A clear umbrella in the rain: both banks of the Thames at Big Ben

A Big Ben photoshoot in steady rain, walked along both banks of the Thames: the red phone box, the river wall facing the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, the arch under the bridge and the South Bank opposite Parliament. One clear umbrella went all the way round, and the wet pavements did the rest.

The red phone box

We started at the red phone box, with the clock tower on one side and a red bus passing on the other. Rain on the glass and reflections on the pavement made the colours look richer than on a dry day. Close-ups under the umbrella, plus a full-length frame from a few steps back.

Couple kissing under a clear umbrella by a red phone box with Big Ben behind them in the rain

Close-up of a man kissing a woman's forehead under a clear umbrella by a red phone box near Big Ben

Across from the London Eye

On the Westminster side of the river the wall runs along the water, with the London Eye and County Hall on the far bank. Grey sky turns the wheel into soft white lines behind the couple.

Couple hugging under a clear umbrella by the Thames with the London Eye behind, during a Big Ben photoshoot

Couple kissing by the river wall with the London Eye across the Thames, during a Big Ben photoshoot

On Westminster Bridge

The bridge in the rain: an ornate lamp post overhead, the Houses of Parliament to the left and the tower ahead. Leaning on the railing together is an easy pose even for people who have never been photographed.

The arch under the bridge

Under the bridge on the South Bank side the arch keeps everyone dry and the tower framed across the river. The light from outside turns the couple into a silhouette, which is why we took the same moment in colour and in black and white.

Black and white silhouette of a couple in the arch under Westminster Bridge with Big Ben across the river

Couple standing forehead to forehead in the arch under Westminster Bridge with Big Ben behind

The South Bank river wall

Last stop, the river wall opposite Parliament, with the bridge arching on the right. Here there was room for slower photos: facing each other, looking at the tower from behind, and a solo portrait with the umbrella.

Couple facing each other under a clear umbrella on the South Bank with Big Ben across the Thames

Couple seen from behind under a clear umbrella, looking across the Thames at Big Ben

Ideas from this Big Ben photoshoot

Bring a clear umbrella. It keeps you dry without hiding your faces or the tower behind you.
Pick one statement piece. A brown fur coat over an all-black outfit stands out against grey stone and red paint.
Wear boots you can walk in. Wet pavements are part of the look, so dress for them.
Turn away from the camera once. A back view looking at Big Ben is one of the simplest and most natural poses.
Ask for a solo portrait. A few minutes on your own gives you a photo just for you.
Try black and white under the arch. Silhouettes against a bright river need no colour.

Rain on your dates? We move the session for free, or we keep it and take photos like these. See the Big Ben guide for every spot on this walk, or the prices for a session of your own.