Best London Locations for Dog Photography

best dog photography locations in london

urban Dog Photography

London offers so many stunning locations for an urban dog photography session, and choosing one can be overwhelming.

I am definitely a city person, and when it comes to picking a location for a dog photoshoot, I am always drawn to urban landscapes. The wide spaces, the line, the textures and the architectural variety make a great background for a dog portrait. They help to frame the subject and to draw attention on the dog rather than the surroundings.

Also, let’s face it. If you are a Londoner and you love this city as much as I do, what’s better than an urban landscape to portray and celebrate your pup’s life in the Capitol?

So here they are, my top 5 London locations for dreamy dog portraits that celebrate our Londogs.

THE BARBICAN CENTre

Brutalist Dog Photography Location

The area surrounding the Barbican Centre, called Barbican Estate, is not only dog friendly, but also a stunning dog photography Location in the heart of London.

Its brutalist architecture offers so many different options to create variety during your photoshoot. Whether your dog is adventurous and likes to explore and climb or prefers to sit quietly, there’s something for everyone!

The shapes, textures and shadows can really make your dog stand out from the background, creating a rough, sometimes dark atmosphere. Perfect for those dogs parents who want to create that special portrait without falling into the “cheesy” category.

best time for a dog photography session

The Barbican Centre is open every day from 9:30am – 11pm.

To avoid the crowds and overwhelming your dog, the best time for a dog photography session is at 8 am on a weekend. The soft morning light will also create some beautiful shadows and a dreamy atmosphere.

Closest Tube station

Barbican Underground Station – Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Line

royal museums greenwich

classical Dog Photography Location

The Queen’s House, Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum are surrounded by some stunning classical architecture making Greenwich a perfect location for a dog photography session in London.

The site is reckoned by UNESCO to be the “finest and most dramatically sited architectural and landscape ensemble in the British Isles”.

Although dogs are only allowed in the outside areas, the guided colonnade and solemn arches offer plenty of opportunities to create some elegant, intimate portraits.

If you are after some classy photographs of your dog, here you’ll find minimalist, all-white backgrounds that perfectly frame thier features.

best time for a dog photography session

royal museums greenwich open every day from 10am – 5pm.

The best time for a dog portrait session is 8am to 9am, 7am during summer weekdays to catch the best light and enjoy an empty location.

Closest Tube station

Cutty sark Underground Station – DLR

the royal exchange

neoclassical Dog Photography Location

The first purpose-built centre for trading stock, officially opened by Queen Elizabeth I, The Royal Exchange is now an iconic building in the City of London with 450 years of history.

The solemn, eight columns entrance was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, and makes this location the perfect background for some glorious dog portraits.

This type of Urban location would suit large dogs as well as tiny ones. It could be used to show how tiny your pup is compared to the city he or she lives in!

best time for a dog photography session

the royal exhcange is open Monday to Friday 7:30am – 10pm.

Weekends are definitely best for a dog photography session. 9 am is still a pretty quiet time, but meeting a bit earlier would ensure the best light. Early morning will also help avoid guided tours that could potentially stick around for ages!

Closest Tube station

Bank Underground Station – Central, DLR, Waterloo & City, Northern

albert bridge

Victorian Dog Photography Location

Linking Battersea and Chelsea, Battersea Bridge is a marvellous example of Victoria Architecture and a beautiful location for head-turning dog photography.

Elegant and fragile, the cable-stayed design will provide the perfect frame for your dog portrait, especially if you are after a LARGE piece of wall art to display it in all its glory.

Additonally, a dog photoshoot on the bridge can easily be turned into a full Battersea landmarks celebration session! A short walk through Battersea Park will take you to the beautiful Battersea Power Station. There will be so many opportunities to take special portraits of your dogs, both on the walk and once at the power station. And let’s not forget the lovely dog-friendly cafes, perfect to take a break after the session!

best time for a dog photography session

Although Albert bridge is always open, the only way of taking great photographs is to get there before the heavy traffic starts. Therefore, that the best time to start your dog photography session is around 6am, when the sun is still low on the horizon and commuters are still having their morning coffee at home.

Yes, it can be hard waking up so early, but we’ve done it and had some wonderful results!

Closest Tube station

South Kensington Underground Station – District and Circle Line

MILLENIUM bridge

Contemporary Dog Photography Location

Created from a collaboration between art, engineering and architecture, Millennium Bridge is the perfect location for some panoramic dog photography in London.

Linking St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate Modern, with its ever changing structure the bridge offers a wide variety of opportunities to create some unusual dog portraits.

Starting from the south bank of the river, walking over the bridge, to St Paul’s, if you love this part of London, why not have your dog’s photographs taken against these breathtaking backgrounds?

best time for a dog photography session

Again, Millennium Bridge is always open and, due to it location, always busy!

I have been to this location on different days and at different times, and my favourite time slot for a successful dog photography session is from 7 am – 8 am on weekends. It can be so magical to get there when both Londoners and tourists are still in bed, and you and your dog enjoy some time together on an empty bridge in the middle of London.