London Landmark Photo Shoot – Big Ben and Tower Bridge

Andrea Whelan is a London family photographer based in Greenwich, South East London. She photographs families, newborns, maternity, and visiting families across London and beyond.

Mother and Daughter in front of Tower Bridge with sun peeping through

London Landmark Photo Shoot – Big Ben and Tower Bridge


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Mother and daughter looking at each other with Big Ben lit by the sun in the background
  • Mother and daughter in black dresses walking along the South Bank with the city behind them
Mother and daughter laughing in a red telephone box
Mother and daughter in front of Tower Bridge on Shoot with Andrea Whelan.

Planning the Iconic Landmark Shoot in London

Lynn got in touch with me via my contact form and explained that she’d be visiting London with her 15 year old daughter the following month. She told me they would be on a tour and it may be difficult to schedule a time during the day, but they might be able to do a sunrise session. Her initial thoughts were to choose a location that would be easy from their hotel, to get back in time for breakfast.

Staying in Shepherds Bush



Their hotel was located in Shepherds Bush, not super central for the time slot we had planned, so I suggested she contact Discover Real London, a London based tour company that offers private excursions. I’ve worked with them many times and trust them to be reliable and super knowledgeable. This time was no different. They picked Lynn and her daughter up from their hotel and gave them an exciting tour through London, to Tower Bridge.



Tower Bridge at Sunrise



We met at Tower Bridge, the morning after a World Cup match had taken place and the excitement was still palpable in the air. It was warm and the sun peeked through the arches in the bridge in the most perfect way. You simple can’t experience this at any other time of day. When I say it’s worth getting up early to experience this, I truly mean it.

I never get tired of seeing the wonder on people faces when faced with the iconic landmark that is Tower Bridge. It is remarkable and unmistakably London, so I totally understand why people choose this location, time and again.



Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, House of Parliament and The Red Telephone Box


Once we finished up at Tower Bridge, we hopped in the car that was waiting for us to take us to Westminster. A trip that took 10 minutes instead of the 45 minute walk or 20 minute bus ride. Waiting for us there was a glowing Elizabeth Tower, with Big Ben (the actual bell) tucked away inside of it.

Our driver, dropped us off at my favourite spots to get the iconic shots. First stop was the south side of Westminster Bridge. This is the view that gives us ‘Big Ben’ in all it’s uninterrupted glory. The light falls on it, at this time of day, in a very dramatic fashion. Perfect for those instagramable travel shots every teenager wants!

We took a stroll down the steps on this side of the bridge. We were early enough to have the place to ourselves. No onlookers as they took in the views around them. The river, the bridge, the House of Parliament and of course, Big Ben.

We hopped back in the car and drove over the bridge to the north side where all the Red Phone boxes live. For the last few shots we made the most of those! Say what you want about them, they are one of the most important features in a teens insta travel photo dump!



Book your Iconic Landmark Shoot in London



If you would like something similar, take a look at my family vacation sessions in Londonon. Then get in touch, and we can plan a morning or evening that fits your family. I would love to make beautiful photos for your family, on your trip to London.

  • ”Oh my goodness, each picture is beautiful, you worked your magic!”

    – Lynn
Sunrise at Big Ben, mother and 15-year-old daughter under the bridge

  • ” Oh my heart may explode looking at these images, they melt me”

    – Lynn
  • Mother and Daughter in front of Tower Bridge with sun peeping through
  • Mother and daughter in black dresses walking along the South Bank with the city behind them
  • A quiet moment in front of Tower Bridge on a London photo shoot
  • Iconic London landmark photo shoot
  • Mother and daughter in front of Tower Bridge on Shoot with Andrea Whelan.
  • Tower Bridge at dawn with mother and fifteen-year-old daughter
  • A black-and-white portrait of a mum and daughter dancing in front of Tower Bridge.
  • Sunrise at Tower Bridge, pink sky, mum and daughter in black dresses
  • Teen Landmark Photo Shoot, London Tower Bridge
  • Mother and daughter laughing in a red telephone box
  • Red telephone box shot of mother and daughter, London
  • London Black Cab in front of the Houses of Parliament on photo shoot with Andrea Whelan.
  • Taxi ride for a mum with a folding fan on a hot day in London
  • Black and white portrait of mum and daughter walking up steps in front of Houses of Parliament
  • Mother and daughter looking at each other with Big Ben lit by the sun in the background
  • Photo of Big Ben through people's shoulders.
  • Two women looking at Big Ben across the river
  • Woman lying on river wall under Westminster Bridge
  • Sunrise at Big Ben, mother and 15-year-old daughter under the bridge
  • Happy 😊 woman on Westminster Bridge with Big Ben in the background
  • Two women pointing with Big Ben glowing in the background
  • Fifteen-year-old photo session on Westminster Bridge, where Big Ben and Buck run
  • Editorial-style shot of mother and teen daughter walking towards Big Ben.
  • Mother and teen daughter basking in sunrise light on South Bank

FAQ

Got Questions?

It’s about light, composition, timing, and knowing how to use London’s architecture and atmosphere in a way that simply isn’t possible with casual snapshots.

The difference is subtle but unmistakable in the final images.

No. Sessions are relaxed, lightly guided, and designed to avoid stiff or overly staged images.

The focus is on natural interactions and movement while making the most of London’s visual character, rather than stopping constantly for formal poses.

Sessions are intentionally streamlined and designed to fit easily into your sightseeing plans.

Most families find the experience feels more like exploring the city with gentle direction than stepping out of their day for a production-heavy shoot.

Iconic landmarks work beautifully, but some of the most striking images often come from quieter streets, elegant architecture, and areas with distinctive London character.

I help plan locations based on light, crowd patterns, and the overall feel you’re drawn to.

First thing in the morning. Before 7am ideally. That way there are less crowds and we might even get a beautiful sunrise!

You don’t need to. If walking if not easy for you, or time of the essence then a car can be useful.

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