Shad Thames Couples Photoshoot | Sunrise at Tower Bridge

Sunrise, Cobbles and Tower Bridge

This Shad Thames couples photoshoot started before most of London had found its first coffee. The streets were empty. Soft, low light was just reaching the warehouses. And this couple had come a very long way to stand on these cobbles again.

A London love story, revisited

For a few years, this corner of London was theirs. She lived here, and he flew in every weekend to see her. So this stretch of river became their weekend routine.

Now they live in America. Still, some places stay with you long after the boxes are unpacked. They wanted photographs of the spots that held those years, before the details start to blur.

I loved this brief. When a location already means something, my job is simply to notice.

Why we started early in Shad Thames

Shad Thames is one of the most photographed streets in London. By mid morning it fills with tourists, delivery vans and people taking selfies. Early on, though, you get it almost to yourself.

Those iron walkways once carried goods between the old Butler’s Wharf warehouses. Today they make a beautiful frame, layer after layer of black iron against warm brick. We started at the far end, and I let them walk towards me hand in hand. Within a few steps they were laughing, and the nerves had gone.

Then we slowed down. First came a quiet kiss by a tall warehouse window. After that, a hug against the brick, with the walkways stacking up behind them. Of course, we had to stop under the Shad Thames street sign too. It’s a little touristy, but it’s their street sign now.

Tower Bridge at sunrise

Next, we walked the few minutes to Tower Bridge. At sunrise the stone turns pale gold, and the river is calm. Because the sun sits low behind the bridge, a soft haze wraps around the towers.

We tried a few spots. One was tucked against a wall, with the bridge rising behind them. Another was right beside one of the towers, all blue railings and sky. Then they sat on the riverside wall, and he leaned in to make her laugh. Those are the frames I would hang at home.

My favourite came last. I asked them to stroll along the river towards me, and he reached back for her hand. It was a simple moment, but the light did the rest.

The Shard, More London and the walk on

From the bridge, we followed the river path west towards More London. Across the water, the City towers were catching the morning light. So I grabbed a quick portrait there, mostly because they looked so relaxed by then.

Further on, the Shard appeared in a narrow gap between two buildings. Gaps like that make lovely frames, so we stopped twice. In the second frame, their reflection shows in the dark glass beside them. It might be my favourite image of the whole morning.

After that, we headed towards Bermondsey and Borough, where they used to spend their weekends. That’s part two of this session, coming soon.

Planning your own Shad Thames couples photoshoot

Thinking about a couples session here? Go early, ideally around sunrise. Wear something that sits well against brick, like black, cream, olive or soft neutrals. Also, bring comfortable shoes, because the cobbles are uneven and we walk a fair bit.

Many of my couples are visiting London, just like these two. If that’s you, my page on London vacation photography sessions explains how it all works.

Have you got a corner of London that holds your story? I’d love to photograph you there. Send me a message and tell me about it.