Photo Shoot Locations for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Photo Shoot Locations in London

Are you in London and thinking about a great place to snap some superb pictures? You couldn’t have been in a better place! London is dotted all over with both indoor and outdoor photo shoot places at every price range. From eclectic Soho, Covent Garden and Westminster right in the heart of Central London, where inspiring people gather together to get those creative ideas flowing, to more peaceful and quiet neighbourhoods of Dalston and Hackney - they all offer a range of options to choose from! In fact, each part of London has one-of-a-kind locations to offer! So grab your camera and any other equipment you need and hop on our curated list to discover a perfect photo shoot location in no time! 

Before you start your search, however, we recommend creating an action plan. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or a beginner photographer, or a photo shoot coordinator, these types of plans have many benefits! They clarify your goals - to make the best pictures possible - keep you focused and help the whole photoshoot go smoothly. They also come in handy when you are trying to specify what type of photo shoot location you need, as well as which equipment, extras, etc. To inspire you in making your own plan, we’ve come up with a list of key points to keep in mind while searching for an ideal location.  

Things to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Photo Shoot Location:

• The studio space you’ll need - Is it a big photoshoot with many models, makeup artists, fashion stylists? Or a smaller one with only a photographer and a model present? You need to think about how big of a space you need to make all the participants feel comfortable in order to conduct the best photoshoot possible.   
• The facilities you might require - Longer photoshoots require breaks, so it would be great for models and other staff to have a space to relax and eat snacks. Check out locations that offer a kitchen or a dedicated area for breaks. A perfect location should also have a changing room, as well as makeup stations to get the models ready.   
• Equipment - Think of which equipment is essential for the final outcome to be the best possible. Some locations provide some basic photography equipment in the hire fee, such as backdrops, lighting (strobes, speedlights, or a Three Point Lighting configuration) and some props. For a fashion photo shoot, clothes racks, changing rooms and a makeup table may also come in handy. Some photo shoot venues may also provide retouching and photography assistants. Don’t hesitate to ask venue managers for a more detailed list of the equipment they provide, as well as any additional fees or services. 
• Match a photo shoot location to the concept - We recommend starting your search once your concept is developed as it needs to match the lighting conditions. Decide which type of lighting will be the most effective for your concept (natural light or artificial lighting) and look for locations that have the best one. Also, make sure the location is accessible for other photo shoot participants. For example, is it close to public transportation or motorways? Remember that your participants have their own schedules, so don’t make them waste their time to reach a certain place.   

Overall, taking photographs in a studio gives you better control over essential elements and ensures that your creativity can have free rein. So whether you’re a professional photographer, keen amateur or commissioning a photographic shoot, remember that your photoshoot location is a key element in taking a great photograph, rather than a mediocre image.

Popular Photo Shoot Locations in London

Still, searching for any ideas where you could snap fantastic pictures? Below we’ve listed some of the popular photoshoots places you can find on Tagvenue:

• Photography studios - a professional area where you can develop and polish your photography skills. They are used for many purposes, such as commercial photography, food photography, as well as event photography. They usually offer additional equipment as well. On Tagvenue you can find many studios that offer either daylight lighting or artificial lighting. 
• Blank canvas spaces - these make fantastic photoshoot locations as you can bring your unique concept to life from scratch! However, remember that you will be in charge of organizing any essential equipment, props and extras. Nevertheless, these are a fantastic option if you want to be in full control of matching the visuals to your concept.  
• Industrial photoshoot locations - old buildings, industrial warehouse spaces and vintage spaces. They’re all perfect and unique locations that can bring a certain unmistakable element to the aesthetics of any photo shoot. 
• Iconic venues - it goes without saying that London’s famous buildings, museums, stately homes and landmarks are also some of the best photography sites that you can use to your advantage! So get your head spinning with the diverse collection of them on Tagvenue!
• One-of-a-kind spaces - unique or quirky venues, such as railway arches and ancient chapels, make great photo spots as they push your creativity to the limits! Also, they will ensure that your pictures are unique and original. 

Those and many more types of locations perfect for photo shoots are available right away on Tagvenue! So put our search engines in motion and have a look at the best top spots across London. You’ll be snapping pictures in one of our top shooting locations in no time. 

Maximising Small Spaces for Dynamic Photo Shoots

In London, where space is a premium, photographers often face the challenge of conducting photo shoots in confined areas. However, small spaces don't have to limit your creativity. With a few innovative strategies, these compact settings can transform into dynamic photography studios that bring your photographic visions to life. Here's how to maximise small spaces for impactful and creative photo shoots.

