Capturing the Iconic Sights of London: A Private Photography Tour

My recent private photography tour through London was an unforgettable experience, filled with moments that allowed me to capture the vibe of this historic city. I explored the vibrant culture and stunning architecture that makes London a photographer’s dream. Let me take you on a visual journey through some of the most iconic sights I visited.

I was initially worried about the weather, since rain is so common in London (Tip: Always bring an umbrella!). But we got lucky, and the rain stayed away for most of the tour.

Trafalgar Square/National Gallery

Our first stop was Trafalgar Square, where I challenged myself to shoot in Manual mode and RAW format. My photography instructor, Lou, guided me on how to maintain proper exposure, especially since settings need constant adjustment when shooting in Manual mode. My favorite images in this spot were the waterfalls.

Exploring Chinatown’s Vibrant Streets

Next, we strolled through Chinatown. The colorful lanterns and bustling streets offered endless opportunities for candid shots. The vibrant atmosphere inspired me to capture the energy through street photography, focusing on the bold colors and intricate details. The delicious aroma of food was tempting, but I was too excited to think much about my appetite!

At this spot, I learned how to shoot into the light, something I’ve always struggled with. Luckily, Lou helped me figure it out, and now I just need to practice what I’ve learned!

Piccadilly Circus: London’s Electric Pulse

Next, I made my way to Piccadilly Circus, London’s equivalent of Times Square. The neon lights, swirling crowds, and iconic billboards create a dynamic setting for photography. There was something to photograph everywhere I looked!

St. James’s Park: Nature in the Heart of London

This stop was definitely my favorite! The combination of lush greenery, wildlife, and stunning architecture created a magical atmosphere. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I was lucky enough to capture three ducks in flight at the perfect moment. I can’t wait to enlarge that image and hang it in my hallway!

Horse Guards at Whitehall

One of the highlights of my tour was photographing the Horse Guards at Whitehall. The horses were stunning, and the guards’ bright red uniforms looked incredibly regal—a sight you definitely don’t want to miss!

Big Ben: What A Sight To See

No tour of London is complete without a visit to Big Ben! The towering clock, set against London’s gothic skyline, was even more breathtaking in person. I loved experimenting with how the light and shadows highlighted the architecture, creating dramatic contrasts. The challenge was finding a balance between capturing Big Ben’s historical majesty and the vibrant modern life buzzing around it, but those moments resulted in some of my favorite shots from the day.

National COVID Memorial Wall: A Moving Tribute

The National Covid Memorial Wall was an unexpected and emotional stop. My photography instructor explained that each heart was hand-painted, representing a person who died from Covid in London. It was hard to hold back tears. When it rains, the hearts fade and need to be repainted, which volunteers do regularly.

Timeless Majesty: Capturing the Houses of Parliament

My wide angle lens loved this spot. I even captured a different angle on a wedding photography session! Plus, I learned some valuable tips, thanks to my photography instructor while shooting in public places. In short, I have every right to be there just as much as they do.

London Eye: A Modern Icon

Our last stop was the London Eye. A fairly new addition to the London skyline. I got to use all my lenses (50mm, 20mm, telephoto) that I brought with me at this spot.

In Conclusion

This private photography tour through London allowed me to capture the city’s iconic landmarks in unique ways. From the bustling energy of Chinatown and Piccadilly Circus to the reflective moments at the National COVID Memorial Wall, each location presented its own photographic challenges and rewards. I look forward to sharing more of these images in my portfolio and continuing my exploration of the world through photography.

Some major take-aways personally for me:

• Shooting in Manual Mode requires constant adjustments. I need to learn my camera settings and learn them well!
• Continue to challenge myself by shooting into the light and adjust my settings as needed.
• Look for ways to improve composition.
• Don’t be afraid to ask people in public places to kindly move so I can get a couple of shots. They will do it! Especially if they’re just standing there.
• And just because there’s a wedding session happening in a public place, doesn’t mean I can’t take a photo of the scenery myself. Just nicely say “I’m going to take a few shots while you’re adjusting for your next pose.” Because again, I have every right to be there, just as much as they do!

This tour was one of my favorites from our European vacation this year. Lou from London Photo Tours and Workshops was fantastic—patient and full of knowledge. It was clear she knew her way around all kinds of cameras. I also appreciated that we used all the equipment I brought with me. If you’re ever in London, I highly recommend them!