The Best Locations to Take Photos Around Bristol, UK
The Best Locations to Take Photos Around Bristol, UK
With almost twenty years’ of experience photographing people and places in and around Bristol, I thought it would be good to create a list of locations which are particularly photogenic around Bristol. Let’s begin with the Cumberland Basin area, which has so many opportunities.
Cumberland Basin.
SS Great Britain.
Avon Gorge.
Bristol, a city rich in history, culture, and creativity, offers so, so many excellent locations for portrait and landscape photography. One of my favourites is the Cumberland Basin, a favourite for both locals and visitors looking to capture creative and unique shots. The area surrounding the large bridge near the Create Centre is ideal for single or multiple-person portrait sessions. With its blend of modern and historical architecture, this location offers countless photo and video opportunities. The most striking feature is the bridge itself, with its tall columns exuding a sense of grandeur. The industrial charm of the bridge adds a strong, structured element to your images, making it perfect for those looking to incorporate a sense of sophistication into their photos. It is one of the best Bristol locations for stunning shots.
The area is further enhanced by vibrant street art and graffiti on most walls and surfaces. These pieces, ranging from illustrative murals to simple tags, give your photos a distinctly urban and “Bristol” feel, reminiscent of the work of famous street artist Banksy. You can also use the waterway as a backdrop, which offers serene, reflective shots that play beautifully with the light—especially during sunset. The twinkling lights reflecting off the water create a mesmerising bokeh effect when shot with a low aperture, adding depth and elegance to your portraits.
Whether you’re photographing individuals, groups, or corporate headshots, this location gives you endless creative possibilities. The area works well for headshots, full-body shots, or even dynamic video, capturing people as they move against the urban background. Additionally, the nearby colourful houses in Montpelier, visible from the water near The Cottage pub, provide an incredible contrast of colour that can make your photos pop with vibrancy. Montpelier is another gem among the best Bristol locations for photographers.
You can see one of my photo shoots, with local Bristol model Khie Biggs, here.
Bristol City Photo Shoots
Moving towards the legendary landmarks.
For photographers, Bristol is a dream. The variety of backdrops means that you can shoot everything from professional corporate portraits to candid lifestyle shots, all within a few miles. Some of the best Bristol locations provide unique and diverse settings that add richness to your photos.
For those interested in historical landmarks, the iconic SS Great Britain, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is located just down the water. This ship, a symbol of British maritime history, provides a dramatic, timeless backdrop for your photography. The juxtaposition of Bristol’s industrial history with the more modern, graffiti-laden urban environment nearby is something that can add depth and narrative to your photographs.
The area around the SS Great Britain is easily accessible, with ferries transporting you across the water for alternative angles and views of the city. With so many options at your fingertips, the challenge becomes less about finding the perfect spot and more about selecting which of Bristol’s rich visual offerings to use in your shoot. Choose from the best Bristol locations to match your photography style and vision.
The Most Photogenic Spots Around Bristol, UK
Backdrops which are immediately recognisable… of course, if that’s the brief.
Bristol is brimming with photogenic spots that offer stunning scenery and unique backdrops. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, another of Brunel’s masterpieces, provides one of the most iconic views in Bristol. The surrounding parkland offers sweeping vistas of the Avon Gorge, and the bridge itself, suspended majestically over the river, makes for a powerful and dramatic feature in both portraits and landscape shots.
In contrast, Bristol Harbourside, with its mix of modern architecture, historical ships, and vibrant nightlife, gives you opportunities to capture both day and night photography with stunning reflections of the water and city lights. Both locations are considered some of the best Bristol locations for capturing the city’s essence.
Looking at opportunities away from the obvious.
One of the hidden gems of the city is the narrow, colourful streets of the Stokes Croft area. Known for its vibrant street art and community-driven murals, Stokes Croft is ideal for those looking to capture the essence of Bristol’s creative and rebellious spirit. These streets offer a raw, gritty backdrop that pairs well with artistic, bold photos, whether you’re shooting individuals, groups, or even fashion photography.
The key to capturing the best of Bristol lies in understanding its diversity—from grand historic landmarks to modern urban art – and using these unique spaces to tell a story through your photography. Whether you are a professional or just starting, Bristol’s diverse settings provide endless inspiration for photographers of all levels.
If you’re interested in being organising a portrait session with me, get in touch now to discuss where in this amazing city we could use to best portray the look and feel you need.
Further Reading: You might enjoy reading my (kind of) follow up to this post, Street Photography: Exploring Bristol’s Many Photo Opportunities with my Camera.