• Creative Use of Mirrors: Incorporating mirrors can dramatically expand the perceived space in your photos, adding depth and intrigue. Position mirrors strategically to reflect natural light or create compelling compositions through duplicated imagery.
• Lighting Techniques: Mastering lighting is crucial in small spaces and indoor photo shoot locations. Use soft, diffused light to minimise harsh shadows and make the area feel large. Consider using LED panels or ring lights, which offer substantial illumination without occupying too much space.
• Colour and Texture: Utilise vibrant colours and varied textures to create visual interest within a limited area. Bright, light colours can make spaces appear large, while textures can add depth and dimension to your photos without needing more physical space.
• Multifunctional Props: Choose props that can serve multiple purposes or be easily modified for different looks. This approach saves space while offering diverse backgrounds and settings for your subjects. Think of collapsible backdrops, reversible fabrics, or furniture pieces that can be styled in various ways.
• Perspective and Angles: Experimenting with camera angles and perspectives can unveil new dimensions within a small space. Try shooting from high above or close to the ground to discover unusual views that give your photographs a sense of expansiveness.
• Declutter the Scene: In confined spaces, less is often more. A minimalist approach can focus attention on the subject and create a clean, uncluttered look. Before you start shooting, remove unnecessary items and simplify the background to enhance the impact of your images.
• Vertical Space Utilisation: Don't just think horizontally; vertical spaces offer untapped potential for creative photo shoots. Use wall-mounted shelves or hanging elements to draw the eye upwards, making the space feel taller and more open.
• The Power of Post-Production: Sometimes, the magic happens in post-production. Use editing software to adjust the composition, remove distracting elements, or even digitally extend the space around your subject for a more dynamic result.
• Schedule Daylight Shoots: If natural light is available, schedule your shoot when light is optimal. Natural light can save space (no need for bulky lighting equipment) and bring a soft, expansive feel to the photographs.
• Embrace the Space: Finally, embracing the limitations of a small space can lead to unexpectedly creative outcomes. Use the cosiness of the setting to your advantage, creating personal, engaging shots that larger studios can't replicate.

To ensure your photo shoot is nothing short of amazing, explore 8 things you need to know to make a photo shoot plan. 

Night Photography in London’s Lit Landscapes

London transforms as the sun sets, offering photographers a playground of illuminated landscapes and lovely night scenes. However, capturing the essence of London after dark requires technical skill and creativity. This guide aims to help you navigate this city’s nocturnal beauty, turning its lit landscapes into stunning photographic masterpieces.

• Scouting Iconic Locations: Start with iconic spots like the Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Piccadilly Circus. Their nighttime illumination provides dynamic spots for your photos. Be bold in exploring less obvious areas like Shoreditch or Camden for unique neon signs and street art.
• Mastering Low Light Photography: Night photography challenges even seasoned photographers due to limited light. Invest in a tripod to stabilise your camera for long exposures. A wide aperture lens (f/2.8 or wider) is ideal for capturing as much light as possible. Remember to experiment with ISO settings and shutter speed to find the perfect balance for each location.
• Embracing the Blue Hour: The blue hour, which occurs just after sunset and before sunrise, offers a magical light that balances the artificial city lights with the natural sky’s deep blue. This time perfectly captures the city’s silhouette against a still-lit sky.
• Capturing Reflections: After a rain shower, London’s streets offer reflective surfaces that double the visual impact of city lights. Look for puddles, wet streets, or the Thames River to capture reflections that add depth and symmetry to your shots.
• Incorporating Movement: Use slow shutter speeds to capture the city’s movement. The flowing lights of moving cars, buses, and the Underground can add dynamic lines and energy to your compositions.
• Exploring Vertical Spaces: Don’t just stay on ground level. London’s viewpoints, like The Shard or the Sky Garden, provide high vantage points for capturing the sprawling cityscape under the night sky.
• Respecting Privacy and Security: Always be mindful of privacy and security when photographing at night. Use common sense, respect property boundaries, and avoid photographing individuals without consent.
• Safety First: Night photography often involves carrying expensive equipment in the dark. Always prioritise your safety by staying aware of your surroundings, and consider photographing with a buddy, especially in less busy areas.
• Post-Processing to Enhance Night Photos: Night photos often require post-processing to adjust exposure, contrast, and colour balance. Tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop can help you enhance the details and vibrancy of your night shots.
• Legal Considerations: Some locations may require permission for photography, especially for commercial purposes. Always check the rules for photography for landmarks and private properties.

By embracing these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to explore and photograph London’s nighttime landscapes. Each click of the shutter captures a moment of the city’s nocturnal charm, offering a new perspective on the familiar. London by night is a photographer’s delight, full of stories waiting to be told through your lens!