London's Photographic Galleries

The first photographic exhibition that took place at the National Portrait Gallery was a Cecil Beaton retrospective in 1968. Since then, the gallery has presented a regularly-changing programme, ranging from Captain Scott's last expedition to the Royal Ballet's 75th Anniversary retrospective. Don't miss the stunning rooftop restaurant.

The Victoria & Albert Museum began acquiring photographs in 1852 and its collection is now is one of the largest and most important in the world. The V&A Photography Collection holds more than 500,000 images by both classic and contemporary photographers, and runs annual displays of around 40 images from the collection.

A major presence in the international photography community, the Michael Hoppen Photography displays vintage and contemporary black and white photography . The aim? To emphasise the importance of photography in contemporary art today. Exhibitions feature both established and emerging artists.

This trendy Brixton gallery is a photography geek's heaven. The rotating Photofusion Gallery collections are all open to the public, and showcase emerging and eclectic talent. There are also darkrooms, digital print facilities, a fully-equipped studio and a range of classes available for budding photographers. 

The Photographers' Gallery always packs a punch. Previous exhibitors include Juergen Teller, Martin Parr and Faye Goodwin. It's Britain's leading centre for contemporary and historical photography, and also hosts the annual Photography Prize, one of the most coveted awards in the art world.

Host Gallery is a joint venture between top independent picture agency, Panos Pictures, and photography magazine, foto8. It specialises in photojournalism exhibitions that are both engaging and exciting. Past subjects have included the shocking truth behind the diamond trade and the dark side of the New York crime scene.

London's largest independent photographic gallery, the Getty Images Gallery showcases photos taken from contemporary libraries and its Hulton Archive. Founded by Picture Post publisher Edward Hulton, it's one of the largest resources of original archive photography in the world. Photographers can also hire the venue for exhibitions.

Located in hip Clerkenwell and named after its owner, himself a photographer, the Hoopers Gallery is a platform for fresh talent plus a showcase for more recognised modern masters. The 1,000sq ft main exhibition area is one of the largest in central London, and there's also a more intimate lower gallery.

Showcasing the work of emerging and established photographers, the Greenwich-based Viewfinder Photography Gallery presents a fast-paced and exciting programme of exhibitions, workshops and events. The gallery is a registered charity and free to visit. There's also a space for projects from new photographers.

Chris Beetles Fine Photographs specialises in photographic prints by the world's most sought-after photographers, with an emphasis on 20th-century and British masters. You can buy many different types of work, from vintage to limited-edition modern prints, and the gallery holds regular exhibitions.