Street photography in London: best spots and fun routes

London is alive on the streets. From early suitcases at St Pancras to neon in Soho. This guide is your starting point for two days of photography, should you want to hit the road in London yourself. If you want to go out with guidance and feedback, check out my workshop on 14 and 15 November.

Route A: Kings Cross, Coal Drops Yard, Camden
Start early. People on their way to work. Lines and reflections in glass and concrete.
Look for rhythm in movement. Work with light falling from the station and contrast under bridges along the canal.
Camden Market provides raw contrast and bustle.

Route B: Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square
Chaos in colour. Vapour windows and neon. Here it's all about timing.
Choose places where people cross and wait for the one who makes the story.

Route C: South Bank, Millennium Bridge, City
Wide and open. Backlight and long shadows.
Use space: have lines pointing to your subject.

Route D: Westminster and Whitehall to Covent Garden
Iconic but surprisingly graphic.
Repetition, rhythm and then one person falling out of tune.

Of course, these routes are only meant to give direction. I like to challenge you to deviate from the route and get lost in the gorgeous neighbourhoods, then slowly find your way back to the route. Feel free to take several routes a day: the tube will get you everywhere in London in no time.

And if you really want to see something different, get off at Barbican. Get lost east of the tube station and imagine yourself in a different London. A London with less rush, a bit quieter. I love coming here myself!

The weather determines your photo

• London can be volatile, just like the Netherlands.
• In my experience, London can be even more beautiful with rain.
• Puddles, reflections and umbrellas tell stories.
• Grey light is a soft spotlight.
• If you want more tips on this, check out my page on photographing in the rain.

Pre-departure checklist

• Comfortable shoes
• One camera and one lens works best
• Extra batteries and a cloth
• Light jacket in rain

Prefer guided tours?