get really busy throughout the day
Can feel a bit too formal if you’re going for something super relaxed
How To Get There:
Take the Central line to St Paul’s station and the cathedral is right there when you exit. For clean, symmetrical shots, early morning works best. Later in the day tends to be more atmospheric, especially if you lean into the natural shadows and contrast.
5) Tower Bridge (shot from the river bank)
Much like Big Ben & Parliament, Tower Bridge is iconic and immediately displays exactly where you are to pretty much anyone in the world. But, instead of standing on the bridge (which tends to look flat and touristy), shoot from the river bank instead. It gives you depth, reflection, and a proper sense of scale. Easily one of the best photo locations London has if you’re aiming for impact without too much fuss.
Who It Suits:
Perfect pretty much anyone. Those people whose brand skews modern and ambitious would always fit in well with headshots taken at Tower Bridge. But in general, it’s got a certain edge to it that works really well if you want to look sharp and driven.
Pros:
Industrial elegance with recognisable architecture
Reflections and angles add nice movement to shots
Works well in all weather (even a moody sky looks good here)
Cons:
The river path can get crowded, especially on weekends
Best light tends to be early morning or just before sunset which can make planning the shoot a little tricker
How To Get There:
You’ve got a few options here. Tower Hill (District & Circle lines) is the closest tube, but London Bridge station works too if you don’t mind the slightly longer walk. Head down toward the river bank near the Tower itself for the best angles and spots.
6) Canary Wharf (shot from Blackwall Basin)
It might seem a little bit like a “stock business photo” vibe at Canary Wharf, but by shooting over the other side of Blackwall Basin you can get a quieter shot where the water can add some more texture. In whole, the vibe will then feel a lot more “considered brand shoot” instead of generic business.
Who It Suits:
Perfect for finance professionals, C-suite execs, and anyone working in high-level corporate roles. The look here is sharp, professional, and quietly confident which is ideal if you want your headshot to communicate focus, precision, and leadership without slipping into something too stiff or traditional.
Pros:
Clean, minimal lines that make you pop
Quiet enough to shoot without dodging commuters
Water reflections = free bonus texture
Cons:
Can feel a little cold or stark if not styled right
Less variety in backgrounds compared to other spots
How To Get There:
From Canary Wharf station (Jubilee line) or South Quay (DLR), head east toward Preston’s Road. Once you’re there, walk north and cross over the bridge. Just beyond that, you’ll see the basin open up, with some of the best clean sightlines and reflections.
7) King’s Cross Area
If you haven’t been recently, King’s Cross’ surrounding area is a great mix of sharp glass buildings, curved metal structures, and surprisingly peaceful green pockets tucked around Granary Square and the canal. Basically, it’s one of those spots that looks clean and modern without feeling sterile - perfect for headshots that need a bit of texture and interest without overdoing it.
Who it Suits:
Think tech professionals, consultants, creatives in digital spaces or anyone who’s looking for that polished vibe for their headshots. Google’s HQ is nearby which gives off that modern-business edge if you capture some of the metal and glass buildings in the background. The green areas around are also a neat switch up for portraits or if you want something more lifestyle-focused.
Pros:
Great architectural variety
Feels modern and upmarket
Plenty of space and angles for different looks
Cons:
Weekdays can get a bit busy for shooting
How To Get There:
King’s Cross St Pancras is one of the best-connected stations in London, so no tube gymnastics needed here. From the station, head toward Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard. Some of the best shooting spots are just around the canal and along the curved paths near the fountains and Google’s HQ. Early mornings or late afternoons usually give the best light (and fewer people).
Park & Garden Shoot Locations London
8) Wimbledon Common
Whilst the city and central London has a lot to offer, the backgrounds can draw attention from the main part of the photos, you! So looking to the more quaint and quiet places for outdoor headshots in London; Wimbledon Common gives you light, texture, and that slightly wild, outdoorsy charm. It’s one of the best shoot locations London has for something that feels a bit more relaxed.
