London - Why shoot anywhere else?
- Phil Hargreaves
- 9 minutes ago
- 6 min read
London is arguably one of the best places in the world for street photography. Every area has its own style, from historic streets and old markets to modern buildings and busy stations. People from all walks of life cross paths here, creating moments worth capturing at every turn. Whether it’s the classic red buses, the changing weather, or the small interactions happening everywhere, London offers an endless stream of scenes and stories for any street photographer.
I’m going to share some of my favourite street shots from the last 12 months, along with the settings used. Each image captures a moment that stood out to me—some planned, some completely unexpected—and together they tell a small part of London’s story. These are moments that caught my eye and the scenes that remind me why I love photographing this city.
My Camera
All my photos have been taken with either my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or, more recently, the Canon EOS R5, having decided to move to a mirrorless setup. Both of these cameras have delivered high-quality shots.
Canon DSLR – Pros & Cons
Pros
The optical viewfinder gives a natural, lag-free view
Great battery life
Wide selection of affordable DSLR lenses
Durable, familiar handling
Cons
Bulkier and heavier
Older autofocus systems compared to mirrorless systems
Fewer new lenses and bodies are being released
Louder shutter
Canon Mirrorless – Pros & Cons
Pros
Faster, more accurate autofocus (eye/face tracking is excellent)
Smaller, lighter bodies
The electronic viewfinder shows real-time exposure and settings
New RF lenses offer top-tier sharpness and performance
Cons
Shorter battery life
RF lenses can be expensive
EVF can feel unnatural to some photographers
Older EF lenses need an adapter (though they work well)
Lenses
The Canon EF 24–105mm lens is a great all-rounder because it covers such a versatile range. At 24mm, it’s wide enough for street scenes, interiors, and landscapes; at 105mm, it gives you the reach for portraits, details, and tighter compositions without switching lenses. It’s sharp, reliable, and handles changing situations really well—perfect for days when you’re moving quickly or shooting a variety of subjects. Whether you’re photographing people, places, or everyday moments, the 24–105mm is dependable.
Given my move to the mirrorless R5, I'm using the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, which has zero impact on image quality and, in my opinion, little to no effect on performance. Using an adaptor also saves you a few quid.
I've often got a wide-angle lens with me too, a lot of the time my old Canon EF 17-40mm, which is also great for landscape, architecture, and travel photography. I've just bought the Canon RF 14-35mm, which I'm looking forward to using.
My Highlights in London
The London Underground
One of the first things most people do when they arrive in London is jump on the Tube, and it’s also one of the best places to start shooting.
The Underground is full of character—fast-moving crowds, bold signage, long tunnels, patterned tiles, and the iconic roundel everywhere you look. Each line has its own feel, from the sleek modern platforms to the older, narrow stations packed with history. The Tube gives you a mix of motion, symmetry, and everyday London life all in one place. Just remember to stay respectful, keep a low profile, and capture the city as it moves around you. I always find it better to photograph early doors, before the crowds.
In my opinion, the older the better. If you want character, head to Baker Street, where London’s history meets the heartbeat of the Underground.
St. Pauls Catchedral
St Paul’s Cathedral offers some brilliant shooting opportunities, especially if you enjoy reflections and motion. The surrounding glass buildings create natural mirrors that let you frame the dome in creative ways, while the busy walkways and flowing crowds add movement to your shots. Whether it’s people rushing past during rush hour, cyclists cutting through the square, or reflections in puddles after the rain, St Paul’s gives you a perfect mix of calm architecture and lively city energy—ideal for dynamic street photography.
I won't hide it... I'm so happy with that last motion shot!
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and the area around it offers loads of great shooting opportunities. From the banks of the Thames, you get sweeping views of the bridge, the skyline, and the river all in one frame. The mix of old architecture, nearby modern buildings, and the steady flow of people gives you plenty of variety to work with. Whether you’re shooting wide city scenes or picking out small details, Tower Bridge is a spot that never disappoints.
There is a set of steps just along past the engine room on the south side that allows you to get on the bank of the Thames, just below the 'SHAD THAMES' street sign. Just make sure the tide is out of course!
You should also try an evening motion shot with the iconic Red London Bus! If you don't have a tripod, use the railings as I did; they provide the support you need with a slow shutter.
London Bridge
London Bridge is a fantastic vantage point for capturing multiple layers of the city in one shot. From here, you can frame Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast along the Thames, creating a classic London scene with history and architecture side by side. If you head down the steps on the north side, you can also include The Shard in your compositions, adding a striking modern element to your images. With so many angles and landmarks within reach, London Bridge is perfect for both wide cityscapes and carefully framed shots.
That night, after the picture above, I headed down the steps to frame the Shard. I reached into my bag and realised I'd left my wide-angle lens in Yorkshire! I've seen better shots, but I managed in the end, even though I was still a little gutted.
Westminster Bridge
Westminster Bridge gives you classic London views in every direction. From the bridge, you can frame Big Ben beautifully, especially during golden hour when the light hits the tower just right. A short walk toward St Thomas’ Garden brings you to the small pond that’s perfect for reflections of the Houses of Parliament. And if you position yourself along the bridge railings, you can use them to frame the London Eye in creative ways. It’s an area full of iconic angles that lets you capture London at its most recognisable.
So there you have it—my top five spots in London for street photography. But the truth is, the city offers so much more. From the modern lines and reflections of Canary Wharf to the energetic streets around Charing Cross, there’s inspiration on every corner. Head down to Leake Street Tunnel and you’re guaranteed to find something you can connect with, thanks to its constantly changing graffiti and underground atmosphere. And of course, the banks of the Thames offer endless cityscape opportunities, with new angles appearing every time you walk a little further. London never stops giving you something to shoot.
Every corner of London offers something worth capturing. Keep it simple—find a Tube station, wait for a passing bus, or follow the flow of people, and you’ll always spot a moment unfolding. The city moves fast, but that’s what makes it exciting. No matter where you stand, the opportunities are endless.
You will find endless shots of London on my Urban page, along with shots of many other cities, but for me, London is one of the best.
Go on—try out some of these shots for yourself. Wander the city, explore the angles, and see what moments London gives you. And if you capture something you’re proud of, I’d love for you to share it with me.
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