Monochrome London: A Black & White Photography Tour with Tips for Capturing the City

Black and white photography has a timeless power that strips a scene down to its essentials — light, shadow, shape, and texture. In the urban landscape, where distractions are everywhere, monochrome simplifies the chaos and draws attention to architecture, contrast, and mood. It emphasizes patterns in buildings, reflections in wet streets, and the gritty textures of aging facades. Without color, it’s easier to focus on the shapes, contrast, and details in the scene, which can make cityscapes feel stronger and more impactful.

Few cities offer the visual variety and moody atmosphere that London does. With its blend of historical architecture, modern design, bustling street life, and ever-changing weather, London provides endless opportunities for compelling black and white imagery. From the intricate structure of Tower Bridge to the sleek lines of the Shard, and from the bustling energy of Borough Market to the clean lines of the Underground, London’s wide range of scenes work especially well in black and white.

London’s gray skies and rich textures practically invite black and white treatment – making it a dream location for any urban photographer. In this blog, I’ll share some of my favorite locations for photographing London in Black and White, and also provide tips for capturing great photographs in London.

Take a visual tour of my London in Black and White project through the complete slideshow.

The London Eye

This black-and-white image captures a close-up section of the London Eye, its glass capsules and steel framework cutting across a backdrop of modern high-rise buildings. The interplay of geometric shapes—the curved wheel, the web of supporting cables, and the sharp-edged rectangles of the architecture—creates a striking urban composition.

Tip: When photographing London in black and white, look for strong geometric contrasts between man-made structures, as their lines and shapes become even more pronounced without the distraction of color.

St. Paul's Cathedral from the Millennium Bridge

St. Paul’s Cathedral from the Millenium Bridge

This black-and-white image captures the Millennium Bridge leading directly toward the grand dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, with its classic silhouette standing out against the soft, textured sky. The modern lines of the bridge contrast beautifully with the historic architecture, creating a sense of depth and perspective that draws the viewer in.

Tip: St. Paul’s cathedral can be photographed from several different compositions with the Millenium Bridge in the foreground. Try photographing from the left and right of the bridge as well as on the bridge looking straight at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

If you don’t want people in your photograph or take the time to remove them in Photoshop, make sure you get out early. I typically left the hotel around sunrise each morning, because by 10:00am the popular attractions are crowded with tourists.

Westminster Abbey

This black-and-white shot of Westminster Abbey shows off the stunning detail of its Gothic façade, from the intricate stonework and towering spires to the striking rose window at its center. The bare winter branches above create a natural frame, giving the scene a classic, timeless feel.

Tip: When photographing London in black and white, look for scenes with strong architectural details and natural framing elements, such as tree branches or shadows, which can add depth and draw the viewer’s eye toward the subject.

The Guards at Buckingham Palace

This image captures two guards standing at attention outside Buckingham Palace, their traditional uniforms and bearskin hats providing a striking visual contrast against the clean lines and symmetry of the palace façade. The deep shadows and bright highlights emphasize the geometry of the scene, while the central archway draws the eye inward.

Tip: When photographing London in black and white, take advantage of strong symmetry and contrast to create a visually balanced composition that feels both timeless and refined.

The Uber Boat on the Thames River

This black-and-white photograph captures a dynamic view of the Thames, with the sleek form of an Uber Boat in the foreground and London’s modern skyline—featuring City Hall and The Shard—rising dramatically in the background. The interplay of light on the water adds texture, while the boat’s movement introduces energy to the otherwise still architectural scene.

Tip: When photographing along the Thames in black and white, consider incorporating boat traffic into your composition—positioning a vessel in the frame can create a strong focal point, add a sense of scale, and help lead the viewer’s eye through the image.

Another London Tip: The Thames River is pronounced “Temz”.

The Tower of London

This black-and-white photograph showcases the White Tower, the central keep of the historic Tower of London, its stone walls and turrets standing in sharp relief against a softly clouded sky. The textured masonry and medieval architecture are emphasized by the absence of color, drawing attention to the building’s enduring strength and symmetry.

Tip: When photographing London in black and white, take advantage of historic landmarks with rich textures—stone, brick, and wood often gain extra depth and drama when captured without color.

The Shard – View from Sky Garden

This black-and-white photograph captures The Shard rising sharply above the London skyline, its glass façade reflecting light and creating a striking contrast against the softer tones of the surrounding cityscape. The image emphasizes the building’s bold, modern lines while revealing the intricate texture of the urban landscape below.

Tip: For dramatic black-and-white views of London’s skyline, visit the Sky Garden—its panoramic vantage point offers one of the best elevated perspectives in the city, perfect for framing iconic landmarks like The Shard alongside the sweeping expanse of London.

Visiting the Sky Garden is free, but you’ll need to book a ticket in advance through their official website. Tickets are released in batches—usually about three weeks ahead—and can go quickly, especially for peak times like sunset. When booking, you’ll select a specific date and time slot, and it’s important to arrive within that window to guarantee entry.

While standard tickets give you access to the observation decks, bars, and gardens, you can also skip the booking process by reserving a table at one of the on-site restaurants or bars, which includes entry as part of your reservation. You also may be able to purchase a paid entry if the free tickets are no longer available. I paid £11.50 for a morning ticket that also included a hot beverage.

Making Paella at Borough Market

Places like Borough Market, Camden Market, and Portobello Road offer vibrant energy and plenty of candid moments, textures, and interesting characters for compelling street photography.

Tip: Borough market gets really crowded in the afternoon so get there when it opens.

Borough Market Hours

Check out the slideshow of my complete London in Black and White Project.

Exploring London in black and white reveals a side of the city that’s both timeless and full of character, where shadows, textures, and contrasts tell stories color can sometimes hide. From historic landmarks like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to modern icons like The Shard and the London Eye, each location offers unique opportunities to play with light, form, and perspective.

Written by Martin Belan

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