Who It Suits:
Perfect for coaches, therapists, wellness professionals, or anyone whose brand leans more personal, calm, or connected. If you want your headshot to feel approachable, open, and grounded — this is your spot. Works well for pet-friendly shoots too, if that’s your thing.
Pros:
Gorgeous natural light, especially in the morning
Feels relaxed and authentic
Big enough to find quiet, distraction-free pockets
Cons:
Can get muddy if it’s been raining
How To Get There:
Wimbledon station (District line or National Rail) is your main stop. From there, hop on a quick bus or take a 20-minute walk up toward the Common.
9) Hyde Park
Big and leafy. And because of the sheer size of Hyde Park there are spots that cater to all kinds of different shots and styles. It’s one of those London photoshoot locations that gives you plenty of options; open greens, tree-lined walkways, soft golden light if the weather’s playing nice. The possibilities really are limitless!
Who It Suits:
Again, with Hyde Park having so many different good spots for shots depending on what you’re going for; it works pretty well for just about anyone. Regardless of profession, if you’re wanting to come across as approachable and grounded, Hyde Park delivers.
Pros:
Lots of variety: trees, lakes, meadows, pathways
Easy to find a quiet corner during weekday mornings
Nice balance of natural and metropolitan
Cons:
Gets very busy on weekends or sunny days
How To Get There:
You’re spoiled for tube options here; Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate, and Marble Arch all get you close to different sides. If you’re after tree-lined shots, head toward the Serpentine or the south side near Rotten Row.
10) Regent’s Park
A little more upmarket and polished than Hyde Park but still natural and relaxed. Regent’s Park gives you that curated green-space feel without veering into “wedding photo” territory. You’ve got long tree-lined avenues, seasonal flower beds, and quiet corners that feel almost cinematic when the light hits right. One of the more quietly underrated London photoshoot locations if you ask me.
Who It Suits:
Great for creatives, consultants, personal brands with a bit of elegance, or anyone whose image needs to balance warmth with professionalism. It’s ideal if you want to look calm, competent, and maybe even a little bit classy.
Pros:
Gorgeous structure to the gardens and walkways
Nice balance of softness and polish
Lots of open shade which is great for consistent lighting
Cons:
Can require permits for professional shoots
How To Get There:
Regent’s Park station on the Bakerloo line is your closest stop, but Great Portland Street and Baker Street also work depending on which part of the park you’re heading to. The Inner Circle is usually where you’ll find the most photogenic spots.
11) Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens also has a good amount of variety just like Wimbledon Common, Hyde Park, & Regent’s Park do; though with towering tropical plants and the Victorian glasshouses, it’s a bit more of a statement shoot than some of the others. In short, Kew Gardens it’s one of the best photo locations London has if you’re going for a high-impact, personal shoot.
Who It Suits:
Ideal for designers, creatives, wellness professionals, or anyone who wants their headshot to feel intentional, vibrant, and a little bit elevated. If you’re rebranding, launching something new, or just want your image to feel a cut above then Kew can help you get there.
Pros:
Visually stunning with huge variety
Beautiful light, especially inside the glasshouses
Feels premium and polished without being over-the-top
Cons:
Requires paid entry and permits for most shoots
Can get busy, especially in good weather or school holidays
How To Get There:
Head to Kew Gardens station (District line + Overground). It’s a short walk from there to the main entrance. If you’re planning to shoot inside any specific sections (like the Palm House or Temperate House), check ahead as some areas require additional access or timed entry.
Have You Picked Your Spot?
Each of the places we’ve covered here has its own personality, just like you do!
And when you match the right backdrop to your vibe, your headshots do more than just “look nice” they actually say something.
If you’re still not quite sure where’s best, or if you’ve already got a spot in mind and just need the right person behind the lens; then I’d love to help.
Headshots don’t have to feel stiff. They can feel like you, just on a really good day. Get in touch and we’ll find the perfect location, time, and look for your brand.
