Westminster Couples Photoshoot | Big Ben and the London Eye

Name: Andrea Whelan Photography
Price range: $$$

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.

Couple standing together on the riverside in front of the London Eye

Westminster Couples Photoshoot: Big Ben, the Tube and the London Eye

This Westminster couples photoshoot is the final part of a long London morning. We started at Shad Thames, then wandered through Bermondsey and Borough. Finally, we caught the tube across the river to Big Ben.

Westminster couples photoshoot, couple kissing on the river wall with Big Ben behind

A weekend love story

For a while, theirs was a weekend relationship. She was in London, and he flew in every weekend to see her. Now they live in America together. Still, London is where their story really started.

So this session was about saying thank you to the city. They wanted the places that mattered, and they wanted them to feel like theirs.

Black and white photo of a couple walking hand in hand with Parliament behind

Riding the tube to Westminster

I love including the tube. It’s ordinary, but it’s also deeply London. We started under the London Bridge roundel, where he kissed her before we headed down.

On the Jubilee line, they leaned together and grinned at me. Then came the long escalator, with its curved walls and warm light. It takes just a few minutes from London Bridge to Westminster, and it makes a lovely bridge between scenes.

Couple seen from behind looking across the Thames to Big Ben

Big Ben from across the river

Up on the South Bank, the river opened out in front of us. Across the water stood the Houses of Parliament, glowing in the morning sun. Technically, Big Ben is the bell, and the tower has its own name. Nobody calls it that, though.

They sat on the river wall and shared a kiss with the tower behind them. Next, I shot a few frames over their shoulders, keeping Big Ben soft in the background. Because the focus sits on them, those pictures feel more personal than a straight landmark shot.

One of my favourites is from under a stone archway by the bridge. It frames Big Ben perfectly, and they simply stood there, close and happy.

Smiling couple in sunglasses on Westminster Bridge with Big Ben behind

Couple nose to nose with Big Ben soft in the background across the river

Westminster Bridge and the South Bank

Back in the black outfits, we spent more time along the river. They walked hand in hand, and I switched to black and white. The river path, the bridges and the city skyline all look timeless that way.

Then we found an old ornate lamp post with Big Ben behind it. After that, we went up onto Westminster Bridge itself, which gets busy quickly. Sunglasses came out, smiles came out, and we embraced the tourist moment.

Saying goodbye by the London Eye

We finished with the London Eye. I shot it in colour and in black and white, the huge wheel framing them on the riverside. It felt like the right place to end, a little grand and a little sentimental.

It’s a joy to photograph people revisiting a city they love. Above all, these pictures are about the years they spent here.

Planning your own Westminster couples photoshoot

Westminster is busy, so timing really matters. Early mornings give you calm water, softer light and far fewer people. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, as we cover a fair bit of ground.

Many of my couples are visiting, just like these two. My page on London vacation photography sessions explains how it all works. Or send me a message and tell me which London places matter to you.

Part two of this story was in Bermondsey, part one of this story was in Shad Thames and Tower Bridge

FAQ

Got Questions?

Early morning is best. The bridge and riverside are far quieter, and the light is softer. By mid morning, crowds build quickly around Big Ben.

It does get busy, especially later in the day. Even so, we can work with it. I use angles, timing and the riverside below to keep crowds out of the frame.

Yes, and I love it. The tube is fast, and it’s a very London backdrop. On the Jubilee line, London Bridge to Westminster takes a few minutes.

Definitely. It sits just along the South Bank from Westminster Bridge. Most couples find it an easy, natural place to finish.

A few frames with sunglasses look relaxed and fun on a bright day. For most photos, though, I’d suggest taking them off. Your eyes say a lot, and I’d hate to lose that.

That’s completely normal. I’ll give you simple things to do, like walking, chatting or sitting together. Most couples forget about the camera surprisingly quickly.