where to photograph outdoors in london? urban edition p.1 - london tube

London is famous for its Tube. After sharing my favourite nature spots for portraits, it is only fair to give the city’s concrete side some love. This is the urban edition focused entirely on the Underground. From moody platforms to retro tiles and futuristic silver tunnels, there is no shortage of inspiration below street level.

If you are into portraits with texture, grit, reflections, or cinematic lighting, the Tube offers all of it. Let us start with what I love the most.

the london underground – always and forever

Photographing portraits on the Tube is honestly one of my favourite things to do. I think I could write a whole post just on that alone (and maybe I will here we go…) There is something about the movement, the light, the unpredictability and the challenge. People will stare, so I always check that the person you are photographing is OK with it. But once you settle in, it becomes part of the energy. You really cannot get more London than this.

bakerloo line

This is the line I go back to again and again. The tilework has that perfect retro vibe, and the carriages, honestly, they are iconic. The day they replace them, I will be genuinely heartbroken. They have a raw, rattly character that gives so much mood and texture to portraits.

If you want space and time to work, head towards Elephant and Castle. I went to uni there and have used that route more times than I can count. Trains often pause at the final station for around ten minutes, so you get a little window to photograph without rushing. The closer you get to the end of the line, the quieter it gets. Also, one of the platforms at Waterloo curves beautifully, it is perfect for framing.

jubilee line

For something cleaner, sleeker, and a little sci-fi, this is your line. Westminster and Southwark feel like film sets with their metallic architecture, layered tunnels, and cool-toned light. When it is quiet, it can be one of the most visually dramatic places to photograph in the city. Timing matters here, it gets busy quickly, so try early mornings or off-peak hours.

baker street

This one is timeless. The exposed brickwork, iron details, and low light make it feel like a set from a period drama. I love how it seems untouched by time. It is a popular spot and does get busy, but when you time it right, you can capture portraits that feel cinematic and full of character.

gants hill

This one flies under the radar a bit, but if you are into slightly Soviet-style architecture, Gants Hill is worth a visit. The symmetry, arches, and minimal colour palette give it a different kind of energy calm but striking. It reminds me slightly of Moscow’s metro stations, just in a London setting.

wembley park escalators

You have probably seen them those huge open escalators that feel like they belong in Blade Runner. They are a great location for playing with symmetry, movement, and scale. Be mindful of foot traffic, but if you go at the right time, you can create some beautifully composed shots.

final thoughts

Photographing in the Tube is never the same twice. The lighting changes, the people move, the energy shifts but that is what makes it interesting. These are public spaces, so always be respectful, keep an eye on your surroundings, and make sure your client is up for it.

When it works, it really works. The Tube gives portraits a sense of place, mood, and unpredictability that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

just outside the tube – still very london

Photographing outside the Underground can be just as exciting as being inside. One of my favourite and sometimes most challenging — spots is just outside Piccadilly Circus. The staircase leading up to Regent Street is iconic, with that mix of signage, light, and movement that just screams London.

Your subject can be coming out of the Tube or disappearing into it either way, the light and energy work brilliantly. And here is my secret: the best time to photograph there is actually at night and in the rain. Seriously. Grab one of those £10 transparent umbrellas from Tiger (yes, that exact one), use it as a prop, and lean into the chaos. The rain, reflections, neon, and movement create something cinematic and real. It is honestly one of my favourite looks just be careful with your gear (says me, speaking from experience).

You also get those instantly recognisable London Underground signs, which make the scene feel even more rooted in the city. From everything mentioned in this post, this is probably my personal favourite urban location. It is not perfect it is loud, it is busy but it feels London.

Other options if you are staying above ground:

• Kings Cross light tunnel – Yes, it has been done a million times, but it still works if you want something clean and graphic.

• Eurostar entrance at St Pancras – The sculpture and wide glass entrance can give a dramatic feeling if you frame it right.

• Exterior staircases, walls, and corners – There are so many little architectural gems outside stations. It really just depends on what you are after: contrast, stillness, chaos, or something more minimal.

• Bonus: bank station exterior - I could have included this in my underground post, but it deserves a mention here. The outside of Bank station is brilliant. Clean light, striking lines, and that classic financial district sharpness. Great for something minimal, architectural, or a bit more formal. Just avoid peak hours or you’ll be fighting crowds in suits.

one last note – notting hill station

I grew up in Notting Hill and spent over twenty years there, so I say this with full confidence: there is absolutely nothing interesting to photograph at Notting Hill Gate station. It is one of the most uninspiring spots on the network. Flat lighting, awkward platforms, and not much atmosphere. Save yourself the time.

As for the Notting Hill area itself the pastel houses, the tourist queues, the polished clichés I will get into that in my next urban post. It deserves a proper breakdown.

final thoughts

There is nothing quite like photographing in and around the London Underground. It is fast, gritty, unpredictable but when it works, it feels electric. Whether it is a quiet retro moment on the Bakerloo line or a rainy night outside Piccadilly Circus, these places offer a kind of character and presence that is hard to fake.

You do not need a perfect setup or ideal weather. You just need good timing, a flexible attitude, and maybe that Tiger umbrella.