London Through a Photographer’s Lens | What to Pack for Lightweight, Low-Maintenance Travel Photography
London
With Jennifer Lind Schutsky and Family.
These are some of my favorite spots in London:
British Museum
Camden Market
The Churchill Arms, Kensington
Harrods
London Eye
Tower of London
Big Ben
Tate Modern
Tate Britain
The National Gallery
Buckingham Palace
How to photograph the Big Ben without crowds; go at night and shoot the image from the opposite side of the street, not up close. For a cool artistic effect set the shutter speed to a slow setting and catch the cars passing by in a blur. Or if you have the luxury to do the London Eye, get your tickets in advance for a sunset time, just google sunset and choose the trip 15-30 minutes before the expected sunset.
Photography gear to pack for 24 hours in London:
Canon DSLR camera body
30mm or 50mm prime lens (your go-to for everything)
Extra battery (1–2 max)
Small memory card holder with 2–3 SD cards
Lightweight crossbody or camera strap
Compact everyday bag (non-camera style for safety + ease)
Microfiber cloth (for lens + quick clean-ups)
Optional: small portable charger (for phone/navigation)
How to make iphone photos look like professional photos:
Use an editing app like lightroom and batch edit all your images with a preset, you can purchase my preset here. I use the Barcelona preset almost exclusively.
London photography itinerary:
Here’s our original itinerary if you want to copycat, kids didn’t want to do all the things on the list and we’ve been here a few times so we modified slightly:
7:00 PM – London Eye
Start at the London Eye. It’s a great time to hop on as the sun starts setting, offering stunning views of London’s skyline.Ride duration: Approximately 30 minutes.Cost: About £27-35 if booked online.Tip: Make sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues
.7:45 PM – Walk Along the South Bank. Take a stroll along the South Bank, which offers great views of the Thames, Parliament, and Big Ben. The walk from the London Eye to Big Ben takes around 10 minutes across Westminster Bridge.
Free Activity: Enjoy the street performers, vibrant atmosphere, and riverside views.
8:15 PM – Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament: Once you cross the bridge, take time to view the iconic Big Ben (the Elizabeth Tower) and the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament. You can’t enter Big Ben without a pre-arranged tour, but it’s great for photos at this time of the evening with the golden hour light.Free Activity: Viewing from the outside.
8:45 PM – Westminster Abbey (Optional Walk-By) A 5-minute walk from Big Ben brings you to Westminster Abbey. While it will be closed for visitors in the evening, you can still walk around the exterior and appreciate the architecture.Free Activity: Exterior walk.
9:00 PM – St. James's Park. Walk through St. James’s Park: Just a 10-minute walk from Westminster Abbey, this is one of London’s most beautiful parks. Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll as the sun sets.Free Activity: Enjoy the park’s serene atmosphere, bridges, and views of Buckingham Palace in the distance.
9:45 PM – Buckingham Palace (Optional Walk-By) If time allows, you can walk to Buckingham Palace (about 15 minutes from St. James’s Park). While the palace isn’t open for visits in the evening, seeing the illuminated exterior is a great way to cap off your tour.Free Activity: Viewing from the outside.
10:15 PM – DinnerDinner near Trafalgar Square: Head toward Trafalgar Square (10-15 minutes walking) and choose from casual dining options nearby like Pret a Manger or Caffè Concerto, where you can enjoy a light meal for around £10-15.
10:45 PM – Trafalgar SquareEnd the evening at Trafalgar Square, a lively area with street performers and fountains. The square is well lit and perfect for a relaxed end to your evening in London.Free Activity: Enjoy the atmosphere and take in the surrounding landmarks.